Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos is an spicy and crispy Mexican dish that is sure to tickle the taste buds. Golden, crunchy rolled tacos stuffed with juicy seasoned shredded chicken and melted cheese and fried or baked to perfection. Whether you make these as an appetizer, a game-day snack or a meal, taquitos are always a winner. And best of all, they are super simple to make at home! In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you know to make the ultimate chicken taquitos, from ingredients to tips, variations, and serving ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (chicken thighs for extra juiciness or chicken breasts for a leaner option)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
• 10 small corn tortillas
• Vegetable oil (for frying or brushing if baking)

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup refried beans (for extra filling)
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (for a spicy kick)
• ½ cup cooked black beans or corn (for added texture)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (for a tangy touch)

How to Make Chicken Taquitos

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add shredded cheese, cream cheese, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well combined.

Warm the Tortillas

3. Heat the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.

Assemble the Taquitos

4. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one end of a tortilla.
5. Tightly roll up the tortilla and secure it seam-side down.

Cook the Taquitos

Frying (Crispier Taquitos)

6. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Carefully place the taquitos in the oil, seam-side down, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Baking (Healthier Alternative)

9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Lightly brush them with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Air Frying

12. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
13. Place taquitos in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking spray.
14. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Tips for the Best Chicken Taquitos

• Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Don’t overfill to keep taquitos from bursting open.
• Secure with toothpicks if needed before frying or baking.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier filling.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding in the pan.
• For extra crispiness, let baked or air-fried taquitos cool slightly before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Crispy and flavorful – The perfect balance of crunch and spice.
• Great for meal prep – Make and freeze for later.
• Customizable – Add veggies, cheese, or spice levels to your preference.

FAQs

Is it possible to substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas? Yes! Flour tortillas perform adequately but will result in a less crunchy texture than corn tortillas.

How do I keep my taquitos from unrolling? Secure your taquitos from unrolling by warming the tortillas before rolling and cooking with the seams down while using toothpicks for extra support.

Are chicken taquitos gluten-free? Chicken taquitos remain gluten-free when you use 100% corn tortillas together with gluten-free seasonings and fillings.

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You should prepare your taquitos in advance then refrigerate them for no more than 24 hours until you are ready to cook.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen when ready.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes (but note they won’t be as crispy).

Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before rolling.
• BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Use BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
• Vegetarian Taquitos: Substitute chicken with black beans, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.
• Breakfast Taquitos: Add scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast version.

Conclusion

Chicken taquitos are a crowd-pleasing, crispy, and delicious dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they turn out irresistibly crunchy and flavorful every time. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep, these taquitos can be customized to suit your taste. Try them today and enjoy the ultimate homemade Mexican-inspired snack!