If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, look no further than this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These golden, rolled tortillas are filled with a creamy, zesty chicken mixture that brings the perfect balance of spice and comfort food goodness. Whether you bake or fry them, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making these taquitos a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes to whip up these delightful taquitos are simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering creamy, tangy, and spicy notes with a pleasant texture contrast. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
- Shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base that carries all the flavors.
- Monterey jack cheese: Adds melty, mild creaminess with a slight kick if you opt for pepper jack.
- Cream cheese: Binds the filling together smoothly and lends richness.
- Salsa: Introduces fresh, zesty brightness with a bit of tanginess.
- Sour cream: Brings a cool, balancing creaminess that cuts through the spice.
- Lime juice: Enhances flavor with a vibrant citrus note.
- Hot sauce: Adds just the right amount of heat for those who love a little spice.
- Cilantro: Gives a fresh, herbal lift that brightens every bite.
- Jalapeno: Infuses a gentle but lively kick and a touch of texture.
- Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor plus a pop of color.
- Onion and garlic powder: Classic seasoning staples that deepen the flavor profile.
- Cumin, paprika, chili powder: Warm, smoky spices essential for that signature Tex-Mex vibe.
- Corn or flour tortillas: The perfect vehicle for rolling up all the goodness; corn for authentic flavor and flour for flexible softness.
- Melted butter or vegetable oil: Depending on baking or frying, these add crispness and color.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeno, sliced green onions, and the array of spices. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy, and flavorful filling that’s irresistible on its own.
Step 2: Roll the Taquitos
To make rolling easier, warm 4 tortillas at a time in the microwave for about 30 seconds — this softens them, preventing cracking. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each tortilla, then roll tightly into a cylinder. Make sure to place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate; this helps them stay intact during cooking.
Step 3A: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425° F. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on a lightly greased light-colored baking sheet — placing cooling racks on the sheet beforehand is a clever trick to improve air circulation and get extra crispiness. Brush the tops with melted butter, avoiding the ends so they don’t brown too fast. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely after 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown with that coveted crunch.
Step 3B: Fry for Maximum Crunch
Fill a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven with about ¾-inch of oil, heating it to 350° F. To keep the taquitos from unfurling, secure the seams with toothpicks—just trim any excess to avoid splattering. Test the oil first with a tortilla piece; it should fry immediately. Working in small batches, fry the taquitos seam-side down for roughly 2 minutes per side or until evenly golden and crisp. Drain on a cooling rack for the best texture and repeat until all are cooked.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
These taquitos come alive with fresh garnishes. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice adds freshness and contrast. For more indulgence, shredded cheese, guacamole, or a drizzle of your favorite salsa can take the taquitos to new flavor heights.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with classic sides like Mexican rice and refried beans to round out the meal. For a lighter option, a crisp salad with avocado or a tangy slaw offers great texture contrast. Either way, these sides complement the richness and spice beautifully, making your meal festive and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Planning a party or casual gathering? Arrange taquitos upright in a glass or a festive basket lined with colorful napkins for a charming presentation that invites guests to dig in. You can also serve them sliced into bite-sized pieces on a platter with various dips, making them perfect finger food for sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the taquitos tightly sealed maintains their flavor and prevents them from drying out, ensuring each bite remains delicious the next day.
Freezing
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Place unbaked rolled taquitos on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes of baking or frying.
Reheating
To revive that original crispness, reheat taquitos in a preheated oven at 375° F for 8 to 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the tortillas soggy, taking away from what makes these taquitos so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey jack is traditional for its meltability and mild flavor, pepper jack for a spicy twist or even cheddar for a sharper taste works well. Just make sure to use something that melts nicely to keep the filling creamy inside.
Is it better to bake or fry these taquitos?
Both methods yield delicious results. Frying gives a more intense crunch and traditional flavor, while baking is easier and a bit lighter. Using melted butter and cooling racks in baking can help achieve a beautifully crisp finish if you prefer to skip frying.
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the shredded chicken for hearty fillings like sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even spiced jackfruit. Adjust seasonings to taste, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during cooking?
Rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down is key. When frying, securing the seam with toothpicks helps keep everything together. If baking, the heat tends to hold the roll, but rolling tightly is essential either way.
What’s the best type of tortilla to use?
Corn tortillas offer authentic flavor and a sturdy texture that crisps nicely. Flour tortillas are softer, more pliable, and less likely to crack during rolling, especially when warmed up first. Choose based on your personal preference and availability.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about biting into a warm, crispy taquito packed with creamy, zesty chicken filling. This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is not just a snack, but a celebration of flavors and textures that’s easy enough for any night and impressive enough to serve guests. Go ahead, make a batch today—you’ll wonder how you ever went without them.
Print
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy and flavorful Chicken Taquitos made with shredded chicken, a blend of cheeses, and zesty seasonings, rolled in corn or flour tortillas and cooked to perfection either baked or fried. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer with a creamy sour cream dip.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded chicken (see notes)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or pepper jack)
- 6 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup salsa
- ¼ cup sour cream (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 1 jalapeno (seeded and finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Tortillas and Cooking
- 15–20 6-inch corn or flour tortillas (see notes)
- 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter (for baking)
- Vegetable oil (for frying; can substitute avocado or olive oil)
Instructions
- Combine Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, salsa, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and chili powder until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare Tortillas: Microwave about 4 tortillas at a time for 30 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Assemble Taquitos: Scoop 3 to 4 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly into a cylinder and place seam-side-down on a plate. Optionally, insert toothpicks in the seams if frying to keep them from unrolling.
- To Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange taquitos seam-side-down on a lightly greased, light-colored baking sheet. For extra crispness, place cooling racks on top of the baking sheet before adding taquitos. Brush the tops of the taquitos with melted butter, avoiding the ends to prevent premature browning. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown, checking closely after 10 minutes. Remove and serve with sour cream or preferred dips.
- To Fry: Pour about ¾-inch of vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F. Test the oil by frying a small piece of tortilla to ensure it fries immediately. Fry the taquitos in small batches seam-side down, leaving enough room to turn them. Fry for up to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a cooling rack. Adjust heat as needed during frying. Serve hot with sour cream or desired toppings.
Notes
- Use leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Choose corn tortillas for gluten-free option or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Microwaving tortillas before rolling prevents cracking and makes rolling easier.
- Brushing with melted butter before baking enhances browning and crispiness.
- To keep fried taquitos from unrolling, secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Serve with additional sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
