If you’re searching for a crunchy, flavorful snack or a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender shredded chicken, melty cheeses, and a perfect blend of spices, these little rolled tortillas fry up to golden perfection. They deliver a delightful crunch on the outside while staying creamy and flavorful inside, making every bite a true fiesta of textures and tastes. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something irresistibly tasty, these taquitos are sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each item plays a key role: creamy cheeses add richness, spices provide a warm depth, and fresh tortillas wrap it all up with a soft contrast to the crispy finish.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken makes assembling quick and keeps the filling tender.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty cheesiness that’s essential for gooey goodness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides a tangy smoothness that balances the spices perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A subtle boost of garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a sweet, savory undertone that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- 1/2 tsp cumin: Gives a warm, earthy note that’s key for that classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
- 1/4 tsp chili powder: Brings just the right touch of heat and smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
- 10 small flour tortillas: The perfect size for folding and frying, creating a satisfying crunch.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures a crispy exterior that’s golden and delicious.
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro: These add freshness and extra layers of flavor at serving time.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining your shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl. This creates a creamy, flavorful base that’s easy to spread and holds together beautifully when rolled inside the tortillas.
Step 2: Season Perfectly
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so those spices are evenly dispersed, ensuring that every bite is packed with that classic, vibrant taquito flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay out a tortilla flat and spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of your chicken filling near the bottom third. This is the ideal amount to keep the taquito snug without overfilling, which helps it hold its shape during frying.
Step 4: Roll Them Up Tight
Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling to keep everything secure. The tight roll is crucial because it prevents the filling from spilling out when frying, resulting in that signature crispy exterior and creamy inside.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, pour about an inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Hot oil is key for cooking the taquitos quickly and giving them their signature golden crunch without absorbing too much oil.
Step 6: Fry Until Crispy
Carefully place a few taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the taquitos are golden brown and irresistibly crispy. This step is where the magic happens, transforming soft tortillas into crunchy perfection.
Step 7: Drain and Repeat
Remove the cooked taquitos and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Then, repeat the frying process with the remaining rolls. This ensures every taquito is cooked evenly and stays deliciously light.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Toppings
Finally, serve these crispy delights warm, paired with your favorite toppings like fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, extra sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. These touches add freshness and brightness to complement the rich, crispy taquitos.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh salsa, tangy guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream elevates the Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe with contrasting textures and bright flavors. A little chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbaceous pop that balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
For a satisfying meal, serve your taquitos alongside a simple Mexican rice or refried beans. These sides add heartiness and soak up any extra dips, making your meal feel complete and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the taquitos standing upright in a serving platter with bowls of assorted dips around. Alternatively, slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve as appetizers with toothpicks for easy sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them crisp is key, so avoid letting them sit in a sealed container while still hot.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled taquitos by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to enjoy your Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe anytime — just fry straight from frozen!
Reheating
To reheat your taquitos without losing their crunch, bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soft and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
You can, but flour tortillas tend to hold up better during frying and roll more easily without cracking. Corn tortillas are more delicate and may require warming before rolling to prevent breakage.
Is it possible to bake these taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and speeds up assembly when you’re ready to roll and fry.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil for frying?
Oils with high smoke points like canola, peanut, or sunflower oil work well for frying. These oils ensure crispiness without burning or imparting unwanted flavors.
How spicy is this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level due to the chili powder. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you enjoy additional kick.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and that incredible crunch we all crave. It’s a foolproof way to bring warmth and excitement to your table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Trust me, once you try these, they’re going to be your go-to for casual dinners, snack time, or festive gatherings. So grab your tortillas and chicken, and let’s roll these delicious wonders!
Print
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and savory Mexican-inspired snack or appetizer featuring shredded chicken blended with cheeses and spices, rolled in small flour tortillas, and fried to golden perfection. These flavorful taquitos offer a satisfying crunch and creamy filling, perfect for serving with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 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
Assembly and Cooking
- 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, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Season the Filling: Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken mixture. Stir carefully to ensure even distribution of the spices throughout the filling.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lay a small flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared chicken filling onto the lower third of the tortilla, spreading it evenly.
- Roll Taquitos: Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling starting from the filled end, securing the filling inside. Repeat this process for all tortillas and filling until none remains.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
- Fry Taquitos: Carefully place a few rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning gently to cook evenly on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried taquitos from the skillet using tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Repeat frying with remaining taquitos.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken taquitos warm with your choice of optional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, additional sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly into the filling.
- Use small flour tortillas for perfect rolling and frying.
- Be careful when frying to avoid oil splatters—use a skillet with high sides if possible.
- You can bake taquitos in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
