Crispy Oven Baked Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe

Name: Crispy Oven Baked Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup salsa; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional); 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size); 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)

by Fatima Garcia

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22 de January de 2026

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Crispy oven baked chicken has always been my go-to for a weeknight meal that feels both comforting and impressive. I remember my mom making it on Sundays, and the aroma of garlic and herbs filling the house was pure magic. The best part was always biting into that perfectly golden, crunchy skin – a texture that’s hard to beat! This recipe is all about achieving that incredible crispiness right in your own oven, no frying needed. If you’ve ever wondered, “how to get crispy skin on oven chicken,” you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

This recipe for crispy oven baked chicken is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

Incredible flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Super quick prep time, meaning less fuss in the kitchen.
A healthier alternative to fried chicken, offering delicious results without the guilt.
Budget-friendly ingredients make it an economical choice for families.
Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
This oven baked chicken recipe crispy skin is foolproof and consistently delicious.
You’ll master the art of achieving that perfect, golden-brown crust every time with this oven baked chicken recipe crispy skin.

Ingredients for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing taquitos. Using a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this oven baked chicken breast crispy recipe, saving you time and effort. The combination of cream cheese and shredded cheeses creates a wonderfully creamy and gooey filling that bakes up beautifully. Don’t skip warming the tortillas; it’s crucial for preventing them from cracking when you roll them up, especially if you’re using corn tortillas. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it a go-to for any occasion.

2 cups cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie chicken works great!
4 oz cream cheese, softened – the base for our creamy filling
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that classic cheesy flavor
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds extra meltiness
1/4 cup salsa – choose your favorite for a little kick
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – for a hint of smokiness
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional) – adds a burst of freshness
12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size) – warm them to make them pliable
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter – for brushing to get that golden, crispy skin
Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Get ready to create some seriously delicious taquitos that are perfectly crispy and baked to golden perfection. This recipe is all about achieving that satisfying crunch, and I’ll show you exactly how to get crispy skin on oven chicken taquitos. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to combine all those amazing filling ingredients. You’ll add your 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup salsa. Now, sprinkle in the spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and that optional 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using cilantro, stir in the 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro now. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and wonderfully creamy.
Step 3: This is a crucial step for making sure your taquitos roll up nicely. Take your 12 small flour or corn tortillas and warm them up. The best way to do this is to stack them, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for about 20-30 seconds. They should be nice and pliable, not stiff, which is key for rolling.
Step 4: Now comes the fun part: filling and rolling! Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each warmed tortilla. Roll each tortilla up tightly, like you’re making a little sleeping bag. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them hold their shape while baking.
Step 5: To get that beautiful golden-brown finish and help achieve crispy skin on oven chicken taquitos, lightly brush the tops and sides of the rolled taquitos with your 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top now.
Step 6: Time to bake! Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, carefully turn the taquitos over so they get evenly crispy on all sides. You’re looking for them to be golden brown and delightfully crunchy.
Step 7: Once they’re perfectly crisp, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for just a minute or two. Serve your crispy oven baked chicken taquitos hot with your favorite dips like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa. Enjoy that amazing crunch!

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

Follow these tips to ensure your crispy oven baked chicken taquitos are perfect every time:

Using a wire rack over your baking sheet is the ultimate trick for achieving truly crispy bottoms and sides. It allows air to circulate all around the taquitos.
Don’t overstuff the tortillas! Too much filling makes them hard to roll tightly and can cause them to burst during baking, hindering that perfect crispy texture.
Ensure your tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling. Cold, stiff tortillas will crack, making it impossible to get that beautifully rolled, crispy taquito.

What’s the secret to perfect crispy oven baked chicken?

The secret to perfectly crispy oven baked chicken taquitos lies in a few key things: a hot oven, a good coating of oil or butter, and proper air circulation. Using a wire rack is a game-changer for achieving that all-over crisp. For more on achieving crispy skin, check out this guide on how to cook chicken breast.

Can I make crispy oven baked chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Assemble the taquitos completely, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy oven baked chicken?

The most common mistakes are using cold tortillas, which causes them to crack, and not warming them enough. Also, avoid overfilling, as this can lead to the taquitos bursting. Proper oiling and baking on a rack will prevent soggy bottoms. Learn more about common cooking mistakes to avoid.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

These crispy oven baked chicken taquitos are so versatile, they work for almost any meal! For a fantastic appetizer or snack, serve them with a trio of dips: cool sour cream, zesty salsa, and creamy guacamole. They’re perfect for game day or a casual get-together. Looking for an easy oven chicken dinner? Pair them with a fresh side salad and some Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. They also make a great lunch option!

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

Here are the estimated nutritional facts for these delicious crispy oven baked chicken taquitos, based on one taquito:

Calories: 180-200 (this can vary based on cheese and oil amounts)
Fat: 8-10g
Saturated Fat: 3-4g
Protein: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 15-18g
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugar: 1-2g
Sodium: 250-350mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of cheese and amount of oil applied.

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe - Crispy Oven Baked Chicken - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

Properly storing and reheating your crispy oven baked chicken taquitos is key to enjoying them later. Once they’ve cooled completely, which is super important to prevent sogginess, place them in an airtight container. For fridge storage, they’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet – they can last for up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead meal or snack!

When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of great options to bring back that delightful crispiness. The best method by far is to pop them back into a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. An air fryer also works wonders for reheating, giving them an extra boost of crunch. While you can use a microwave, it generally makes them softer, so I usually avoid it for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Oven Baked Chicken

Why isn’t my oven chicken crispy?

Several things can lead to less-than-crispy oven chicken. Often, it’s because the oven temperature wasn’t high enough, or the chicken was overcrowded on the pan, preventing air circulation. Make sure you’re using a hot oven (400-425°F is usually best) and giving each piece enough space. Also, ensure you’re patting the chicken dry before seasoning and baking; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

What’s the best way to bake chicken for crispy skin?

For the ultimate crispy skin, I’ve found that starting with dry chicken is non-negotiable. Pat it really well with paper towels! Then, using a good amount of oil or butter brushed all over, and baking at a higher temperature, helps achieve that golden, crunchy texture. Placing the chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate underneath, ensuring crispiness on all sides. For more tips on achieving perfect chicken skin, you might find this article on roasting a whole chicken helpful.

Can I use different chicken cuts for crispy oven baked chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are popular for this recipe, chicken thighs and drumsticks also bake up beautifully and can achieve a wonderfully crispy skin. Dark meat often has a bit more fat, which helps it stay moist and get extra crispy. Just adjust your baking time slightly, as darker cuts might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Variations of Crispy Oven Baked Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic crispy oven baked chicken taquitos, you’ll love experimenting with different flavors and even a different chicken cut! For a spicier kick, try adding some finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use corn tortillas and ensure they are certified gluten-free. And don’t forget about the chicken itself – while this recipe uses shredded chicken, you could adapt it using ground chicken or even shredded beef. For a heartier meal, consider trying a crispy baked chicken thighs recipe; you can shred the cooked thighs and use them in the taquito filling for an extra rich flavor.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia