Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos are a delicious and visually stunning snack or appetizer that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Elevating classic taquitos, this recipe transforms cozy flavors into a gourmet treat that’s easy to make and sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos
Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos offer the perfect balance of comfort and refinement. Tender, juicy chicken is wrapped in crispy, golden tortillas and topped with a decadent blend of melted cheeses, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh herbs. The result is a satisfying and visually stunning snack that’s sure to delight your senses. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a cozy night in, these taquitos are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated list of high-quality, wholesome ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and texture. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flour tortillas, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, ranch dressing, fresh cilantro, and a few pantry staples.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 – 8-inch flour tortillas
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups – Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup – Ranch dressing, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup – Chopped fresh cilantro
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Oaxaca — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Sauce: Swap out the ranch dressing for a creamy avocado or chipotle-lime sauce — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos:
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the shredded cheeses, ranch dressing, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Lay the flour tortillas on a clean surface and spoon the chicken filling onto the center of each one. Tightly roll the tortillas, securing them with toothpicks. Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Brush the taquitos with a light coating of oil and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Remove the toothpicks and serve the Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos warm, garnished with additional ranch dressing and fresh cilantro.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Crispy Perfection: To achieve maximum crispiness, try air-frying the taquitos instead of baking. The hot air will create a delightfully crunchy exterior.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze the unbaked taquitos for a quick and elegant snack or appetizer on-demand.
- Filling Variations: For a delightful twist, you can experiment with different fillings, such as shredded beef or roasted vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling and roll the taquitos in advance, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free gathering.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and additional ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the taquitos in the oven or air fryer before serving to restore their crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: The filling can be prepared in advance, and the taquitos can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos are a satisfying and wholesome snack option. Each serving provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making them a great choice for a quick and delicious pick-me-up.
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.
How can I make these taquitos extra crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, try air-frying the taquitos instead of baking. You can also brush them with a light coating of oil before baking.
Can I freeze these taquitos?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked taquitos for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer.
What can I serve with these taquitos?
These Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos pair beautifully with a fresh, vibrant salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Try These Next
- Satisfying Snacks Appetizers
- Loaded Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken Bake
Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Loaded Chicken Ranch Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack, perfect for parties or game day. These taquitos are filled with tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and plenty of cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 small flour tortillas
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay a tortilla flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Spray the taquitos lightly with cooking spray.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
These taquitos can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg