Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a deliciously crunchy and cheesy snack perfect for any occasion. These rolled tortillas filled with a flavorful chicken mixture bake up golden and crisp, making them a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare at home.

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 (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Extra shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your 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 the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
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 chicken filling onto one side of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly.
5. Step 5: Place the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling while baking.
6. Step 6: Lightly brush the taquitos with oil or spray them with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy salsa in the filling.
• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option with a tangy twist.
• Try using corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
• If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the filling mix.
• If you don’t have an oven, these taquitos can also be fried in hot oil until crispy, then drained on paper towels.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roll the taquitos ahead, then keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

Can I freeze the taquitos?

Absolutely. Freeze the rolled but unbaked taquitos on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack featuring shredded chicken blended with cream cheese, spices, and salsa, rolled tightly in tortillas, and baked until golden and crispy. Perfectly paired with sour cream, guacamole, and extra cheese, these taquitos offer a flavorful, crunchy bite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.

• Author: Rita
• 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

Assembly

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

Optional Toppings

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

Instructions

1. Preheat 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 Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
4. Fill and Roll: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one side of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito.
5. Arrange Taquitos: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking.
6. Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the taquitos with oil or spray them with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture.
7. Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Serve: Serve the taquitos warm with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese or your favorite toppings.

Notes

• You can use either flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor while flour tortillas are softer.
• For spicier taquitos, use a spicy salsa or add extra chili powder to the filling.
• If you prefer a crisper texture, consider brushing with oil instead of spray and broil the taquitos at the end.
• This recipe works well with leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked shredded chicken.
• To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.

Keywords: Chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, baked taquitos, Mexican appetizer, chicken appetizer, easy taquito recipe