Chicken Taquitos

Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos are the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a fun snack, these taquitos offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. With tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, they create an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty taquitos ready in no time.
• Versatile Filling – Customize your taquitos by adding different veggies or swapping proteins to suit your taste.
• Crispy Texture – Choose between baking or frying for that perfect crispy finish that enhances every bite.
• Easy to Serve – Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these taquitos are great for sharing or enjoying solo.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful bites, making them ideal for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Chicken Taquitos, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick griddle
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Large skillet (if frying)
• Tongs or slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick griddle – Ensures tortillas cook evenly without sticking, making them easy to handle.
• Mixing bowl – A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all filling ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheet – Perfect for achieving a golden crisp when baking your taquitos in the oven.
• Large skillet – Essential for frying; allows for even heat distribution while cooking multiple taquitos at once.

Ingredients

Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos made with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and a creamy salsa blend rolled in tortillas and baked or fried until crispy. 

Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (I use rotisserie)
– 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
– 1/4 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup baby spinach leaves (chopped)
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
– salt and freshly ground black pepper (for taste)
– 15-20 corn or flour tortillas
– guacamole, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce

How to Make Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Add cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream to a mixing bowl and stir until smooth.
2. Mix in the remaining ingredients (except the tortillas) until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Soften the Tortillas

1. For corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Cook each tortilla for about 15–30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
3. Remove them to a plate covered with tinfoil to keep warm.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

1. Place a large spoonful of filling along each tortilla in a line.
2. Roll tightly from one end to the other.
3. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 4: Bake or Fry the Taquitos

Baked Taquitos:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Spray the tops of the tacos with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until crispy.

Fried Taquitos:

1. Add about 1½ inches of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high.
2. Once hot (the tortillas should sizzle when added), fry taquitos in small batches for a few seconds on each side until golden brown.
3. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Chicken Taquitos with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping! Enjoy your delicious homemade creation!

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos

Chicken taquitos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances the flavors.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy complement that enhances the taste of the taquitos.
• Salsa: Fresh salsa brings a burst of flavor and freshness, perfect for dipping.

On a Platter

• Garnished with Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro leaves makes for an appealing presentation.
• Accompanied by Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and acidity.

As a Meal

• With Rice and Beans: Serve alongside seasoned rice and black or pinto beans for a hearty meal.
• In Tacos: Use the filling from taquitos to create soft tacos with your favorite toppings.

How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos

To make the best chicken taquitos, consider these helpful tips for achieving crispy and flavorful results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese for the best taste.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Fill them just enough to roll without breaking, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Preheat Your Oven or Oil: For baked taquitos, ensure the oven is hot, and for fried ones, oil should sizzle upon contact.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust seasonings like cumin or chili powder based on your flavor preference.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with chicken taquitos can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices and tomatoes complements the flavors perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to the meal.
3. Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with lime dressing provides crunch and sweetness.
4. Chopped Salad: Lighten up your plate with a crisp salad topped with avocado and lime vinaigrette.
5. Grilled Veggies: Charred bell peppers and zucchini bring smokiness that pairs well with taquitos.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity, making it a refreshing side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Taquitos is fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure cream cheese and other dairy products are softened. Cold ingredients can make mixing difficult and affect the texture of your filling.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can result in messy taquitos. Stick to a large spoonful for easy rolling and secure closures.
• Skipping the tortilla warming step: Not warming the tortillas makes them prone to cracking. Heat them briefly to keep them soft and pliable for rolling.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting your filling is crucial. Don’t skip this step; add more spices and salt as needed for the best flavor.
• Not letting fried taquitos drain: Placing hot taquitos directly on paper towels helps absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Taquitos

• Freeze unbaked or baked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• Properly stored, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Taquitos that might help you with your cooking journey.

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken for Chicken Taquitos?

Yes, ground chicken works well! Just cook it thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What type of tortillas are best for Chicken Taquitos?

Corn tortillas provide a traditional texture, but flour tortillas also work great if you prefer a softer bite.

How can I make Chicken Taquitos healthier?

You can use whole wheat tortillas and reduce cheese or substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.

Can I freeze Chicken Taquitos before baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked taquitos, which allows you to enjoy them fresh later. Just bake from frozen!

What dips pair well with Chicken Taquitos?

Guacamole, salsa, or sour cream are excellent choices that complement the flavors of Chicken Taquitos perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and versatile dish that everyone will love. This recipe is easy to customize by adding different veggies or spices according to your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy these delightful bites!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Chicken Taquitos

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8 (16 taquitos) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful crunch of homemade Chicken Taquitos, a perfect dish for any occasion. These irresistible rolled tacos are filled with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a blend of spices, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game night or preparing a family dinner, these taquitos are quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy them baked for a healthier option or fried for that extra crispiness everyone loves. Serve alongside guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves (chopped)
• Corn or flour tortillas

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, spinach, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Warm tortillas on a non-stick griddle until pliable.
3. Place filling along each tortilla and roll tightly.
4. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or fry in oil until golden brown.
5. Serve with guacamole and salsa.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking/Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 taquitos (90g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 40mg