When I was little, the smell of crispy tortillas from mom’s stovetop meant something magical: taco night. These Rolled Chicken Tacos bring that same warm joybut with a snappy, baked twist that’s been dancing around on TikTok and Pinterest lately. No drippy mess, just crunchy, cheesy goodness wrapped up like a gift.
This is your go-to when you’ve got shredded rotisserie chicken, a bag of flour tortillas, and a block of cheese begging for purpose. Think: cheesy chicken roll ups meet crunchy baked taquitos. Stash-friendly, budget-happy, crave-level HIGH. Full details in the blog!
This one’s straight from my chaotic Tuesday rotationstarted as a fridge clean-out, ended up a family fave. I grew up stuffing corn tortillas with whatever was on hand. Now I bake ’em, tweak the spice, and boom: dinner magic. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Rolled Chicken Tacos
These rolled chicken tacos aren’t just easythey’re a downright weeknight savior. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your house:
Quick & Easy: You’re just 20 minutes away from crispy, cheesy perfection. Perfect for last-minute dinner ideas.
Cozy Nostalgia: They’ll remind you of taco nights growing up, but with a crisp, baked upgrade.
Family-Friendly: Everyone can customize their sides (extra salsa, guac, or sour cream!).
Zero Food Waste: Perfect for using up leftover chicken or trying out meals to make with rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are 8 simple ingredients that might already be in your fridge and pantry. Here’s the breakdown:
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Cream cheese
4 ounces
Let it soften for easier mixing.
Picante sauce or salsa
½ cup
Plus extra for dipping if you’re feeling fancy.
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
For that classic taco-style warmth.
Granulated garlic
1 teaspoon
Brings extra flavor to the filling.
Kosher salt
½ teaspoon
Enhances all the cheesy, chickeny goodness.
Shredded cooked chicken
¾ pound
Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here!
Colby jack cheese
1 cup
Melts creamy and dreamy.
Flour tortillas
8 (burrito size)
You can swap for smaller ones if needed.
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Keeps the tortillas crispy while baking.
How to Make Rolled Chicken Tacos
These baked rolled tacos come together fast, and the steps are simple enough even if you’ve got a chaos-filled kitchen. Let’s roll:
Preheat: Get your oven ready at 425°F. Line a baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Mix the filling: Combine the cream cheese, picante sauce, cumin, garlic, and salt until smooth. Stir in the shredded chicken and cheese until everything’s happy together.
Roll it up: Spoon a few tablespoons of the filling onto a tortilla, roll it up tight, and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with the rest.
Crisp them up: Brush or spray both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through if you want that extra golden crunch.
Serve & enjoy: Dish up with extra salsa, sour cream, or any favorite dips!
Step
Key Tips
Mixing the filling
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for smooth mixing.
Rolling
Don’t overfill the tortillasabout 2–3 tablespoons works best.
Baking
Flip them halfway for maximum crispiness.
Swaps & Variations
The beauty of this recipe? It’s endlessly adaptable. Here are some creative tweaks:
Cheese Swap: No colby jack? Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even mozzarella.
Tortilla Choice: Flour tortillas get super crispy, but chicken rolled tacos with corn tortillas can be a fun twist if you prefer something gluten-free.
Spice Up: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for extra kick.
Different fillings: Swap the chicken with leftover pulled pork or ground turkeygreat for variety!
Ingredient
Possible Swap
Colby jack cheese
Cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella
Flour tortillas
Corn tortillas (adjust baking time)
Shredded chicken
Pulled pork, ground turkey
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), they store and reheat like a dream:
Fridge: Store rolled tacos in an airtight container or zip bag for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect meal prep!
Reheat: Pop in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes or in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes for that just-baked crunch.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheat Instructions
Fridge
Up to 3 days
Oven at 350°F for 6–8 min or air fryer for 3–5 min.
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Thaw, then follow oven/air fryer instructions.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Rolled Chicken Tacos
Rolled chicken tacos are a clever way to combine crispy texture with savory filling, offering a convenient handheld meal without sacrificing flavor. By rolling the tortilla tightly, the chicken stays tender inside while the exterior crisps evenly, making each bite satisfyingly balanced and perfect for casual dining.
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How I Finally Mastered Rolled Chicken Tacos
These rolled chicken tacos didn’t come together overnight. I spent more than a few dinners wrestling with soggy tortillas and shy fillings before figuring out the perfect balance. After many messy, but delicious, attempts, this recipe is the one my family actually asks for again and again.
FAQs ( Rolled Chicken Tacos )
What are rolled chicken tacos?
Rolled chicken tacos are crispy, cylinder-shaped tacos made by filling tortillas with seasoned chicken and rolling them tightly before frying or baking. They’re also known as taquitos or flautas depending on the tortilla type used. These delicious rolled tacos chicken are typically served with fresh toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. They make a perfect appetizer, snack, or main dish that’s both kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Can I make baked rolled tacos instead of fried?
Absolutely! Baked rolled tacos are a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor and crunch. Simply brush your rolled tacos with oil, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. This method uses less oil while still creating that satisfying crispy exterior. You’ll get all the deliciousness with fewer calories and less mess in the kitchen.
What type of tortillas work best for rolled chicken tacos?
Both corn and flour tortillas work great for chicken rolled tacos, each offering different benefits. Chicken rolled tacos corn tortillas create traditional taquitos with an authentic flavor and sturdy crunch when fried. Chicken rolled tacos flour tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to crack, making them perfect for beginners. For best results, warm your tortillas slightly before rolling to make them more pliable and prevent tearing.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is actually perfect for rolled chicken tacos and saves tons of time! Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and season it with your favorite taco spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. This is one of the best shredded rotisserie chicken recipes because the meat is already tender and flavorful. It’s also a great answer for meals to make with rotisserie chicken when you want something quick yet satisfying.
How do I prevent my rolled tacos from falling apart?
The key to perfect chicken taco tortilla roll ups is proper preparation and rolling technique. First, warm your tortillas to make them pliable, then don’t overfill them – use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down immediately to help them hold their shape. If needed, secure with toothpicks before cooking, and make sure your oil is properly heated before frying to create an instant seal.
Wrapping It Up With Rolled Chicken Tacos
Rolled Chicken Tacos come together in about 20 minutes, delivering that perfect crispy, cheesy crunch you didn’t know your weeknight needed. This baked favorite is a little slice of nostalgic comfort with a modern twistand yes, you’ll wanna make it again and again.
Feel free to switch up the cheese, sneak in some jalapeños for a zing, or swap flour tortillas for corn to keep things interesting. Pro tip: leftover meals to make with rotisserie chicken have never been this fun or mess-free. Store extras in the fridge or freeze for easy lunches.
Have you tried these yet? Snap a pic or share your favorite filling twist! Did taco night remind you of family moments? Pass this recipe alongbecause good food deserves good company. Trust me, these chicken rolled tacos will quickly become a cozy staple in your kitchen.
Rolled chicken tacos are a quick and easy dinner featuring cheesy chicken taco tortilla roll ups baked until crispy. This recipe is perfect for meals to make with rotisserie chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken recipes. Enjoy classic chicken rolled tacos made with flour tortillas for a family favorite meal.
Ingredients
Scale
4 ounces cream cheese softened
½ cup picante sauce or salsa plus more for serving
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ pound diced or shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
8 burrito size flour tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil
sour cream for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°.
Mix cream cheese with picante sauce, cumin, garlic and salt until smooth.
Mix in chicken and cheese.
Spoon into tortillas and roll up.
Place seam side down on a greased or lined baking sheet.
Spray or brush both sides of tortillas with olive oil.
Bake for 15- 20 minutes until tacos are crisp.
Serve with picante sauce and sour cream if desired.
Notes
Store leftover tacos in an zip top bag in the refrigerator up to 3 days, Reheat in 350° oven for 6- 8 minutes or air fryer for 3- 5 minutes
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
