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Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

4.8 from 63 reviews

These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired appetizer or meal. Filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bold spices, then rolled tightly in tortillas and baked to golden crispiness, they offer a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for a crowd-pleasing snack or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 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

Other

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the taquitos cook evenly and don’t stick.
  2. Make filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy filling.
  3. Warm tortillas: To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds until they are pliable and flexible without breaking.
  4. Assemble taquitos: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto one side of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to create a compact roll with the seam side down on the baking sheet to prevent unrolling.
  5. Prepare for baking: Lightly brush each taquito with oil or spritz with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taquitos for 15 to 20 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy on the outside. Optionally, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to intensify crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or your preferred toppings for added flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Use either flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference; corn tortillas yield a more traditional flavor.
  • For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
  • Leftover taquitos can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • To make ahead, assemble taquitos and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing to achieve a smooth filling.

Keywords: chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, baked taquitos, Mexican appetizer, easy taquitos recipe, shredded chicken, cream cheese filling