Name: Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups Shredded chicken (can use rotisserie chicken for convenience); 8 Flour or corn tortillas; 4 oz Cream cheese (softened); 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Chili powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); Olive oil (for brushing); Optional toppings: Guacamole; Salsa; Sour cream

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If you’re in the mood for something crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, then these Chicken Taquitos are exactly what you need. They’re packed with seasoned shredded chicken, wrapped in a crisp tortilla, and baked to golden perfection. Serve them with a side of guacamole or salsa, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal or snack that’s sure to impress. Ready to make these crispy, crunchy treats? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These Chicken Taquitos are the perfect balance of crispy and tender. The seasoned chicken filling is flavorful and juicy, while the tortilla gets perfectly crisped in the oven. They’re easy to make, and you can even prepare them ahead of time for a quick snack or meal later. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or bringing them to a party, these taquitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need. For the full list, keep reading!

Shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
Flour or corn tortillas
Cream cheese
Cheddar cheese
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil (for brushing)
Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream

For the full ingredient list, see below!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This is the tasty, creamy filling that will be wrapped up in your tortillas.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

To make sure the tortillas are pliable and easy to roll, heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (you can wrap them in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out). This step is key to making sure your taquitos don’t crack when you roll them.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, placing it in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring it stays sealed. You can secure the ends with a toothpick if needed, but make sure the seam side is facing down when placing them on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Taquitos

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching each other. Lightly brush each taquito with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the taquitos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the filling.
Crispy Perfection: For extra crispy taquitos, make sure to brush each one with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray before baking.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff your taquitos. If they’re too packed, they’ll be harder to roll, and the filling may spill out during baking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Different Proteins: You can easily swap the chicken for shredded beef, turkey, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer.
Cheese Options: Feel free to use any cheese you love! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess would work well.
Tortilla Options: While flour tortillas are the classic choice for taquitos, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer a more authentic flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Chicken Taquitos are great on their own, but they pair beautifully with a side of guacamole, salsa, or even a fresh Mexican street corn salad. For a more complete meal, serve them alongside a crisp, tangy slaw or a side of black beans and rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. If you’re freezing them, place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them before storing them in a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

4 FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the taquitos and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them. This makes them perfect for meal prep.
Can I fry the taquitos instead of baking them?
Absolutely! If you prefer fried taquitos, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the taquitos until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Can I use a different filling?
Yes! You can fill the taquitos with refried beans, cheese, or even shredded veggies for a vegetarian option. Just make sure the filling is well-seasoned.
Can I freeze the taquitos before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked taquitos. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen for about 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

These Chicken Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, a snack, or a party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. With their simple ingredients, easy prep, and endless possibilities for customization, these taquitos are a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the crispy goodness!

Chicken Taquitos

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 4–5 taquitos each) 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
Method: Baking (can also be fried if preferred)
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

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Description

These crispy, savory Chicken Taquitos are packed with seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Baked to golden perfection, they make the perfect meal or snack. Serve with guacamole or salsa for a truly irresistible treat.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Prepare the Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds (wrap in a damp paper towel to prevent drying out). This step will make them easier to roll without cracking.
Roll the Taquitos:
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, place it in the center, and tightly roll it up. Secure the ends with a toothpick if necessary, ensuring the seam is facing down on the baking sheet.
Bake the Taquitos:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. Lightly brush each taquito with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.

Notes

For extra crispy taquitos, brush each one with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray before baking.
You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
For spicier taquitos, add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.