Name: Crispy Chicken Taquitos – The Perfect Crunchy Snack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/3 cup salsa; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 12 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying or brushing for baking)

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If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious, these Chicken Taquitos are for you! Shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and warm spices are rolled up in a tortilla and baked or fried to golden perfection. They make an easy snack, a fun dinner, or the perfect party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and cheesy – The perfect balance of crunch and melty goodness.
Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to meal.
Versatile – Great as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner.
Make-ahead friendly – Prep them in advance and cook when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need, but the full list is in the recipe card below:

Shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great.
Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor.
Tortillas – Corn tortillas for a traditional touch, but flour works too.
Spices – Cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a bold taste.
Salsa – Adds extra moisture and flavor.
Oil – For frying or brushing before baking.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, and spices until well combined.

Warm the Tortillas

Lightly heat the tortillas to make them more pliable. This helps prevent cracking when rolling.

Roll the Taquitos

Spoon a small amount of the filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down.

Cook to Perfection

Frying: Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown and crispy.
Baking: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Air Frying: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use warm tortillas – Prevents cracking when rolling.
Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause them to burst open.
Freeze before cooking – Makes them hold their shape better and perfect for meal prep.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Use beef or pork – Swap the chicken for shredded beef or pulled pork.
Try different cheeses – Pepper Jack or Mexican blend work great too.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. A side of Mexican rice or black beans makes it a complete meal!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and freeze them before cooking. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas will be softer, while corn tortillas give a more authentic crunch.

What’s the best way to keep them crispy?

Avoid overcrowding when cooking and reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Conclusion

Chicken Taquitos are an easy, crispy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they’re perfect for any occasion. Give them a try, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your house!

Crispy Chicken Taquitos – The Perfect Crunchy Snack

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Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking, Frying, Air Frying
Cuisine: Mexican

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Warm the Tortillas: Lightly heat the tortillas in a pan or microwave to make them pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
Roll the Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down.
Cook to Perfection:
- Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the taquitos in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush taquitos with oil and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping.

Notes

Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
Don’t overfill to avoid the taquitos bursting open.
For extra crispy taquitos, spray with cooking spray before baking or air frying.
Can be frozen before cooking for easy meal prep.