The first bite of these Spicy Chicken Taquitos brings a delightful crunch that immediately sets the stage for a flavor explosion. Picture this: cozy evenings where the aroma of smoky chipotle dances through the air, instantly transporting you to a bustling street taco stand. When I discovered this easy recipe, I felt a wave of excitement—finally, a snack that rivals my favorite fast food chains but is packed with wholesome ingredients and all homemade goodness.
Not only are these taquitos a breeze to prepare, whether you’re opting for the oven or the air fryer, but they also boast a creamy, cheesy filling that begs to be paired with a luscious avocado cream sauce. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, they offer a fun, interactive way to enjoy a meal. Plus, you can easily make a big batch and stash some in the freezer for those cravings that strike at any hour. Grab your tortillas and let’s dive into making these delicious bites!
Why will you love these Spicy Chicken Taquitos?
Flavorful Explosions: Each bite delivers a perfect combination of spice and richness, thanks to the smoky chipotle and creamy filling.
Quick and Easy: With simple steps and just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
Versatile: Enjoy them baked or air-fried, adapting to your mood or kitchen gadgets.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze for those late-night cravings or unexpected guests.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at gatherings or game days, these taquitos are sure to impress family and friends alike!
Spicy Chicken Taquito Ingredients
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For the Taquitos
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Cooking spray – Prevents sticking and enhances crispiness during baking or frying.
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Shredded cooked chicken – Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for a quick, protein-packed filling.
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Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Adds a smooth and rich texture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
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Chipotle in adobo sauce (1) – Delivers a smoky kick; adjust based on how spicy you like your spicy chicken taquitos.
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Tortillas (12 small corn) – The foundation of the taquitos; corn tortillas offer a traditional flavor, but flour works too!
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Shredded cheddar (1.5 cups) and Shredded Pepper Jack (1.5 cups) – These cheeses melt beautifully, adding depth to the flavor; feel free to swap with your favorite types.
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Pico de Gallo – A fresh topping that adds brightness; salsa can be used as an alternative if needed.
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Queso fresco – Adds a salty and crumbly finish to garnish the taquitos.
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For the Avocado Cream Sauce
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Avocado (1 large) – Key for a luscious, creamy sauce; the fresher the better!
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Sour cream (1/2 cup) – Provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the avocado.
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Cilantro (1/4 cup packed) – Gives a fresh, herbal note; omit if cilantro isn’t your thing.
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Garlic (1 clove) – Intensifies the flavor of the sauce; increase for a stronger garlic taste.
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Lime juice (to taste) – Brightens the sauce with freshness; always opt for fresh lime for best results.
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Kosher salt & Freshly ground black pepper – Use to season the sauce and filling according to your taste preferences.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Taquitos
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Preheat your oven to 425°F and generously spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure your taquitos get that delicious crispiness.
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Mix the filling by combining shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chipotle in adobo, and spices in a bowl. Stir together until smooth and creamy, ensuring that every bite will be packed with flavor.
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Soften the corn tortillas by microwaving them for about 30 seconds while covered with a paper towel. This step will make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
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Assemble the taquitos by placing about 1/4 cup of filling and a sprinkle of cheese on one end of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
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Bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown, making the anticipation even more delightful.
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Blend the ingredients for the avocado cream sauce: mix together avocado, sour cream, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice until smooth. Season it to taste for that perfect tangy zing.
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Serve the warm, crispy taquitos with a side of pico de gallo and a drizzle of the avocado cream sauce, inviting everyone to dig in!
Optional: Top with extra queso fresco for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Chicken Taquitos are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the filling (shredded chicken, cream cheese, chipotle, and spices) up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can assemble the taquitos without baking and freeze them for up to 3 months—just ensure they’re on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake from frozen for 20-25 minutes at 425°F, or until crispy. This not only saves time during busy weeknights but also means you’ll have delicious, homemade snacks ready whenever you need a quick bite!
How to Store and Freeze Spicy Chicken Taquitos
Fridge: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Room Temperature: If serving at a party, leave taquitos out for no more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
Expert Tips for Spicy Chicken Taquitos
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Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling, affecting your spicy chicken taquitos‘ texture.
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Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing your taquitos; this ensures they roll easily and prevents bursting during baking or frying.
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Proper Tortilla Technique: Heat your corn tortillas as directed for better pliability. This helps prevent cracking and aids in rolling them tightly.
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Baking vs. Air Frying: For a crispier outcome, use the air fryer. Cook at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes instead of in the oven.
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Freezing Tips: To freeze, assemble the taquitos without baking, then place them on a tray until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen!
Variations & Substitutions for Spicy Chicken Taquitos
Feel free to personalize this recipe with fun twists and substitutions that suit your cravings and dietary needs!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the shredded chicken for black beans or refried beans for a hearty, meatless dish.
- Extra Heat: Add jalapeños to the filling or use spicy salsa to kick up the spice level for those who crave more heat.
- Cheese Mix: Try using Monterey Jack or Queso Blanco instead for a different flavor profile. These melt beautifully and offer a unique twist!
- Flour Tortillas: Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer bite that’s still tasty.
- Herb Boost: Include fresh chives or green onions in the filling for a fresh, herbal touch that adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Sour Cream Swap: For a lighter option, replace sour cream in the avocado cream with Greek yogurt for additional protein without compromising creaminess.
- Zesty Lime: Squeeze in more lime juice or zest for an extra citrusy brightness in both the taquitos and the avocado cream sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Use teriyaki sauce in place of chipotle for a whole new flavor profile, and serve with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce for dipping.
With these variations, you can easily create your perfect taquito experience!
What to Serve with Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos?
Enhance your taquito experience with these delightful accompaniments that will elevate your snacking occasion.
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Refreshing Salsa: A vibrant pico de gallo or your favorite salsa brings freshness and zest, perfectly balancing the creamy taquitos.
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for dipping into the avocado cream sauce, adding another layer of texture to your meal.
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Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with a hint of lime provides a crunchy contrast that complements the warm, cheesy filling beautifully.
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Mexican Street Corn: Served on the cob or in a bowl, this sweet and savory corn dish is a flavorful side that pairs wonderfully.
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Simple Guacamole: Creamy avocado goodness with a sprinkle of lime juice enhances that delicious creamy element while providing a fresh and rich flavor.
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Chilled Mexican Beer: Pair your taquitos with a light Mexican lager or a refreshing margarita for the perfect drink to cool off your spice.
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Sweet Desserts: Top off your meal with churros or flan for a sweet ending that satisfies your cravings after those spicy bites.
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Roasted Veggie Platter: A plate of assorted roasted vegetables brings color and nutrition to the table, highlighting the freshness of your meal.
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Mexican Rice: Fluffy and flavorful rice will round out your meal, providing a hearty, comforting element that’s a classic pairing for any Mexican dish.
Spicy Chicken Taquitos Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe avocados for the avocado cream sauce?
Absolutely! When selecting avocados, look for those that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they’re ripe and creamy inside. Avoid fruits with dark spots or overly mushy textures.
What’s the best way to store leftover taquitos?
For sure! Store your leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, you might reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave.
Can these taquitos be frozen? How do I do it?
Yes, they can! To freeze the taquitos, assemble them but do not bake. Line them up on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until they’re firm, typically around 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once for even crispness.
Why are my taquitos bursting while baking?
Great question! To prevent bursting, avoid overfilling the tortillas and ensure the tortillas are nice and warm (microwave them for about 30 seconds if needed) to make them pliable. Additionally, rolling them tightly from the filling end helps keep everything contained.
Can I use different proteins or make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the shredded chicken for black beans or even cooked ground turkey for a different take. Just adjust the spices based on your protein choice to keep the flavor robust.
Are these taquitos safe for kids and those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, these taquitos are typically kid-friendly! However, always consider potential allergies. For those sensitive to dairy, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Make sure to check all ingredients, especially the chipotle in adobo sauce, as it can contain potential allergens.
Spicy Chicken Taquitos that Elevate Your Snack Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and generously spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Mix the filling by combining shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chipotle in adobo, and spices in a bowl.
- Soften the corn tortillas by microwaving them for about 30 seconds while covered with a paper towel.
- Assemble the taquitos by placing about 1/4 cup of filling and a sprinkle of cheese on one end of each tortilla.
- Bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until crispy and golden brown.
- Blend the ingredients for the avocado cream sauce until smooth and season to taste.
- Serve the warm, crispy taquitos with a side of pico de gallo and a drizzle of the avocado cream sauce.