If you’re craving a snack or a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and irresistible crunch, this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, tightly rolled taquitos are packed with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a perfect blend of spices that come together to create a crowd-pleasing dish with every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply indulging your comfort food cravings, these taquitos deliver satisfaction in every crisp, flavorful mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each ingredient plays an essential role in creating its delicious taste, exciting texture, and vibrant appearance. From the seasoned shredded chicken to the crispy tortillas, every component is a star in its own right.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the delicious spices and salsa.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Adds creamy richness and melts perfectly inside the taquito.
- 1/3 cup salsa or enchilada sauce: Brings moisture and a tangy, zesty kick that livens up the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the mixture with a subtle, savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and enhances the other spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: Gives just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every bite.
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas: The crispy, golden shell that holds that mouthwatering filling.
- Oil spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps crisp up the taquitos beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling Mixture
Begin by combining the shredded chicken with the cheese, salsa, and all the spices in a medium bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so each bite is bursting with flavor. This blend ensures your filling is moist, tasty, and perfectly seasoned to give that authentic zest.
Step 2: Warm Your Tortillas
If your tortillas feel stiff and hard to roll, soften them up by warming them for a few seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. This simple trick makes rolling effortless and keeps your taquitos tightly packed, ready to hold that delicious filling without cracking.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of a warmed tortilla. Roll it up tightly, folding the sides slightly if you want to keep that filling snug. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this prevents unrolling and helps achieve that great crisp.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Touch
Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with oil. This step is key for achieving that irresistible crispy texture once baked. The oil crisps the tortillas in the oven and gives you that perfect golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your tray into a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the taquitos turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp up nicely. Keep an eye on them near the end—it’s exciting to watch that transformation from soft tortilla to crunchy delight!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe with some fresh, vibrant garnishes. A dollop of cool sour cream, tangy guacamole, or zesty salsa complements the warm, crisp taquitos beautifully. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or diced avocado on top for a fresh, colorful finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
For a full meal, pair these taquitos with a fresh green salad or a Mexican-style rice and beans combo. A crunchy slaw or pickled jalapeños add a wonderful contrast in texture and tang. These sides round out your meal perfectly and keep things exciting and balanced on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve your taquitos stacked in a festive basket lined with colorful napkins for casual fun or artfully arranged on a platter with individual dipping bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. You can even slice them into bite-sized pieces for party appetizers—versatile and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the taquitos tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheating in the oven will bring back their signature crunch beautifully.
Freezing
This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is perfect for meal prep because you can freeze the assembled but unbaked taquitos. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you bake from frozen, simply add 5 to 7 extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’re good to go!
Reheating
To reheat, the oven is your best friend. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and warm the taquitos for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that satisfying crunch we’ve all come to love from the original Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Both corn and flour tortillas work beautifully for this recipe. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to roll, while corn tortillas yield a more traditional flavor and crisp texture once baked.
What can I substitute for the shredded chicken?
If you prefer, shredded turkey or even cooked ground beef can be excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian twist, try seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a deliciously hearty filling.
How do I make the taquitos extra crispy?
Brushing or spraying the tortillas with a little oil right before baking is the trick to extra crispy taquitos. For an even crispier outcome, you can also air fry them at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Either method elevates the crunch factor wonderfully.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The filling can be made up to a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. This makes assembly super quick and stress-free when you’re ready to roll and bake your taquitos.
Are these taquitos kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild spices and cheesy, tender chicken make this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe perfect for kids. Plus, they’re fun and easy for little hands to eat, making them a family favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is so easy to prepare you’ll return to it time and time again. The blend of spices, the melty cheese, and that crave-worthy crunch all come together to create a satisfying, comforting meal that’s perfect any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own beloved classic!
Print
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican snack or main course. Made with shredded chicken, cheese, and flavorful spices rolled inside corn or flour tortillas, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer, served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/3 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taquito Assembly
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas
- Oil spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Warm tortillas: If tortillas are stiff, warm them briefly in the microwave between damp paper towels to make them pliable and easy to roll.
- Fill and roll taquitos: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Oil taquitos: Lightly brush or spray each taquito with oil to help them crisp up during baking for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite sides, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble taquitos and freeze before baking.
- Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the cook time.
- For an extra crispy result, air fry the taquitos at 400°F for 10–12 minutes instead of baking.
