When it comes to quick, flavorful, and fun-to-eat meals, Crispy Chicken Taquitos are an absolute winner. These rolled tortillas are packed with seasoned shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and a burst of flavor in every bite — then baked or fried until perfectly golden and crunchy.
Taquitos are a beloved snack in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, often enjoyed with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you want a simple weeknight dinner, a game-day appetizer, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, these taquitos are here to make life delicious.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For assembling
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
For serving (optional)
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
How to make Crispy Chicken Taquitos – step by step
1. Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
2. Warm the tortillas
If using corn tortillas, warm them in a skillet or microwave for 20–30 seconds to make them pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
3. Fill and roll
Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling along the edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet.
4. Choose your cooking method
- Baked version: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place taquitos on a lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Fried version: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry taquitos seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve and enjoy
Arrange on a platter and serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
- Make ahead: Assemble the taquitos, place them on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Healthier option: Use whole wheat tortillas and bake instead of frying.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on the baking sheet before placing the taquitos down — you’ll get a cheesy, crispy crust.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, and corn.
Nutritional Info (per baked taquito)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Absolutely. Leftover roast or grilled chicken works perfectly — just shred it and season well.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory — a recipe that brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a healthier twist or frying them for ultimate crispiness, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast from the plate.
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So, grab some tortillas, whip up that flavorful chicken filling, and roll your way to a meal everyone will love.
FAQs
1. Can I make Crispy Chicken Taquitos in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the taquitos for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
2. How do I keep taquitos from unrolling while cooking?
Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet or secure with a toothpick until they’re cooked.
3. Can I use leftover roast chicken for this recipe?
📢 Your Turn!
💬 Have you tried making homemade Crispy Chicken Taquitos? Share your favorite dips or twists in the comments.
📸 Don’t forget to tag @aiolirecipe on Instagram so we can see your creations.
📌 Pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for snack-time inspiration.
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