A plate of golden-brown crispy chicken taquitos served with guacamole and salsa.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe: Crunchy, Cheesy, and Totally Addictive

Bycraftersbuzz

Intro: The Snack That Stole Taco Tuesday

Ever had a snack so good it made you question your life choices? That’s what happened when I first bit into a Crispy Chicken Taquito. It was love at first crunch. I mean, who needs a fancy dinner when you can have these golden, cheesy rolls of joy? They’re like the rebellious cousin of tacos—rolled up, deep-fried, and ready to party.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Let’s be real: sometimes, you just want something that’s quick, easy, and makes you look like a culinary genius. Enter these Crispy Chicken Taquitos. They’re:

  • Flavor-packed: Juicy chicken, melty cheese, and zesty spices all wrapped up in a crispy shell.
  • Easy to make: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and no need for a culinary degree.
  • Crowd-pleasers: Perfect for game nights, parties, or when you’re just feeling snacky.

Ingredients

Close-up of crispy chicken taquitos with melted cheese and dipping sauces.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • ½ cup salsa (your favorite kind)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 8-10 small corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)

Substitutions:

  • Swap chicken for shredded beef or pork.
  • Use flour tortillas if you prefer them over corn.
  • Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used

To make these taquitos, you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet (for baking)
  • Air fryer (optional)
  • Skillet (for frying)
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels (for draining oil)

Feel free to check out these tools on Amazon to make your cooking experience even smoother.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  • Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
  • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
  • Skillet: Heat oil over medium-high heat.

2. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:

  • Shredded chicken
  • Shredded cheese
  • Salsa
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
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Mix until everything is well combined.

3. Warm the Tortillas

To prevent cracking, warm the tortillas:

  • Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds.
  • Stovetop: Heat in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.

4. Assemble the Taquitos

  • Place about 2 tablespoons of filling on the lower third of each tortilla.
  • Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.

5. Cook the Taquitos

Baking:

  • Place taquitos seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
  • Lightly spray or brush with oil.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Air Frying:

  • Place taquitos in the air fryer basket, seam-side down.
  • Lightly spray with oil.
  • Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frying:

  • Carefully place taquitos seam-side down in hot oil.
  • Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  • Drain on paper towels.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with your favorite dips: guacamole, sour cream, salsa—you name it!

Calories & Nutritional Info

Close-up of crispy chicken taquitos with melted cheese and dipping sauces.

Per serving (2 taquitos):

  • Calories: ~300
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and cooking method.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overfilling: Leads to messy taquitos that won’t stay rolled.
  • Skipping the tortilla warm-up: Cold tortillas crack when rolled.
  • Not sealing properly: Use toothpicks or place seam-side down to prevent unrolling.
  • Overcrowding the pan/air fryer: Cook in batches for even crispiness.
  • Under-seasoning: Taste your filling before rolling to ensure it’s flavorful.

Variations & Customizations

  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
  • Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with black beans and corn.
  • Cheesy Delight: Mix in cream cheese for a richer filling.
  • Breakfast Taquitos: Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
  • Sweet Twist: Fill with sweetened cream cheese and fruit for a dessert version.

FAQ Section

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Q1: Can I freeze taquitos?

Yes! Assemble and freeze before cooking. Bake or air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: How do I prevent tortillas from cracking?

Warm them before rolling to make them pliable.

Q3: Can I use flour tortillas?

Absolutely. They yield a slightly different texture but are equally delicious.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat taquitos?

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

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Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q6: What dips go well with taquitos?

Guacamole, salsa, sour cream, queso—the possibilities are endless.

Q7: Are taquitos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, then yes.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a foolproof recipe for Crispy Chicken Taquitos that’ll make you the star of any gathering. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Once you make these, you might just say goodbye to store-bought snacks forever. Give them a try and let your taste buds do the happy dance!

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