Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Crunchy on the outside, savory on the inside, Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender shredded chicken, gooey cheddar cheese, and a creamy salsa blend.
Whether baked or fried, these taquitos offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. They make a perfect meal for weeknights, game day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a deliciously satisfying snack.
This easy Chicken Taquitos recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and versatile addition to your meal rotation. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for the ultimate dipping experience. Prepare to fall in love with every crispy, cheesy bite!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Taquitos
What You’ll Need to Make These Tasty Taquitos
Cooked shredded chicken – Provides the filling with a juicy, tender texture. Rotisserie chicken works great for added flavor.
Cream cheese – Adds a smooth, creamy base that binds all ingredients together.
Salsa – Introduces a burst of tangy, spicy flavor; use your favorite kind to customize the heat level.
Sour cream – Balances the richness with a subtle tang, enhancing the overall creaminess.
Cheddar cheese – Melts perfectly, adding a gooey, cheesy delight to every bite.
Baby spinach leaves – Sneaks in a bit of greens, adding freshness and a slight crunch.
Cumin, garlic powder, chili powder – These spices bring depth and warmth, enhancing the savory flavors of the chicken.
Corn or flour tortillas – The vehicle for the delicious filling, becoming crispy when baked or fried.
Steps to Make Chicken Taquitos
How to Make These Crispy and Delicious Taquitos
Mix cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream in a bowl until smooth. Add chicken, cheddar, spinach, and seasonings, combining well.
Warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium-high heat until pliable.
Place a generous spoonful of filling in each tortilla, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
For baked taquitos, preheat the oven to 425°F, brush tortillas with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
For fried taquitos, heat oil in a skillet and fry the taquitos in batches until golden and crisp.
Serve hot with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Taquitos
Warm the tortillas before filling to prevent them from cracking while rolling.
For an extra-crispy finish, brush or spray the taquitos with oil before baking.
Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa to suit your preference.
Fun Recipe Variations
Cheesy Beef Taquitos: Replace chicken with ground beef seasoned with taco spices.
Vegetarian Taquitos: Swap the chicken for black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.
Spicy Jalapeño Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Taquitos
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the prepared taquitos on a baking sheet before transferring them to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa any preferred variety
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 15-20 corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the salsa and sour cream until smooth and well combined. Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
- If using corn tortillas, warm a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 15 to 30 seconds per side, or until they become soft and flexible. Place the tortillas on a plate and cover them with foil to retain warmth and pliability.
- Place a generous spoonful of the prepared filling along the center of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Baking Option: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or a brush of oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shells are golden and crispy.
- Frying Option: Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (the tortillas should sizzle immediately upon contact), fry the taquitos in small batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the taquitos hot with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce on the side.
Notes
Prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Roll the filling into tortillas just before baking or frying.
Freezing Instructions:
For a convenient freezer meal, prepare the taquitos as directed and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store them for up to 3 months. To cook, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the frozen taquitos on a lined or greased baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
FAQ
Can I freeze the taquitos before baking?
Yes! To freeze, place the taquitos on a greased baking sheet and cover with tinfoil. When ready to cook, bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
How do I prevent the taquitos from busting open while baking?
Ensure the tortillas are warmed before rolling to make them more pliable. Placing the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet can also help prevent them from busting open during baking.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! You can make the taquitos in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes for crispy results.
Can I use substitutions for dairy in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dairy with alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or dairy-free cheese. Some users even replaced the cream cheese with avocado for a dairy-free option.
