Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer or meal. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, these taquitos are rolled in tortillas and baked or air-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner, they offer a satisfying combination of creamy and spicy fillings wrapped in a crispy shell.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Taquitos
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas more pliable and prevent cracking during rolling, warm them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap in a microwave-safe cloth and microwave for 20 seconds.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay each tortilla flat and spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling near one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides slightly to hold everything together. Repeat with all tortillas and filling.
- Prepare for Baking or Air Frying: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or an air fryer basket. Lightly brush or spray each taquito with cooking spray or oil to ensure a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook the Taquitos: For baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the taquitos for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the taquitos for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove taquitos from the oven or air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or roasted chicken.
- Using corn tortillas enhances authenticity, but flour tortillas tend to be easier to roll without breaking.
- Brush with oil or cooking spray generously for optimal crispiness when baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the taquitos and refrigerate or freeze before cooking. Bake or air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust spice level by varying the salsa or adding chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Keywords: chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, baked taquitos, Mexican appetizer, shredded chicken recipe
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/crispy-chicken-taquitos-recipe/
