Name: Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; ¼ cup salsa; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 small flour or corn tortillas; Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)

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Introduction

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious, easy-to-make snack or meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavorful shredded chicken and melted cheese, these rolled tortillas bake up golden and crunchy every time. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a satisfying bite.

A white plate holds six golden, crispy rolled tacos placed in a slightly scattered pile, with the forefront taco broken open to reveal tender, shredded chicken inside. The taco shells have small, browned spots showing their crispy texture, and tiny green herbs are sprinkled on the tacos and plate for garnish. To the right side of the plate, a small white bowl with bright red salsa sauce adds a pop of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup salsa
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 small flour or corn tortillas
Cooking spray or oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
Step 4: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
Step 5: Place rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush each lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray.
Step 6: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve warm with chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or your choice of toppings.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Use corn tortillas for a crispy texture and gluten-free option, but warm them well to prevent cracking when rolling.
If you don’t have cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be mixed in for creaminess.
Try adding black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Five fried rolled taquitos with a golden brown crispy texture are stacked closely on a white plate lined with parchment paper, each filled with visible shredded chicken in light beige and melted cheese in creamy white and slightly orange hues peeking from the open ends. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface with a blurred bowl of green sauce in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the taquitos?

Yes, place rolled but unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with chicken taquitos?

They pair well with fresh guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, or a side salad for a complete meal.