Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

Crispy chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. Filled with creamy, seasoned chicken and cheese, these rolled-up tortillas bake to a perfect golden crisp. They’re great for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Extra shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
4. Step 4: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
5. Step 5: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling while baking.
6. Step 6: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil for a crispier finish.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Serve the taquitos warm with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but warm them well to prevent cracking.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
• Try swapping the chicken for cooked ground beef or black beans for a different twist.
• To save time, prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before baking.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option, though they may lose some crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I fry the taquitos instead of baking them?

Yes, you can fry taquitos in hot oil until golden and crispy. Baking is a healthier alternative, but frying will give you an extra-crispy texture.

Can I freeze taquitos before baking?

Absolutely. Arrange rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.6 from 78 reviews

These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired appetizer or meal. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, then rolled in tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and extra cheese for a tasty and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Taquitos

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)

For Serving

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Extra shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them soft and pliable, which prevents cracking when rolling.
4. Roll the taquitos: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla, then roll them tightly to form the taquitos, ensuring they hold their shape.
5. Arrange on baking sheet: Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking.
6. Oil the taquitos: Lightly brush each taquito with oil or spray them with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
7. Bake until crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Serve the taquitos warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and accompanied by sour cream, guacamole, and extra shredded cheese as desired.

Notes

• You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or even cooked turkey.
• To make these gluten-free, use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free.
• Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or spicy salsa according to your preference.
• For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese.
• These taquitos can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Crispy Chicken Taquitos, baked taquitos, Mexican appetizer, chicken recipes, easy taquitos