A great way to use up leftover chicken, these crispy baked taquitos are ready in less than 30 minutes. We’ve added a recipe for homemade pantry salsa, but you can use your favorite salsa if you like.
Pro tip: Be sure to heat the corn tortillas in the microwave wrapped in damp paper towels to make them more pliable when you roll them.
Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes (oven) / 25 minutes (air fryer)
Chicken Taquitos With Salsa
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup (242 g) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with juice
- ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium clove garlic, peeled
- ½ jalapeno chili, seeded and chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime juice or white wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (285 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup (57 g) cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with foil; coat lightly with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can preheat an air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
To make the salsa, combine the tomatoes, onion, cilantro (if using), garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, cumin, and salt in a food processor or blender and blend until mostly smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Combine the chicken, cheese, and 1/4 cup salsa in a medium bowl; mix well.
Place the tortillas on a plate and wrap them in damp paper towels. Microwave on high for 1 minute, or until soft and pliable. Keep covered.
Spread about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on each tortilla (keep the remaining tortillas covered), then roll tightly into cylinders. Lay the nail side down and brush or spray lightly with olive oil.
Oven method:
Arrange the taquitos on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until crisp and lightly browned.
Airfryer Method:
Arrange the taquitos in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if necessary) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.
Serve with the salsa on the side.
Serves: 4 | Serving size: 2 taquitos plus about 1/4 cup salsa
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 253; Total fat: 8g; Saturated fat: 3g; Monounsaturated fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 39mg; Sodium: 699mg; Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary fiber: 4g; Sugar: 5 g; Protein: 17g
Nutritional bonus: Potassium: 140mg; Calcium: 10%; Vitamin C: 12%
Originally published May 5, 2020; Updated April 2026