Name: Easy Gluten Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great); 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot to taste); 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup dairy free shredded cheese (optional); 10 small gluten free tortillas; Olive oil spray or brush of avocado oil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly these come together with everyday ingredients like shredded chicken, spices, and salsa. They’re naturally gluten free using corn or specialty tortillas, and can be made dairy free by swapping in vegan cream cheese or omitting cheese entirely. I get crispy taquitos with minimal oil—and they freeze beautifully for future meals

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper
salsa and/or dairy‑free cream cheese (or omit cheese for fully dairy free)
shredded dairy‑free cheese optional (for dairy allowed)
gluten‑free small corn tortillas (heated until pliable)
avocado oil or olive oil spray
Optional: diced bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeños, beans

Directions

I preheat the oven to about 425°F (or air fryer to ~400°F if using).
I mix shredded chicken, salsa, spices, and softened dairy‑free cream cheese (and shredded dairy‑free cheese if using) in a bowl until evenly combined
I wrap tortillas in a damp towel and microwave ~20 seconds to soften, so they don’t crack when rolling
I scoop about 2–3 Tbsp filling into each tortilla, roll tightly (seam‑side down), and place on a baking sheet. I spray the tops lightly with oil
In the oven I bake them about 15–20 minutes until crispy and golden; or air‑fry for 7–10 minutes until crisp
I let them cool slightly, then serve with guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cilantro, or dairy‑free sauces as desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: ~4 people (makes around 12–16 taquitos depending on size)
Prep time: ~10–20 minutes (depending on chicken prep)
Cook time: ~15–20 minutes (oven) or ~7–10 minutes (air fryer)
Total time: ~30–40 minutes

Variations

I swap in buffalo sauce and dairy‑free yogurt for a buffalo chicken version
I substitute refried beans instead of cream cheese for a dairy‑free alternative
I sometimes add black beans, diced peppers, or cilantro into the filling for more texture and flavor.
I make vegetarian versions by omitting chicken and using seasoned beans or plant‑based meat instead.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, I pop them in the oven or air fryer until hot—microwaving works too but softens the shell
For freezing: I arrange cooked taquitos in a single layer on a sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer‑safe bag. They keep up to 1–3 months. I reheat straight from frozen in the oven (about 375–400°F) or air fryer until warmed and crisp.

FAQs

How can I make these dairy‑free?

I use dairy‑free cream cheese and dairy‑free shredded cheese, or I omit cheese entirely and rely on salsa and spices for flavor.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

I prefer small corn tortillas (6″) that are labeled gluten‑free. I always warm them first in a damp towel to make them flexible and avoid cracking

Can I cook them in an air fryer?

Yes! Air frying at ~400°F for 7–10 minutes gives perfectly crispy taquitos with minimal oil

How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling?

I roll them tightly and place seam‑side down. I also spray the top with a bit of oil to help seal them and keep them crisp.

Can I make these gluten‑free and vegan?

Absolutely. Simply use plant‑based filling like beans or vegan meat, omit cheese or use vegan versions, and use certified gluten‑free tortillas.

Conclusion

I always enjoy how these Gluten Free Chicken Taquitos deliver big flavor in a handheld package—with crispy shells and savory fillings. They’re easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and perfect for sharing. Whenever I need a quick but flavorful meal or snack, I turn to this recipe. Let me know how you make them your own!