Appetizers & Party
Chicken Taquitos
Baking instead of frying keeps these taquitos lighter without sacrificing crunch, thanks to a light spray of oil and a hot oven. A cheesy, well-seasoned chicken filling rolled tightly into warmed corn tortillas is the key to keeping them intact while baking.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Baked, not fried, but still genuinely crispy
- Cheesy, well-seasoned filling
- Great freezer-friendly make-ahead appetizer
- Perfect for parties or an easy dinner
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and salt.
- Warm the tortillas in a damp towel in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or briefly in a dry skillet, to make them pliable.
- Spoon about 2-3 tbsp of the chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Spray the tops of the taquitos lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through if desired for extra even browning.
- Serve hot with salsa and guacamole.
Tips for success
- Warming the tortillas is essential — cold, unwarmed corn tortillas crack when rolled tightly.
- Placing the taquitos seam-side down on the pan helps keep them sealed while baking.
- These freeze extremely well; freeze unbaked taquitos on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- A light, even spray of oil on top is what gives them their crispy, golden finish.
Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze chicken taquitos?
Yes, freeze them unbaked on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake straight from frozen, adding 5-8 extra minutes.
Why do my tortillas crack when I roll them?
Cold, unwarmed tortillas are brittle; warming them briefly in a damp towel or dry skillet makes them pliable enough to roll tightly without cracking.
Can I fry taquitos instead of baking?
Yes, fry in about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, though baking is a lighter alternative with less mess.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
Small flour tortillas work too, though corn is more traditional for taquitos and crisps up nicely when baked.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 296 |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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