Crispy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crispy golden chicken taquitos dance with zesty flavors that promise a mouthwatering adventure.

Crunchy tortillas wrap around succulent meat, creating an irresistible handheld treat.

Weekend gatherings or quick snack moments become instantly exciting with these delectable rolls.

Mexican-inspired comfort bursts through every single bite, inviting you to savor each crisp layer.

Seasoned shredded chicken nestles perfectly inside corn tortillas, promising pure deliciousness.

Friends and fellow food enthusiasts constantly rave about this simple yet spectacular dish.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction await you in this incredible recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Give these taquitos a chance, and you’ll discover a new favorite that sparks joy at first crunch.

Chicken Taquitos That Crisp Up Again Easily

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cooled taquitos individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a drizzle of sauce after reheating to revive the flavors and make leftovers taste just as delicious as the first serving.

What to Pair With Chicken Taquitos

• Pair with Cooling Cilantro Crema: Blend fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, and a touch of salt for a zesty, creamy dip that perfectly complements the spicy, crispy taquitos.
• Refresh with Mexican Cerveza: Choose a light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the richness of the fried taquitos and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Tangy Pico de Gallo: Chop fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, then mix with lime juice for a bright, fresh salsa that adds vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
• Create a Smoky Margarita Companion: Mix tequila, lime juice, and a smoky mezcal for a cocktail that echoes the cumin and chili powder in the taquitos, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Simple Mixes for Chicken Taquitos

• Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Add extra cheese and spices for flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for safe preparation.
• Protein-Packed Version: Swap chicken with shredded turkey, lean ground beef, or plant-based protein crumbles. Adjust spices to complement chosen protein.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Wrap filling in large lettuce leaves or use cauliflower tortillas as a replacement. Keep seasonings and filling ingredients consistent with original recipe.

FAQs

• What type of tortillas work best for taquitos?

Corn tortillas are traditional and provide the most authentic flavor and crispy texture. Flour tortillas can work but won’t crisp up as nicely.

• How can I prevent my taquitos from unrolling during cooking?

Secure each taquito with a toothpick or place them seam-side down on the baking sheet or in the frying pan to help them stay closed.

• Can I make taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taquitos and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

• Is there a way to make these taquitos healthier?

Use reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, and bake them instead of frying to cut down on calories and oil content.

Why Chicken Taquitos Are Great Anytime

• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Whip up these chicken taquitos in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals when time is short.
• Customize with Ease: Switch up protein options using leftover turkey, beef, or even vegetarian fillings to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Kids and adults love these crispy, cheesy rolls that deliver maximum flavor with minimal cooking complexity, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal everyone will devour.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between baking or frying based on your health preferences or available kitchen equipment, ensuring flexible preparation that suits different cooking styles.

Chicken Taquitos Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat as the primary filling protein, best when using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken.
• Cheese, Cream Cheese: Creamy binding agents that add richness and help hold the filling together, select full-fat versions for best flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that provide depth and Mexican-inspired flavor profile, opt for fresh ground spices for more intense taste.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances the overall seasoning.

• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas for rolling, corn provides more authentic texture, warm slightly to prevent cracking.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola for baking or frying, ensures crispy exterior and golden color.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil when frying, helps maintain crispiness.

Chicken Taquitos Cooking Walkthrough

Step 1: Mix Flavorful Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Shredded cheese
• Cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt

Stir all ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and every bite will be packed with incredible flavor.

Step 2: Wrap Tasty Taquitos

Warm tortillas gently to make them soft and flexible.

Scoop a generous spoonful of filling onto each tortilla.

Roll tightly and snugly, creating compact little flavor bundles.

Position each taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet or cooking surface.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Baking Option:

Heat oven to 425°F.

Lightly brush or spray taquitos with oil for extra crispiness.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.

Watch for golden brown edges and crispy exterior.

Frying Option:

Pour about ½ inch of oil into a pan.

Heat to medium temperature.

Carefully place taquitos in hot oil and fry 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden color.

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Chicken Taquito Rolling Tricks

• Roll the tortillas snugly to prevent filling from falling out during cooking, ensuring a perfect, compact taquito every time.
• Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave to make them more flexible and less likely to crack when rolling.
• Use rotisserie or freshly shredded chicken for maximum flavor and tender texture in your taquito filling.
• When frying, maintain consistent medium heat to achieve a crispy golden exterior without burning the tortilla or overcooking the chicken.
• Adjust chili powder and spices to match your preferred heat intensity, making the recipe adaptable to different taste preferences.

Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken taquitos bring Mexican street food magic to home kitchens, offering a perfect blend of shredded chicken, spices, and crunchy tortilla shells. Served with zesty salsa or creamy guacamole, these golden rolls will satisfy your craving for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pinch salt

Tortillas and Cooking:

• 8–10 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• Olive oil or cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty filling by blending shredded chicken with cream cheese, grated cheese, and a vibrant medley of spices including garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and a subtle salt accent. Mix thoroughly to ensure each bite bursts with flavor.
2. Gently warm tortillas to enhance flexibility, preventing cracking during rolling. Carefully distribute the prepared filling along one edge of each tortilla, creating a compact, tight cylinder.
3. Position the taquitos seam-side down on a prepared baking surface, ensuring they remain compact and sealed.
4. For baking method, preheat the oven to 425°F. Delicately brush or mist the taquitos with oil to promote golden, crispy exteriors. Roast for approximately 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform crispness.
5. Alternatively, for frying, heat oil to medium temperature in a sturdy skillet. Submerge taquitos and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden-brown complexion. Transfer to absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Plate the taquitos alongside complementary dipping sauces such as tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, or cooling sour cream, inviting a dynamic flavor experience.

Notes

• Swap chicken with shredded jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the same crispy texture and spicy flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or queso fresco to add extra depth and complexity to the filling.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and ensure they’re warmed slightly to prevent cracking during rolling and cooking.
• Control oil temperature when frying to achieve maximum crispiness without burning, using a kitchen thermometer around 350°F for perfect golden results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (for baking) or 5 minutes (for frying)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking, Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg