Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
If you’re a fan of handheld snacks with tons of flavor and next-level crunch, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Crispy Chicken Taquitos. Picture all the best parts of a cheesy chicken enchilada, tightly rolled in a golden, crisped tortilla—perfect for dunking, sharing, or devouring all to yourself. With melty cheese, a touch of spice, and juicy chicken, this recipe checks every box for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Crispy Chicken Taquitos keep things simple but deliver big results. Each one plays its part, whether it’s boosting flavor, adding creaminess, or giving you that irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a little tip or reason why you don’t want to skip a single thing!
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this extra easy and adds wonderful flavor with minimal effort.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to perfection and brings a punch of classic cheesy goodness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a creamy, rich element that holds the filling together beautifully.
- Salsa: Use your favorite—chunky, spicy, or mild—this adds juiciness and a burst of flavor.
- Chili powder: Infuses the filling with deep, smoky spice without making it overly hot.
- Cumin: Gives a subtle earthy warmth that rounds out the spices.
- Garlic powder: A classic touch that adds aromatic depth to every bite.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Small flour or corn tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas give a more authentic, hearty texture—pick your favorite.
- Vegetable oil: A light brush or spray is the secret to ultra-crispy tortillas in the oven.
- Sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa for serving: These fresh, creamy dips are made for taquito dunking and take the flavor over the top.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get things started by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps the taquitos crisp up evenly and makes cleanup a total breeze. Once your oven is heating and your baking sheet is ready, you’ll be set for easy assembly later on.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cooked shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Give everything a really good mix so each piece of chicken gets coated with that creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy blend. The cream cheese works wonders to keep everything together and extra luscious.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Tortillas straight from the bag can be stiff, which can cause them to crack when rolling. Briefly warm them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, or heat for a few seconds in a dry skillet. This little step makes the tortillas wonderfully pliable for rolling those perfect Crispy Chicken Taquitos.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Grab a tortilla and spoon about two tablespoons of your filling onto the lower third of it. Roll it up tightly, and place the taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to ensure it stays closed during baking. Repeat with the remaining filling and tortillas, lining them up so they’re not touching for even crisping.
Step 5: Oil and Bake
Brush each taquito lightly with vegetable oil or give them a mist with cooking spray. This little touch is key for that signature golden crisp you want. Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until every taquito turns beautifully golden and crunchy on all sides.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as your Crispy Chicken Taquitos come out of the oven, serve them piping hot with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa for dipping. The contrast of cool, creamy dips with the hot, crispy taquitos is out-of-this-world good!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Garnishes
Take your taquitos up a notch by sprinkling them with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dusting of extra chili powder for color and zing. A scatter of finely diced red onion or sliced jalapeño can also add just the right pop.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Chicken Taquitos with a fresh corn salad, black beans, Mexican rice, or a big, crunchy green salad for a complete meal. The taquitos are also fantastic alongside refried beans and a tangy cabbage slaw to balance out all that cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try standing your taquitos upright in a mason jar or tall cup—guests can grab and dip with ease. For a more casual vibe, arrange them in a single layer on a platter lined with avocado slices and lime wedges. Or, nestle a few in paper cones for festive finger food that everyone will want to reach for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), allow the Crispy Chicken Taquitos to cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and they’ll stay tasty and ready for a quick snack or lunchbox treat.
Freezing
For future cravings, assemble the taquitos up to the point of baking and arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can bake up fresh Crispy Chicken Taquitos anytime the mood strikes.
Reheating
To get those taquitos crispy again, reheat them in a 400°F oven or an air fryer for several minutes until hot and crunchy. The microwave works in a pinch, but for best results and maximum crisp, stick with the oven or air fryer method.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves a ton of time and adds amazing flavor to the filling. Just shred it up and you’re good to go.
What’s better: flour or corn tortillas?
Both work well! Flour tortillas are easier to roll and offer a slightly softer bite, while corn tortillas give you a classic, heartier texture with even more crunch. It’s completely up to your taste and what you have on hand.
Are Crispy Chicken Taquitos gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas and double-check your salsa and other seasonings for hidden gluten, these taquitos can easily be made gluten-free. Always look for certified gluten-free products if you’re cooking for someone with an allergy or intolerance.
Can I air fry instead of bake?
Definitely—Crispy Chicken Taquitos turn ultra-crisp in the air fryer! Set it to 400°F and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crunchy all over.
How can I make these spicier?
To boost the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling, or use a spicy salsa. You can also serve with your favorite hot sauce on the side for dipping.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried homemade Crispy Chicken Taquitos, you’re in for such a treat. Whether you bake a batch for a party, movie night, or just a satisfying dinner, these taquitos have a way of disappearing fast! Get ready to fall in love with every crunchy, cheesy bite—your kitchen is about to smell fantastic, and your tastebuds will thank you.
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Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course. Filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cheeses, and spices, these taquitos are baked until crispy and golden brown. Serve them hot with your favorite toppings for a tasty meal!
Ingredients
For the Taquitos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Serving:
- sour cream
- guacamole
- extra salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
- Prepare the tortillas: Warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
- Fill and roll: Spoon filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush taquitos with oil and bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use an air fryer to cook the taquitos.
- These taquitos freeze well for convenient future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
