Thank you so much for stopping by! I’m genuinely thrilled to share this Crispy Chicken Taquitos recipe with you today. It’s one of those go-to dishes I make again and again—easy to prepare, totally satisfying, and loved by everyone at the table (including picky eaters!).
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What Are Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are rolled tortillas filled with a creamy, spiced chicken mixture and baked (or fried!) until golden and crunchy. Think of them as a fun, handheld way to serve up bold Mexican-inspired flavors. They’re great as a game-day snack, party appetizer, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Once you try these, you’ll never go back to the frozen boxed kind. Homemade taquitos are fresher, crispier, and completely customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why Crispy Chicken Taquitos are about to become a regular in your rotation:
- Quick and easy: Comes together in under 40 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Family-friendly: Mildly seasoned, crispy outside, creamy inside—what’s not to love?
- Versatile: Bake, pan-fry, or air fry. Use flour or corn tortillas. Add spice or keep it mild.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep and freeze for a fuss-free dinner any night of the week.
What Do Crispy Chicken Taquitos Taste Like?
Crunchy, savory, creamy, and a little cheesy—these taquitos are anything but boring!! The filling is rich and satisfying thanks to cream cheese and cheddar, while the seasoned shredded chicken adds depth and warmth. Each bite is packed with flavor, especially if you serve it with cool sour cream or a zesty avocado sauce. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it with a fresh lime wedge for garnish!
Benefits of Making These at Home
- Healthier than deep-fried store-bought versions
- Customize to your taste (spicy, cheesy, mild, etc.)
- Budget-friendly—especially when using leftover chicken
- No preservatives or hidden ingredients
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this chicken taquito magic happen:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (use your favorite)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or neutral oil for brushing
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, extra cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Parchment paper (if baking)
- Microwave or skillet (to soften tortillas)
- Pastry brush (for oil)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Make it your own! Here are a few ideas to change things up:
Additions:
- Diced jalapeños or green chiles for heat
- Sautéed onions or bell peppers for more veggie action
- A handful of spinach or black beans for fiber
Substitutions:
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling
- Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based spread to make it lactose-free
- Corn tortillas for gluten-free option (just warm them thoroughly before rolling)
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
These taquitos are so simple to pull off, but they’ll have your family thinking you ordered from your favorite Mexican spot!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Soften the tortillas: Warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or on a skillet so they roll easily.
- Assemble: Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto one side of each tortilla, then roll tightly.
- Bake: Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet, lightly brush with oil or spray, and bake for 15–20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Optional broil: For an extra crisp top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
What to Serve with Chicken Taquitos
These are amazing with:
- Guacamole or avocado crema
- Pico de gallo or salsa verde
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- A simple salad with lime vinaigrette
I personally love dipping mine in sour cream and drizzling a little hot sauce on top. So satisfying!
Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Taquitos
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Don’t overfill—a couple of tablespoons is plenty.
- Place seam-side down so they don’t unroll while baking.
- Use a hot oven or air fryer for that signature crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked taquitos in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Warm in oven or air fryer until hot and crispy—microwaving will soften the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for later. Just bake straight from the fridge or freezer—add a few extra minutes for frozen.
Are taquitos the same as flautas?
Not quite. Taquitos are typically made with corn tortillas and smaller, while flautas are often made with flour tortillas and rolled slightly larger. But the fillings are very similar!
Can I use canned chicken?
You can, though fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain it well and mix gently to avoid mushiness.
What if my tortillas crack while rolling?
Warm them longer or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds. This makes them more flexible and less likely to split.
Conclusion
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are proof that simple, homemade food can still feel fun and festive. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a crunchy snack for yourself, this recipe hits the spot every time. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again—and luckily, it’s easy enough to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
📸 Made these taquitos? I’d love to see them! Tag me on Pinterest and leave a review to let me know how they turned out!
Nutritional Information (Per Taquito, Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos
Description
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are golden, crunchy, and bursting with creamy, flavorful shredded chicken. They’re oven-baked or air-fried to perfection, making them a healthier, homemade alternative to frozen taquitos. Great as a snack, appetizer, 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)
Optional toppings:
– Chopped cilantro
– Sour cream
– Guacamole
– Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
4. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
5. Place taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Lightly brush with oil or spray with cooking spray.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
8. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
– Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option (warm them well before rolling to prevent cracking).
– For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
– These taquitos freeze beautifully—assemble, freeze, and bake straight from frozen when ready.
– Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: chicken taquitos, baked taquitos, crispy taquitos, easy taquitos recipe, Mexican appetizer, shredded chicken recipes
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