Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Name: Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 topping)

Jessica Baker

Update : December 11, 2025

Plate of crispy chicken taquitos garnished with fresh herbs

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a fantastic choice for a quick and tasty meal or snack. They are easy to make, and you can customize the filling to suit your taste. These crispy rolls are golden on the outside and packed with delicious flavors on the inside. Perfect for dinner, parties, or game day, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!

How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos

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
Sour cream
Guacamole
Extra shredded cheese

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.
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.
Place taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush with oil or spray with cooking spray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are best enjoyed warm. Serve them on a platter with bowls of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side. You can also sprinkle chopped cilantro and extra cheese on top for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Crispy Chicken Taquitos

If you have leftovers, allow the taquitos to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Tips to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a creamy filling.
Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
For extra crunch, broil the taquitos for the last few minutes of baking.
Experiment with different spices or add vegetables to the filling for a unique twist.

Variation

Feel free to swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option. You can also change the cheese type to suit your tastes or add ingredients like corn, black olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought salsa?
Yes, store-bought salsa works perfectly! Choose your favorite flavor and heat level.

2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and fill the tortillas ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bake them before serving.

3. Are taquitos gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas, taquitos can be gluten-free. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos make for a delicious snack or meal option that is simple to prepare, sure to please your family and friends!