Why Make This Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that make them a fantastic snack, appetizer, or main dish. These golden, crunchy rolls are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to game day gatherings. With a juicy filling of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a kick of spices, these taquitos are bound to be a hit. Plus, they are versatile enough to accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences, which means everyone can enjoy them!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Making Crispy Chicken Taquitos at home is surprisingly easy! Start by gathering a few simple ingredients and following a few straightforward steps. This recipe uses shredded chicken, cream cheese, and spices to pack plenty of flavor into each bite. All you need are tortillas to wrap it all up, and then it’s just a matter of baking until crispy. Bake them until they are golden brown and crispy, and you’ll have a delicious dish that can be served hot and fresh from the oven.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Extra shredded cheese (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable. This will make it easier to roll them without tearing.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you roll to keep the filling secure.
- Place taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between each one.
- Lightly brush with oil or spray with cooking spray to help them get golden and crispy.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 2 taquitos):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 20g
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are excellent served as a snack, appetizer, or a casual main dish. Pair them with sides like fresh guacamole, tangy salsa, or smooth sour cream for dipping. You can also offer a green salad or crunchy coleslaw to balance out the meal. For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños on top before serving.
How to Store Crispy Chicken Taquitos
If you have leftovers (which may be a rare occurrence!), allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- For a zesty kick, try adding a few diced jalapeños or diced onions into the filling mixture.
- If using corn tortillas, consider warming them in a dry skillet first to make them more pliable.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot salsa, or adding extra chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Keep an eye on the taquitos while broiling; they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Taquitos: Substitute cooked chicken with black beans or mashed sweet potatoes mixed with cheese and spices.
- BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Use BBQ sauce instead of salsa and shredded BBQ chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a spicy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover them well to prevent them from drying out.
Q: Can I freeze cooked taquitos?
A: Absolutely! After baking, let the taquitos cool completely. Then, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.
Q: What can I serve with taquitos?
A: Serve with a variety of sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh vegetable salad. Don’t forget the salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping!
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Taquitos offer a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a variety of ingredients wrapped in a delicious package. With their crunchy exterior and savory filling, they are perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. This recipe is easy to follow and adaptable, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you! If you love this recipe, please share it with friends and let us know how yours turned out. Happy cooking!
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you roll to keep the filling secure.
- Place taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between each one.
- Lightly brush with oil or spray with cooking spray to help them get golden and crispy.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.