Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Introduction

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delightful, crunchy snack or meal option packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices, all rolled up in crispy tortillas. These taquitos are perfect for dipping in guacamole, sour cream, or salsa and are great for game days, parties, or quick weeknight dinners.

I first made these taquitos when I wanted a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer for a gathering, and they quickly became a crowd favorite. The combination of crispy texture and savory filling is hard to resist, and the best part is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can make them ahead of time and bake or fry them when you’re ready to serve, making them a perfect choice for busy days.

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these golden, crispy taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Their crunch, paired with the delicious chicken and cheese filling, makes them a guaranteed family favorite!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Quick weeknight dinners
• Parties and gatherings
• Meal prepping
• Mexican food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Here’s why Crispy Chicken Taquitos will become a household staple:

• Crunchy and Golden: The tortillas are perfectly crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Flavorful and Versatile Filling: The seasoned chicken and cheese filling can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, these taquitos come together quickly, making them ideal for busy schedules.
• Baked or Fried Options: Choose your cooking method for a healthier or more indulgent version.
• Great for Dipping: Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an even more flavorful experience.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 12 taquitos
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crispy Chicken Taquitos:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas for a softer texture)
• Cooking oil spray or 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shredded Chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken works.
• Cheese: A mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack adds creaminess and flavor.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas offer a softer alternative.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring a smoky, bold flavor to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crispy Chicken Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Taquitos:

2. Soften the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or wrap them in a clean towel and warm in the oven. This prevents them from cracking while rolling.
3. Fill and Roll: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling and place it seam-side down.

Cook the Taquitos:

4. Bake Option: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Fry Option: Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the taquitos seam-side down for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are perfect served with a variety of dips and sides:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite salsa.
• On a Platter: Arrange taquitos on a platter with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a party appetizer.
• As a Meal: Pair with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Here are some tips to ensure your Crispy Chicken Taquitos turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Warm Tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when rolled. Always warm them first.
• Don’t Overfill: Overstuffing can make the taquitos difficult to roll and prone to unrolling during cooking.
• Seal the Edges: To keep taquitos tightly rolled, use a toothpick to secure the seam while frying, or place seam-side down while baking.
• Crisp Them Up: For extra crispiness, brush or spray the taquitos with a little oil before baking.
• Customize the Filling: Add black beans, corn, diced green chiles, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations for Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Here are 10 ways to customize Crispy Chicken Taquitos:

1. Beef Taquitos: Replace chicken with seasoned ground beef or shredded beef.
2. Vegetarian Taquitos: Use black beans, sweet potatoes, or roasted vegetables instead of chicken.
3. Spicy Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
4. Cheesy Taquitos: Add an extra layer of cheese on top before baking for gooey goodness.
5. Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Toss the shredded chicken in buffalo sauce before mixing with the other ingredients.
6. Breakfast Taquitos: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage for a breakfast twist.
7. Avocado Taquitos: Add diced avocado or guacamole to the filling for a creamy texture.
8. Pulled Pork Taquitos: Substitute shredded pork and BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
9. Chipotle Taquitos: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling for a smoky, spicy kick.
10. Air-Fried Taquitos: Use an air fryer to make crispy taquitos with less oil.

Freezing and Storage for Crispy Chicken Taquitos

• Freezing: Assemble the taquitos but don’t bake or fry them. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results.

Special Equipment for Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Here are some tools that make preparing Crispy Chicken Taquitos easier:

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for combining the filling.
• Skillet or Baking Sheet: For frying or baking the taquitos.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping taquitos while frying.
• Toothpicks: To secure the rolled taquitos if needed.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevents sticking during baking.
• Oil Thermometer: Ensures the frying oil is at the correct temperature for perfectly crispy taquitos.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crispy Chicken Taquitos

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
   Yes, flour tortillas work well and are easier to roll, but corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the taquitos in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake or fry.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes, baking is a healthier option and still produces crispy taquitos if you spray them with a little oil.
4. How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
   Warm the tortillas before rolling to make them more pliable.
5. What’s the best way to reheat taquitos?
   Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

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Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy exterior and flavorful chicken and cheese filling, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these taquitos are sure to be a hit. This recipe is easy to make and offers endless customization options, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients for a personal twist.

Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a quick family meal, these crispy taquitos will impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

I’d love to see how your Crispy Chicken Taquitos turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!