Taquitos

Crispy chicken taquitos are the perfect combination of crunchy tortillas and tender, flavorful chicken, making them an ideal snack or meal for any time of day. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy family dinner or a game-day party, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Paired with a creamy avocado dipping sauce, they’re irresistible!

This easy-to-make dish can be customized to fit your tastes, whether you prefer spicier fillings or a different cheese variety. Bake them for a healthier twist, or fry them for extra crunch. These taquitos are great for meal prep, as they can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a quick snack or meal during the week.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup salsa
10 small flour tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, green onions, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Lay the tortillas on a flat surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly.
Place the rolled-up taquitos seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush each taquito with olive oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Crispy Chicken Taquitos Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Crispy chicken taquitos are not only tasty but incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you bake or fry them, they achieve the perfect balance of crispy outside and juicy inside. The combination of seasoned chicken with cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla makes for a delicious bite-sized meal that everyone can enjoy. When you bake them, they turn golden and crisp without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option while still keeping that satisfying crunch.

This dish is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to party snacks or game-day treats. The beauty of crispy chicken taquitos is their ability to be made in large batches, ensuring everyone gets their fill. Plus, they are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or even an avocado crema for an extra layer of richness.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos at Home

Making crispy chicken taquitos at home is simple, and the process is adaptable to your taste preferences. The key to getting that perfect crispiness lies in choosing the right tortillas and baking them properly. Using soft flour tortillas is essential to achieving the ideal texture. Once the tortillas are filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, you can roll them tightly, ensuring they hold together well when baking or frying.

For the filling, cooked and shredded chicken is the star. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your chicken from scratch for an extra boost of flavor. Adding ingredients like green onions, salsa, and seasonings like cumin and garlic powder elevates the taste, giving the taquitos a well-rounded, savory flavor.

After rolling up the tortillas with the chicken filling, brushing them lightly with oil will help them bake to a crispy, golden perfection in the oven. This method cuts down on the fat content while keeping the taste intact. If you’re looking for a richer, crispier texture, you can opt for frying them in a pan with a bit of oil, though baking is a healthier choice that still results in a delicious outcome.

Perfect Pairings for Your Crispy Chicken Taquitos

One of the things that make crispy chicken taquitos so appealing is their versatility in serving. These taquitos can be paired with a variety of sides and dips, making them perfect for all kinds of gatherings and meals.

Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole contrasts beautifully with the crispy texture of the taquitos. The rich flavor of mashed avocados with a hint of lime and cilantro complements the savory chicken filling, making for a perfect bite.
Salsa: Whether you prefer a mild tomato-based salsa or a spicier green salsa, this classic dip works wonders with taquitos. The freshness and acidity of the salsa balance the richness of the chicken and cheese.
Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: For an extra creamy and tangy touch, serve your taquitos with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema. These creamy additions help mellow out the heat from any spicy ingredients and add an extra layer of indulgence.
Salad or Mexican Street Corn: If you’re looking to turn your taquitos into a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad with a tangy dressing or traditional Mexican street corn (elote). The crunch of the corn and the freshness of the salad pair wonderfully with the warm, crispy taquitos.

Variations of Taquitos You Can Try

Crispy chicken taquitos are not only delicious as they are but also offer endless possibilities for variation. Depending on your taste or dietary preferences, you can tweak the recipe in several ways:

Vegetarian Taquitos: For a meat-free alternative, swap the chicken for a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. Adding black beans and cheese makes for a hearty filling that is just as satisfying as the traditional chicken version.
Beef Taquitos: If you’re craving something heartier, ground beef can be used as a filling. Seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onions, beef taquitos offer a deeper, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh salsas and guacamole.
Spicy Chicken Taquitos: For those who love spice, adding jalapeños or chili powder to the chicken filling will kick the heat up a notch. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Cheese Lovers’ Taquitos: If you’re a fan of cheese, try adding extra cheese or a variety of cheeses to your taquitos. A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses creates a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy filling that’s sure to satisfy any cheese lover.
Crispy Pork Taquitos: Another variation that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture is slow-cooked, pulled pork. The tender, flavorful pork combined with melted cheese and wrapped in a tortilla offers a fantastic twist on the traditional chicken taquito.

Tips for Perfect Taquitos Every Time

Making perfect crispy taquitos requires a little know-how to ensure they’re always golden and crispy. Here are a few tips to help you master the art of taquito-making:

Use Soft Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas roll up easily and cook more evenly, allowing for that perfect crispy finish. Ensure the tortillas are fresh and flexible so they don’t crack when rolling.
Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: While it’s tempting to fill the taquitos to the brim, overstuffing them can cause them to burst open while baking or frying. Stick to a small amount of filling that can be easily sealed.
Brush with Oil or Butter: For a golden, crispy texture, lightly brush the taquitos with oil or melted butter before baking. This helps them crisp up without being greasy.
Roll Tightly: To ensure that your taquitos hold together, roll them tightly. If they are loosely rolled, the filling can spill out during cooking.
Bake on a Wire Rack: If you’re baking the taquitos, placing them on a wire rack instead of directly on a baking sheet ensures that air circulates around the taquitos, helping them cook evenly on all sides.

Why You Should Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Crispy chicken taquitos are a fantastic dish that fits nearly every occasion. They are great for casual weeknight dinners, weekend parties, or even as a fun snack to enjoy while watching a movie. Their crispy exterior and savory filling offer the perfect combination of textures, making them universally loved by people of all ages. Additionally, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them convenient for meal prepping or busy days.

These taquitos are not only flavorful but also highly customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, these crispy treats will bring joy to your table. With endless variations, you can always switch things up and experiment with different fillings, toppings, and dips.

Conclusion

Crispy chicken taquitos are a delicious and versatile dish that never goes out of style. With their golden, crispy exterior and savory chicken filling, they are the perfect bite-sized treat for almost any occasion. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer at a party, or a snack for game day, taquitos are guaranteed to please. The best part is that you can customize them to suit your preferences, making them a versatile and satisfying option for any gathering or meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, making crispy chicken taquitos is simple, fun, and rewarding. Give them a try, and you’ll see just how easily they become a family favorite!