Chicken Taquitos

Introduction

Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful Mexican-inspired treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized rolled tortillas are filled with seasoned, tender chicken, then fried to a golden, crunchy perfection. The result is a satisfying combination of a crisp outer layer with a savory, juicy filling that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner for the family, or simply craving something delicious, Chicken Taquitos are guaranteed to impress.

The first time I made these taquitos, I was amazed at how easy it was to achieve such a crispy, satisfying texture. The process of rolling up the seasoned chicken in tortillas and frying them felt like a simple but rewarding step-by-step process. When they came out of the fryer, golden and crispy, the scent alone was enough to get everyone excited, and they disappeared in no time.

What I love most about Chicken Taquitos is how versatile they are. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, and you can customize them with different fillings, like cheese, beans, or even shredded beef. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra touch of creamy goodness. No matter how you serve them, these taquitos are always a crowd-pleasing choice that adds a little extra flavor to any meal.

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Game day snacks
Party appetizers
Taco night
Meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Taquitos will become a favorite in your household:

Crispy and Crunchy: The golden-brown tortillas create a crispy crunch that perfectly contrasts with the tender chicken filling.
Customizable Filling: You can easily adjust the seasoning and fillings to your liking, whether you prefer spicier flavors or a milder taste.
Kid-Friendly: These bite-sized taquitos are easy to eat and fun for kids and adults alike.
Quick and Easy: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these taquitos can be made in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for Dipping: Serve with a variety of dips, including guacamole, salsa, or creamy ranch for a perfect flavor combination.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (approximately 12 taquitos)
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (3 taquitos)
Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Taquitos:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 small corn tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional: Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional: Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping

Ingredient Highlights

Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful option, but you can also cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself.
Cheese: The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a melty, creamy filling that complements the crispy tortillas.
Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika give the taquitos a warm, earthy flavor that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
Corn Tortillas: These give the taquitos their signature crunch and authentic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

Shred the Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken using two forks or a stand mixer until it’s finely shredded.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Season the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and fully combined. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Taquitos:

Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
Fill the Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, securing the edges to form a taquito.

Fry the Taquitos:

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the Taquitos: Fry the taquitos in batches, placing them seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried taquitos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve the taquitos with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side for dipping.

How to Serve

Chicken Taquitos are perfect for serving in various ways:

As an Appetizer: Serve with dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for an appetizer at parties.
For Dinner: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
In Tacos: Use the taquitos in taco shells or soft tortillas for a twist on traditional tacos.
With a Fresh Salsa: Pair with fresh pico de gallo for a refreshing and vibrant side.

Additional Tips

Warm the Tortillas First: Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking when rolling, ensuring they stay intact while frying.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds great flavor to the filling.
Don’t Overfill the Taquitos: Make sure not to overstuff the tortillas to avoid them bursting open while frying.
Fry in Batches: Fry the taquitos in small batches to ensure they get crispy and evenly cooked.
Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier option, bake the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.

Recipe Variations

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix buffalo sauce into the chicken filling for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: Add more cheese to the filling for a super cheesy version.
Spicy Jalapeño Taquitos: Stir in chopped fresh jalapeños or pickled jalapeños for added heat.
BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Use barbecue sauce instead of traditional seasoning for a smoky, sweet twist.
Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace chicken with black beans and corn for a vegetarian alternative.
Chicken and Spinach Taquitos: Add cooked spinach to the chicken filling for a green twist.
Crispy Oven-Baked Taquitos: Brush the taquitos with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes for a lighter, crispy version.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Taquitos: Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to the filling for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos: Add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to the filling for a creamy texture.
Chicken and Bean Taquitos: Add refried beans to the filling for a heartier and more filling option.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: To freeze, lay the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake or fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment

Deep Fryer: For perfectly crispy taquitos with minimal mess, a deep fryer can heat the oil to the ideal temperature for frying.
Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for frying taquitos on the stovetop, providing even heat and a crispy finish.
Tongs: Essential for flipping and removing the taquitos from the hot oil safely.
Baking Sheet: If baking your taquitos instead of frying, a sturdy baking sheet is perfect for evenly spaced taquitos.
Cooling Rack: Place taquitos on a cooling rack after cooking to prevent them from getting soggy.
Pastry Brush: Use this to brush a light coating of oil or melted butter on taquitos before baking or frying.
Food Processor: For quickly shredding the cooked chicken or chopping ingredients finely, saving prep time.
Tortilla Warmer: To keep tortillas warm and pliable before rolling them into taquitos.
Kitchen Thermometer: Ensures the oil reaches the right temperature (around 350°F) for frying without burning the taquitos.
Silicone Spatula: Great for turning or flipping taquitos during the frying process without damaging them.

FAQ

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, flour tortillas can be used, though they won’t be as crispy as corn tortillas.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook.
Can I bake these taquitos? Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option.
What can I use instead of sour cream for dipping? You can use Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, or a creamy avocado dip.
How can I make these spicier? Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh diced jalapeños to the chicken filling for extra heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Taquitos are a fun and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy, golden exterior and savory, cheesy chicken filling, they make an irresistible appetizer, snack, or main course. Customize the seasoning to fit your tastes, whether you prefer a mild flavor or a spicy kick, and pair them with your favorite dips and sides.

Whether you choose to fry or bake them, Chicken Taquitos are a simple yet delicious way to bring bold, Mexican-inspired flavors to your table. Their crunchy texture and hearty filling make them satisfying for any crowd, and they’re easy to prepare, so you can enjoy them with minimal fuss.

I can’t wait to see your Chicken Taquito creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make them your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!