Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
