Bite into these Crispy Chicken Taquitos and you’ll understand why they’re a forever favorite at any party, family gathering, or casual weeknight dinner. Each one packs savory, seasoned chicken and melted cheese into a perfectly golden shell that shatters when you take a bite—just the way a taquito should. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures is topped only by their versatility: serve them with dips, load them up with toppings, or eat them straight from the plate. You will fall for the magic of Crispy Chicken Taquitos with just one crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of pantry staples and a few flavorful spices, you’ll be able to whip up Crispy Chicken Taquitos that rival your favorite taqueria. Each ingredient plays its role to make every bite layered with taste, texture, and a hint of nostalgia.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken works best—juicy and easy to mix with seasonings.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the filling, giving the taquitos their gooey, cheesy center.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess that keeps the filling moist.
- Garlic powder: For a subtle, aromatic garlicky bite in every taquito.
- Onion powder: Brings in mild sweetness and boosts the savory character.
- Ground cumin: Delivers earthy, warm undertones that feel authentically Mexican.
- Chili powder: Provides a little pop of spice and deep color to the filling mixture.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory notes in the chicken and cheese.
- Black pepper: A pinch for sharpness and a tiny bit of expected heat.
- Small corn tortillas: The real secret to getting that classic taquito crunch—they fry up lighter and crispier than flour tortillas.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use enough to fully submerge and crisp up your taquitos for that irresistible bite.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the heart of your taquitos: add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix until everything is fully blended—you’re looking for a creamy, slightly sticky mixture that will hold together inside the tortillas. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking; this is what gives your Crispy Chicken Taquitos their signature flavor boost.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Next, make your corn tortillas soft and rollable. Stack them and either microwave under a damp towel for about 30 seconds or warm in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. This quick step prevents cracking and helps you tightly roll perfect taquitos every time. Flexible tortillas are the secret to achieving tightly-packed, never-leaky Crispy Chicken Taquitos.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Lay out a warm tortilla and spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your chicken filling down the center. Roll it up as tightly as you can, keeping the filling tucked in along the way. If your tortillas are super fresh and soft, they should stay put; if not, use a toothpick to gently secure each roll. Keep rolling until all your filling and tortillas are ready for the skillet—those tidy bundles will soon be transformed into golden, crunchy Crispy Chicken Taquitos.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high. You’ll know it’s ready when a tiny piece of tortilla sizzles instantly when dropped in. Fry 3–4 taquitos at a time, gently turning with tongs, until all sides are gloriously crisp and golden—usually 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and transfer cooked taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. The aroma alone will make it hard to wait!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your piping hot Crispy Chicken Taquitos on a platter and dig in while they’re hot and crunchy. Don’t forget bowls of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dunking—these final touches take taquitos from good to absolutely unforgettable. Now, all that’s left is to gather friends or family and watch the plate vanish!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Garnishes
Generous garnishes take Crispy Chicken Taquitos from a simple snack to a crave-worthy centerpiece. Top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. A drizzle of crema or a squeeze of fresh lime adds freshness and tang that brighten every bite. Don’t forget extra salsa or your favorite hot sauce to set off those amazing flavors!
Side Dishes
Keep the party vibe going by serving your Crispy Chicken Taquitos alongside easy Mexican rice, seasoned black beans, or a zesty corn salad. For lighter fare, a crisp lettuce salad with radishes and avocado balances out the richness. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of taquitos with a trio of dips (think salsa verde, guacamole, and creamy queso) will disappear in minutes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the expected! Stand your Crispy Chicken Taquitos upright in a jar for a playful edible bouquet, or slice them in half and serve on skewers for bite-sized appetizers. Layer them over a sheet tray, top with cheese, and bake for instant taquito nachos! However you serve them, don’t forget a colorful napkin—fingers will be reaching fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), let the taquitos cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
Crispy Chicken Taquitos freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool, line them up on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then move them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their flavor and crunch for up to 2 months—heat straight from frozen for a no-stress snack or meal.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 375°F until crisp and warmed through. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy. This way, your Crispy Chicken Taquitos come back to life as fresh, irresistible, and crunchy as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Chicken Taquitos without frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter take, place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. You’ll still get that golden crunch without the extra oil.
What chicken works best for Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving superstar, but any cooked, shredded chicken (like leftover baked or poached breast and thigh meat) delivers delicious results. Just avoid overly saucy chicken to keep the filling from leaking.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Corn tortillas are classic and provide the signature crunch, but if you prefer flour, go for the smallest available. They’ll be a bit softer and chewier, but still delicious—just be sure to warm them well to avoid tearing.
Are Crispy Chicken Taquitos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use 100% corn tortillas and double-check that your spices are gluten-free. This makes them perfect for gluten-sensitive friends and family—plus, everyone else will love them, too!
How do I keep taquitos from unrolling while frying?
Warming the tortillas before rolling is key, as it makes them more pliable and helps them stick. If needed, use toothpicks to secure—just remember to remove them before serving!
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are pure crunchy, cheesy comfort and endlessly adaptable for any meal or party. Try them once and they’ll quickly earn a place in your home-cooking rotation. So gather your favorite ingredients, roll up a batch, and get ready to watch everyone light up with that first delightful crunch!
Print
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious Mexican-inspired appetizer featuring a flavorful chicken and cheese filling wrapped in crispy fried corn tortillas. Perfect for parties or as a fun snack!
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For assembling:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and spices until combined. Warm tortillas, then place chicken mixture in each and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Fry taquitos until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with dips.
Notes
- To make a lighter version, bake or air fry instead of frying. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
