Chicken Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful Mexican dish made by rolling seasoned shredded chicken in corn tortillas and frying them to golden perfection. These bite-sized delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. They’re easy to customize and pair wonderfully with your favorite dips like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shredded cooked chicken
corn tortillas
cream cheese
shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
green chilies (optional)
taco seasoning
garlic powder
onion powder
vegetable oil (for frying or brushing if baking)

directions

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheese, green chilies, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.

Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.

Secure with a toothpick if necessary to prevent unrolling.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking.

Fry the taquitos in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.
Alternatively, place taquitos on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 taquitos.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add chopped spinach or beans to the filling for extra nutrients.
Swap cream cheese for sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Make them spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce in the mix.

storage/reheating

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness.
They can also be frozen before or after cooking for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but corn tortillas provide a more traditional texture and flavor.

Are baked taquitos as crispy as fried?

Baked taquitos are crisp, though slightly less crunchy than fried ones. Using an air fryer helps bridge the gap.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or queso are all great choices.

How do I keep them from unrolling?

Use toothpicks or place seam-side down while cooking to help them stay intact.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with beans, cheese, or sautéed vegetables.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and complement the flavors.

Should I drain the green chilies?

Yes, to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

Do I need to warm the tortillas first?

Yes, it prevents cracking during rolling.

Can I air fry them?

Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.

Conclusion

Chicken Taquitos are a tasty, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s quick to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, they bring a satisfying crunch and savory filling that’s hard to resist. Perfect for parties, snacks, or easy dinners—these taquitos are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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