Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe: A Zesty Fiesta on Your Plate

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

Mexican cuisine brings magic to weeknight dinners with unexpected twists.

Crunchy tortillas wrap tender, seasoned chicken in a perfect handheld package.

Spices weave through each bite, creating irresistible layers of taste.

Quick and simple ingredients come together faster than you can imagine.

Our kitchen hack transforms basic chicken into a crowd-pleasing sensation that sparks conversation.

Savor every crisp moment and let these taquitos become your new dinner obsession.

Chicken Taquitos Ingredients to Prepare

• Shredded Chicken: Core protein with tender texture, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese blend that adds rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth binding ingredient that helps hold filling together.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic spices that provide deep background flavor.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Warm spices that give authentic Mexican-style taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.
• Cilantro: Optional fresh herb that adds bright, herbal note.

• Corn or Flour Tortillas: Flexible wrapper for taquitos, room temperature helps prevent cracking.
• Sour Cream, Salsa or Enchilada Sauce: Adds moisture and extra flavor to chicken mixture.

• Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa: Classic dipping sauces that complement taquito flavors.

Crispy Chicken Taquito Rolling and Baking Tips

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa or enchilada sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Blend all ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until everything is perfectly incorporated and the flavors dance together.

Step 2: Warm and Soften Tortillas

Gently wrap your tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel.

Zap them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

This magic trick makes the tortillas super flexible and prevents any annoying cracking when you’re rolling.

Step 3: Roll Your Taquito Tubes

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture along the bottom third of each tortilla.

Roll tightly, creating beautiful little flavor cylinders.

Use a toothpick to secure if needed.

Keep rolling until you’ve used up all your filling.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Adventure

Frying Method:

Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F.

Carefully place taquitos seam-side down, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Baking Method:

Crank the oven to 425°F.

Arrange taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Give them a light spray or brush of oil.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Watch them turn beautifully crisp and golden.

Air Fryer Method:

Set air fryer to 400°F.

Lightly oil the taquitos and place them seam-side down in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping midway, until they’re perfectly crispy and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Plate up these crispy delights while they’re hot!

Accompany with an array of dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Get ready to dive into taquito heaven!

Taquito Rolling Tips You’ll Actually Remember

• Warm tortillas in a damp paper towel to make them flexible and easy to roll without tearing.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or queso fresco for a more complex taste profile.
• Maintain consistent oil heat around 350°F when frying to ensure even, golden-brown taquitos without burning.
• Roll tightly and use toothpicks if needed to prevent filling from spilling during cooking.
• Swap regular tortillas for gluten-free options and use low-fat cheeses for a lighter version of the recipe.

Reheat Chicken Taquitos Easily

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 375°F. Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway. This method restores the original crispy texture better than other reheating methods.

Snacks and Dips for Chicken Taquitos

• Savor Perfectly Paired Companions for Chicken Taquitos
• Refresh with Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to cut through the rich, crispy taquitos and cleanse the palate with bright, zesty notes.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dip Combo: Mix sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for a tangy, cool accompaniment that balances the taquitos' warmth.
• Match with Crunchy Mexican Salad: Toss mixed greens, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado with a light lime-cumin vinaigrette to provide a fresh, light contrast to the crispy taquitos.
• Complement with Mexican Lager: Choose a light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the richness and enhance the taquitos' spicy, cheesy flavors.

Chicken Taquito Filling Changes

• Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or seasoned tofu for a meat-free version packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap tortillas for large lettuce leaves, use full-fat cheeses, and add extra spices to create a low-carb alternative that's crispy and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap regular salsa for chipotle sauce, and add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat and create a bold flavor profile.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the chicken filling flavorful?

The combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, salsa, and spices like garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin create a rich, zesty filling that delivers complex flavor in every bite.

• Can I use different types of tortillas?

Corn tortillas work best for authentic taquitos, but you can use flour tortillas if needed. Just ensure they’re warm and pliable to prevent cracking during rolling.

• How do I prevent taquitos from unrolling?

Secure each taquito with a toothpick while cooking, or place them seam-side down to help them stay tightly rolled. The cooking process will also help seal the edges.

• Is there a healthier cooking method?

Air frying or baking are lower-fat alternatives to deep frying. Both methods can create crispy taquitos with less oil, making them a slightly healthier option while maintaining a crunchy texture.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos With Bold Spice

Whip Up Versatile Cooking Methods: This recipe offers three fantastic ways to prepare taquitos – frying, baking, or air frying – giving you flexibility based on your kitchen equipment and health preferences.

Rapid Meal Solution: These taquitos can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or last-minute party appetizers that everyone will love.

Customize with Ease: The filling recipe allows endless personalization by swapping chicken with ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives, and adjusting spices to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these taquitos appeal to both children and adults, transforming ordinary ingredients into a crowd-winning dish that disappears quickly at gatherings.

Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy chicken taquitos bring Mexican street food magic right to your kitchen, delivering a perfect blend of zesty flavors and crunchy texture. Packed with seasoned chicken and rolled into golden tortillas, these irresistible bites will make you the star of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Cheeses:

• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Taquito Base and Cooking Ingredients:

• 12 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Toothpicks (optional, for securing the taquitos)

Serving Accompaniments:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful filling by blending tender shredded chicken with a medley of cheeses, creating a creamy and zesty mixture. Incorporate aromatic spices like garlic, onion, chili, and cumin to elevate the taste profile. Mix in sour cream and salsa for added moisture and tang.
2. Soften corn tortillas in the microwave using a damp paper towel, ensuring they become pliable and flexible for easy rolling without cracking.
3. Distribute the chicken mixture evenly along the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary to maintain the shape during cooking.
4. Choose your preferred cooking method:

For traditional frying, heat oil to 350°F in a large skillet. Carefully place taquitos seam-side down and fry until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Oven method: Arrange taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly coat with oil, and bake at 425°F. Rotate halfway through cooking to ensure even browning, typically 15-20 minutes.

Air fryer technique: Preheat to 400°F, lightly oil the taquitos, and cook in a single layer without overcrowding. Flip midway through the 8-10 minute cooking process for uniform crispiness.

1. Serve immediately with an array of dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat lovers or reducing it for mild palates.
• Swap chicken with shredded beef, pork, or plant-based protein for versatile dietary options and exciting flavor variations.
• Prevent soggy taquitos by ensuring chicken mixture isn’t too wet and patting ingredients dry before mixing.
• Freeze uncooked taquitos between parchment paper layers for quick future meals, storing up to 3 months in an airtight container.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg