Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

Easy homemade chicken taquitos are a delicious and crispy snack or meal that come together quickly with simple ingredients. These rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and cheese are perfect for sharing or a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• 12 corn tortillas
• Oil, for frying or brushing
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Mix until well combined and scoopable.
2. Step 2: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
3. Step 3: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling down the center of each warm tortilla. Roll tightly into a tube, securing with a toothpick if needed, or place seam-side down to hold together. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Step 4: Choose your cooking method:
   • Fry: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry taquitos in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
   • Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange taquitos in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
5. Step 5: Remove toothpicks if used. Serve hot topped with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite toppings and enjoy the crunchy goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Use flour tortillas if preferred, but warm them well to prevent cracking.
• For a healthier option, opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying.
• Add diced jalapeños or chopped cilantro into the filling for extra flavor.
• Leftover taquitos reheat well in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy; microwaving may result in soggy taquitos.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. If freezing, wrap them tightly and cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use if I don’t have toothpicks?

If you don’t have toothpicks, simply place the taquitos seam-side down when cooking; this usually keeps them rolled without unrolling.

Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.8 from 69 reviews

Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos are crispy rolled tortillas filled with a flavorful mix of shredded chicken, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese, seasoned with chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. These taquitos can be fried, baked, or air fried to golden perfection, making them a versatile and delicious appetizer or snack. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo for a satisfying crunch and flavor.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste

Taquitos

• 12 corn tortillas
• Oil, for frying or brushing

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole

Instructions

1. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, toss your shredded chicken with the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses along with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Ensure the mixture clings together but remains scoopable.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp kitchen towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking while rolling.
3. Roll Your Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling down the center of a warm tortilla. Roll it tightly into a tube, securing with a toothpick if needed, and place seam-side down. Repeat until all filling is used.
4. Cook to Crispy Perfection: Choose your cooking method:
   • Fry Method: Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry taquitos in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
   • Bake Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place taquitos seam-side down, brush lightly with oil, then bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
   • Air Fry Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place taquitos in a single layer in the basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Add Your Toppings and Serve: Remove toothpicks if used. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo. Serve hot and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful taquitos.

Notes

• Warming the corn tortillas before rolling prevents cracking.
• Use toothpicks to secure taquitos if needed to keep them tightly rolled during cooking.
• Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
• For a healthier option, baking or air frying reduces oil compared to frying.
• Leftover taquitos can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Keywords: chicken taquitos, homemade taquitos, crispy taquitos, Mexican appetizer, fried taquitos, baked taquitos, air fryer taquitos, shredded chicken snacks