If you have been hunting for a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and has a satisfyingly crisp texture, you are going to fall absolutely in love with this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These golden, crunchy rolls are packed with a creamy, spiced chicken filling that brings a comforting yet exciting twist to your usual appetizers or light meals. With simple pantry staples coming together in just about 35 minutes, this recipe promises a fun cooking adventure with a delicious payoff that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the perfectly spiced chicken and crispy flour tortillas, every element is essential to making these taquitos truly irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast for tender, flavorful meat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty richness and a sharp flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling a luscious creaminess that binds everything together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang and moistens the filling perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory depth.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the aroma and background flavor.
- 1/2 tsp cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes with a hint of smokiness.
- 1/4 tsp chili powder: Gives a gentle kick to keep things exciting without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The essential seasoning to bring all flavors into harmony.
- 10 small flour tortillas: Their pliability makes rolling easy and ensures a crispy fried shell.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Needed to get that perfect golden crunch everyone loves.
- Optional toppings (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro): These add freshness, creaminess, and a pop of color.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by combining your shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Using softened cream cheese is key here because it mixes effortlessly, making the filling smooth and luscious. This mixture is the heart of your taquitos, so take a moment to blend everything until well integrated and creamy.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Next, it’s time to pump up the flavor. Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to your chicken mixture. Stir these spices through thoroughly so every bite delivers a harmonious burst of taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, keeping in mind that the spices will shine once fried.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seasoned chicken filling onto the lower third of the tortilla. The key is not to overfill; this helps in rolling tightly so the taquitos hold together during frying. Roll the tortilla firmly around the filling, ensuring the seam is tucked underneath to prevent it from opening up later. Repeat this process for all the tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before frying to avoid soggy taquitos. Carefully place a few taquitos seam-side down into the pan. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become irresistibly crispy. Use tongs to turn gently and drain the cooked taquitos on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step gives you that signature crunch everyone loves.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
The joy of this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is enhanced with fresh and flavorful toppings. Dollop some cool sour cream or creamy guacamole for balance, add a spoonful of tangy salsa for zing, and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes. These simple additions turn each bite into a festive experience.
Side Dishes
To complement your crispy taquitos, try serving with a fresh Mexican-style salad, Mexican rice, or a side of black beans. The freshness and lightness of a salad or the hearty warmth of beans provide a perfect contrast to the rich, crunchy taquitos, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer your taquitos on a serving platter lined with a bed of shredded lettuce and drizzle them with a blend of hot sauce and lime crema. Turn it into a shareable appetizer by cutting taquitos in half and skewering them with colorful toothpicks. Presentation not only makes your Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe more inviting but also sparks joy at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crispy chicken taquitos, don’t worry—they keep wonderfully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. To keep that crunch, avoid sealing them while still hot or wet from toppings.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze like champions! Lay them out on a baking sheet without touching and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick snack or meal, pop them straight from freezer to oven or fryer.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of your stored or frozen Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This keeps the tortilla shells delightfully crunchy and warms the filling evenly.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are preferred for this recipe because they’re more flexible and less prone to cracking when rolled tightly. Corn tortillas tend to be more fragile and might break during frying, but if you prefer corn, warming and lightly brushing them with oil before filling can help improve pliability.
Is it possible to bake the taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, place rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with a bit of oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the chicken filling ahead can save time. Keep the mixture refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before rolling and frying the taquitos to keep things fresh and easy on busy days.
What other fillings can I use in this recipe?
This recipe is very versatile! You can swap chicken for shredded beef, pulled pork, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Adjust spices accordingly to complement your chosen filling.
Are these taquitos kid-friendly?
Definitely! Mild spices and creamy cheese make this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe a hit with kids and adults alike. You can adjust the chili powder to a minimal amount if you want to keep the heat very gentle for little ones.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. It’s quick, fun to assemble, and offers a wonderful blend of crunchy, creamy, and savory goodness with every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a casual dinner, celebrating game day, or hosting friends, these taquitos bring both comfort and excitement to the table. You simply must give them a try—you’ll be hooked in no time!
Print
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
Description
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are deliciously crunchy rolled tortillas filled with a creamy and flavorful chicken mixture. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chili powder, these taquitos are fried to golden perfection and served with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a satisfying appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taquitos
- 10 small flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Toppings
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Season the mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the filling. Stir well to evenly incorporate all the spices.
- Assemble the taquitos: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of the tortilla.
- Roll the taquitos: Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a compact roll. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the taquitos: Carefully place a few taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried taquitos from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken taquitos warm with optional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy taquitos.
- You can substitute shredded chicken with shredded beef or turkey if preferred.
- Softened cream cheese blends better with the other ingredients for a smooth filling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste for desired spice level.
- For a healthier version, consider baking the taquitos at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
