Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be filled with your favorite ingredients. Whether you want a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or a main dish, these taquitos deliver on all fronts. Plus, they are customizable, so you can make them just the way you like.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
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 topping)
- Sour cream (optional topping)
- Guacamole (optional topping)
- Extra shredded cheese (optional topping)
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and salsa. Mix until well combined.
- Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and evenly seasoned.
- Warm tortillas by microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30-45 seconds or by briefly warming in a dry skillet. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla and spread evenly.
- Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides. Place seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each taquito.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with cooking spray or oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even crisping if desired. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let taquitos cool slightly. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or extra shredded cheese.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are best served hot and fresh from the oven. You can place them on a platter with some dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for color and flavor.
How to Store Crispy Chicken Taquitos
If you have leftovers, let the taquitos cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Tips to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- Make sure your tortillas are warm before filling them. This helps to prevent them from cracking while rolling.
- Don’t overfill the taquitos; too much filling can cause them to burst open.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the taquitos instead of frying them.
- Experiment with different types of cheese or spices to create your own unique flavor.
Variation
You can customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or different types of meats, such as beef, pork, or even veggies for a vegetarian option. Just keep the proportions similar to ensure the taquitos roll well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding and mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
What can I serve with taquitos?
Taquitos go well with a variety of sides, such as Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad. They also pair nicely with corn or tortilla chips.
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Chicken 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
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Taquito Assembly
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- as needed Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- to taste Chopped cilantro (optional topping)
- to taste Sour cream (optional topping)
- to taste Guacamole (optional topping)
- to taste Extra shredded cheese (optional topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and salsa. Mix until well combined.
- Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and evenly seasoned.
- Warm tortillas by microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30-45 seconds or by briefly warming in a dry skillet.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla and spread evenly.
- Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides. Place seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each taquito.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with cooking spray or oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even crisping if desired. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serving
- Let taquitos cool slightly. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or extra shredded cheese.