Description
These crispy chicken taquitos are golden, crunchy, and bursting with cheesy, savory flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small can (4 oz) green chilies, drained (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas (5–6 inch)
- 2–3 Tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, pico de gallo or salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, cotija cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking, or heat 1–1.5 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm in a skillet until pliable.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush each taquito with oil.
- To bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until crispy and golden, flipping halfway if desired. To fry: Fry taquitos in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then drain on paper towels.
- Let taquitos cool for a minute, then serve immediately with your favorite toppings and dips.
Notes
Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. For extra crispiness, bake taquitos on a wire rack. Filling and rolled taquitos can be made ahead and frozen. Use gluten-free tortillas for a GF version. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheese and cream cheese. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, baked taquitos, Mexican dinner, easy appetizer, family dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option