Crispy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite

Crispy, golden chicken taquitos dance with flavor on your plate, promising a zesty adventure.

Corn tortillas wrap tender, seasoned meat in a delightful crunch.

Memories of street food in Mexico inspire this simple yet vibrant dish.

Quick weeknight meals need exciting solutions, and these taquitos deliver pure excitement.

Minimal ingredients blend into maximum enjoyment with every bite.

Spices and techniques combine to create a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Dive into this recipe and unleash your inner culinary artist.

Reasons to Love Chicken Taquitos

• Quick Kitchen Conquest: Whip up these mouthwatering chicken taquitos with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress family and friends.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for game nights, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves a delicious handheld treat that satisfies different taste preferences.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching chicken for beef, adding different spices, or creating vegetarian versions with beans or vegetables to suit any dietary need.
• Stress-Free Meal Solution: Prepare ahead of time and freeze, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining when you want something tasty without complex preparation.

Chicken Taquitos Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat perfect for filling taquitos.
• Corn Tortillas: Soft, pliable tortillas that crisp up beautifully when baked or fried.

• Chili Powder: Warm, smoky spice that adds depth to the chicken.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that complements the chicken's flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle, aromatic seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying or brushing before baking.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the chicken filling.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty, rich cheese to add extra flavor to the filling.

• Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa, Hot Sauce: Classic dipping sauces.
• Cilantro, Lettuce, Tomatoes: Fresh garnishes for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Chicken Taquitos Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Filling

Shred cooked chicken in a bowl.

Mix in cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

Blend ingredients until well combined, creating a flavorful and creamy chicken mixture.

Step 2: Warm Tortillas

Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel.

Microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.

Step 3: Roll Taquito Tubes

Place a spoonful of chicken mixture near the edge of each tortilla.

Tightly roll the tortilla into a compact cylinder, securing with toothpicks if needed to prevent unraveling.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lightly spray or brush rolled taquitos with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Arrange taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Step 6: Serve with Delicious Accompaniments

Remove taquitos from oven.

Let cool for a few minutes.

• Fresh guacamole
• Sour cream
• Spicy salsa
• Hot sauce

• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes

Creating Crispy Chicken Taquitos in a Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Filling

Shred cooked chicken in a bowl.

Mix in cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

Blend ingredients until well combined.

Step 2: Warm Tortillas

Wrap corn tortillas in a damp paper towel.

Microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking.

Step 3: Roll Taquito Tubes

Place a spoonful of chicken mixture near the edge of each tortilla.

Tightly roll the tortilla into a compact cylinder.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling about 1/2 inch deep.

Heat oil to 350°F, checking temperature with a cooking thermometer.

Step 5: Fry Taquitos

Carefully place rolled taquitos into hot oil, seam-side down.

Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove taquitos with tongs, letting excess oil drip off.

Place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Taquitos

• Brush taquitos with olive oil and place on a lined baking sheet to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without deep-frying.
• Use parchment paper or a wire rack when baking to ensure even air circulation and maintain a crunchy texture.
• Roll taquitos snugly and secure with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during cooking, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Experiment with shredded rotisserie chicken, different cheese varieties, or add diced green chiles for extra flavor and personalization.
• Prepare taquitos in advance, freeze uncooked, and bake directly from frozen for a quick and convenient meal option.

Save and Reheat Chicken Taquitos Properly

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place taquitos on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even heating and maintain crunchiness.
• Microwaving makes taquitos soggy and ruins their crisp texture, so stick to oven or air fryer methods for best results.

What Pairs Best with Chicken Taquitos

• Pair Zesty Fresh Salsa: Bright, tangy salsa cuts through the rich, crispy taquitos, adding a vibrant kick that balances the savory chicken filling.
• Match Creamy Cool Guacamole: Smooth avocado dip provides a rich, cooling contrast to the hot, crunchy taquito exterior, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Select Crisp Mexican Lager: Light, refreshing beer like Modelo or Corona cleanses the palate and complements the spicy, golden-brown taquitos with its clean finish.
• Complement Tangy Margarita: Citrusy, slightly salty margarita enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors, offering a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty appetizer.

Creative Chicken Taquito Ideas

• Gluten-Free Taquitos: Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or shredded jackfruit for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas or create taquito-inspired chicken rolls using grilled chicken and cheese.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my taquitos from unrolling while cooking?

Use toothpicks to secure the edges or place them seam-side down on the baking sheet or in the fryer to help them stay closed during cooking.

• Can I use corn or flour tortillas for this recipe?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide a more authentic flavor, but flour tortillas work well too. Just warm the tortillas slightly before rolling to make them more pliable and less likely to crack.

• What's the best way to shred chicken for taquitos?

Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to quickly shred chicken breasts or thighs.

• How can I make my taquitos extra crispy?

Brush the outside of the tortillas with a little oil before baking or frying, and make sure the oil is hot enough when frying to create a crisp, golden exterior.

Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken taquitos bring Mexican street food magic right to home kitchens, offering a quick and irresistible snack. Rolled corn tortillas packed with seasoned chicken create a crunchy delight you’ll devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Flavorings:

• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Wrapping:

• 15–20 corn or flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a crisp 400°F, preparing a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Shred the cooked chicken into fine, uniform pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain for consistent flavor and texture.
3. Mix the shredded chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced green chiles, and a blend of zesty spices until thoroughly combined.
4. Warm the corn tortillas slightly to increase pliability, preventing cracking during rolling.
5. Place a modest portion of the chicken mixture near the edge of each tortilla, carefully rolling into a tight cylindrical shape.
6. Secure each taquito with toothpicks to maintain their shape during baking.
7. Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
8. Brush the exterior with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy exterior.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning and maximum crunchiness.
10. Remove toothpicks before serving and accompany with vibrant garnishes like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
11. For a spicy kick, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with additional seasonings just before serving.

Notes

• Bake taquitos on a wire rack for extra crispiness and even browning, preventing soggy bottoms.
• Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier assembly.
• Shred chicken while it’s still warm for easier mixing and better flavor absorption with spices and seasonings.
• Freeze uncooked taquitos in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg