Get ready for the very best fusion of crispy, cheesy goodness and vibrant Cuban flavors-these Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos are absolutely irresistible! Imagine golden, oven-baked tortillas wrapped around juicy shredded chicken, bursting with tangy pickles, zesty mustard, gooey cheese, and smoky ham in every bite.

This is a weeknight dinner game-changer: outrageously easy to assemble, fun to eat, and perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a serious snack craving. The flavors are bright and bold, while the outside bakes up ultra-crispy-no frying required!

Inspired by classic Cuban sandwiches but with a crowd-pleasing, hand-held twist, these taquitos are the ultimate party starter, game day hero, or family favorite. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Crispy golden taquitos filled with cheesy Cuban chicken, ham, and pickles, served with creamy dipping sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredibly crispy and cheesy with ZERO frying needed
Packed with Cuban sandwich-inspired flavor in every bite
Perfect for meal prep, parties, or busy nights
Quick and easy-ready in under an hour
Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and freezer-friendly

Key Ingredients for Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken

This is the heart of the filling, giving you super tender chicken with zero effort-just shred it up and mix it in. Rotisserie chicken saves so much time and boosts flavor, but you can also use leftover roasted or poached chicken breast. For extra Cuban flair, toss the chicken with a little mojo citrus marinade if you have it!

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds that signature nutty, creamy layer you know from a classic Cuban sandwich. If you don't have Swiss, provolone or Monterey Jack work perfectly for meltiness, or try a little sharp cheddar for a different vibe.

Sliced Deli Ham

Ham brings a smoky, savory punch, evoking the classic Cuban flavor. Opt for thinly sliced deli ham or leftover baked ham-either is great! Turkey ham or smoked turkey breast are tasty swaps if you want to lighten things up.

Dill Pickles

Don't skip the pickles! They add irresistible tang, crunch, and that bold Cuban sandwich bite. Use your favorite dill pickle chips or spears, sliced, and layer them right into the taquito. Bread and butter pickles work if you prefer things a bit sweeter.

Yellow Mustard

A generous slather of mustard is key for authentic Cuban flavor-it pulls the whole filling together and adds just the right zing. Stone-ground or Dijon mustard are fun twists, but classic yellow is true to the original.

Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos cooking process

Instructions for Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil to ensure ultimate crispiness.

Make the Cuban Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Swiss cheese, diced ham, chopped pickles, yellow mustard, mayonnaise (if using), garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the filling is evenly coated and looks creamy and chunky.

Warm the Tortillas

To prevent cracking and make rolling easier, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and pliable. Work in batches if needed.

Roll the Taquitos

Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each warm tortilla. Roll up tightly into a cigar shape and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all tortillas, spacing them slightly apart.

Brush or Spray with Oil

Lightly brush the tops of the rolled taquitos with olive oil or mist with olive oil spray. This step is key to getting that ultra-golden, crispy finish in the oven!

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the taquitos are crisp and golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes-they should be sizzling with melted cheese just peeking out.

Serve and Enjoy

Let them cool for a couple of minutes (they'll be hot!), then serve warm with extra mustard, creamy dipping sauces, or fresh cilantro for garnish.

Recipe Variations

Go Spicy!

Turn up the heat by adding finely chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will also bring some extra zing.

Gluten-Free Option

Simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones (corn tortillas work-just warm them extra well to prevent cracking). The filling is naturally gluten-free.

Veggie-Loaded

Add some finely diced bell pepper, sautéed spinach, or corn to the chicken mixture for a colorful, extra-nutritious twist. You can also swap in cooked black beans for a plant-based protein boost.

Cheese Lover's Dream

Double down on the cheese! Try a blend of Swiss and Monterey Jack or add a little shredded mozzarella for ultimate gooeyness.

Dairy-Free/Dietary Swap

Use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the mayonnaise for a lactose-free or dairy-free version. The bold Cuban flavors will still shine!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these baked taquitos with a fresh, crunchy slaw or a simple avocado salad for a full meal. They're also delicious alongside black beans and rice, plantain chips, or a classic Cuban mojo dipping sauce. Garnish with extra chopped pickles, fresh cilantro, and a big squeeze of lime for that perfect finish.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well! Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until hot and crisp, or use an air fryer for even faster results. You can also freeze baked or unbaked taquitos for up to 2 months-just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos (FAQ)

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

A: Yes, but make sure to warm them well so they don't crack when rolling. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!

Q: What’s the best way to make these ahead for a party?

A: Assemble the taquitos up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze these taquitos?

A: Absolutely! Assemble and freeze them unbaked or after baking. Reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven until crisp and heated through.

Ready to brighten up your dinner routine? These Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos are so easy, incredibly tasty, and guaranteed to wow everyone at your table. Give the recipe a try and let us know what you think-drop a comment or leave a rating below, and happy cooking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe