There’s something absolutely magical about the first bite of a perfectly crispy chicken taquito – that satisfying crunch giving way to tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in a golden tortilla. These Crispy Chicken Taquitos have become a beloved staple in my kitchen, transforming leftover chicken into a restaurant-quality appetizer or main dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, this recipe delivers every single time.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and foolproof method. You can prepare these homemade chicken taquitos using either baking or frying techniques, and they freeze beautifully for meal prep. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic spices wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a flavor explosion that rivals any Mexican restaurant. Plus, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, these easy chicken taquitos are both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (baked) or 8-10 minutes (fried)
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people (makes 12-15 taquitos)
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 12-15 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking)
- Oil for frying (if making fried version)
- Toothpicks for securing
For Serving:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa verde or red salsa
- Hot sauce
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (for baked version)
- Deep fryer or large skillet (for fried version)
- Pastry brush
- Toothpicks
- Kitchen tongs
- Paper towels
- Wire cooling rack
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Mexican cheese blend, diced green chiles, and fresh cilantro. Season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together. The cream cheese should bind everything nicely, creating a cohesive filling.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas to make them pliable and prevent cracking. You can do this by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30-45 seconds, or heating them individually in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep the warmed tortillas covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of chicken filling along one edge of each tortilla, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges. Roll tightly from the filled edge, ensuring the filling stays enclosed. Secure each taquito with a toothpick through the seam. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
For Baked Chicken Taquitos:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush each taquito lightly with vegetable oil to ensure golden, crispy results. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
For Fried Chicken Taquitos:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large skillet with about 2 inches of oil. Carefully fry the taquitos in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy taquitos.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the crispy chicken taquitos rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking – this allows the filling to set and prevents burning your mouth on molten cheese! Remove toothpicks carefully before serving. Arrange on a platter with your favorite dipping sauces and garnishes.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Taquitos:
- Use day-old tortillas when possible – they’re less likely to tear when rolling
- Don’t overfill the tortillas; less is more when it comes to preventing bursting during cooking
- Secure well with toothpicks to prevent unrolling during cooking
- Oil temperature matters – too hot and they’ll burn outside while staying cold inside; too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil
Delicious Variations:
Baked Taquitos Chicken Style:
For a healthier version, these baked taquitos chicken are just as delicious as their fried counterparts. The key is brushing them generously with oil and using a high oven temperature to achieve that coveted crispiness.
Chicken Crispitos Recipe Twist:
Transform this into a chicken crispitos recipe by using slightly larger flour tortillas and adding black beans and corn to the filling. This Tex-Mex variation adds extra texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Frozen Option:
These work wonderfully as frozen taquitos recipes. Assemble the taquitos completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. Cook directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freeze assembled but uncooked taquitos for up to 3 months
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness
- Avoid microwaving as this makes them soggy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your homemade chicken taquitos with Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh salad, or as part of a larger Mexican feast. They’re perfect for game day appetizers, lunch boxes, or a fun family dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 3 taquitos)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and cooking method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked chicken taquitos instead of fried?
Absolutely! Baked chicken taquitos are a healthier alternative that still delivers excellent results. Simply brush with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
What’s the difference between taquitos and flautas?
While both are rolled and fried, taquitos are typically made with corn tortillas and are smaller, while flautas use flour tortillas and are larger. This chicken taquitos recipe fried works beautifully with either tortilla type.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?
The key is warming your tortillas first to make them pliable. Wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or heat them briefly in a dry skillet.
What’s the best oil temperature for frying?
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. Too hot and they’ll burn on the outside while remaining cold inside; too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Conclusion
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos represent everything we love about comfort food – they’re easy to make, incredibly versatying, and absolutely delicious. Whether you choose the baked or fried method, you’ll end up with golden, crispy rolls packed with seasoned chicken and melted cheese that are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can customize the filling to your family’s preferences, make them ahead for busy weeknights, or prepare a large batch for entertaining. From easy chicken taquitos for beginners to homemade chicken taquitos that rival restaurant quality, this recipe delivers every time.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite variations or cooking tips. Don’t forget to share photos of your crispy chicken taquitos on social media – tag us so we can see your delicious creations!
For more Mexican-inspired recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our other popular posts. Happy cooking!
