I am excited to share my Crispy Chicken Taquitos recipe with you! These taquitos are packed with flavor and have a lovely crunch that makes them perfect for any gathering or a cozy evening at home. I love how easy they are to make, and they never fail to impress my family and friends.
Thinking back to my childhood, I remember when my Dad, James, would prepare similar recipes on weekends. He’d whip up some quick meals that brought the family together. Those simple moments in the kitchen stay with me, and now I get to create my own memories while making Crispy Chicken Taquitos for my loved ones.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Salsa
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Extra shredded cheese
The Tools That Help
To make these delicious taquitos, you will need the following tools:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave (for warming tortillas)
- Spoon (for filling the tortillas)
- Oven
The Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is well incorporated.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Place the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush them with oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
- Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for freshness.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
To make these taquitos a bit lighter, you can use low-fat cream cheese and opt for whole wheat tortillas. Adding more veggies to the filling, such as peppers or spinach, can also boost their nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
Perfect Pairings
Crispy Chicken Taquitos pair wonderfully with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa. I love serving them with a creamy dip or a zesty pico de gallo. For those who enjoy a cold drink, a classic margarita or a refreshing iced tea complements these taquitos perfectly!
Common Stumbles to Avoid
One common mistake is overfilling the tortillas. It can make them difficult to roll and lead to spills while baking. Also, make sure to properly warm up your tortillas before filling them, as this will prevent tearing. Lastly, don’t skip the cooking spray; it ensures you get that crispy finish.
Storing Your Creation
If you have any leftover taquitos, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen before baking—just wrap them tightly and store them for a quick meal later!
A Final Warm Word
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Crispy Chicken Taquitos as much as I do! They are simple yet delightful, and they bring friends and family together. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to be a hit.
Answering Your Questions
How can I customize my Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
You can customize your Crispy Chicken Taquitos by adding different spices, using various cheeses, or including veggies in the filling. Feel free to experiment with ingredients you love!
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and fill the tortillas ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. You can even freeze them before baking for later use.
How do I keep my taquitos crispy?
To keep your taquitos crispy, make sure to bake them until golden brown and lightly brush them with oil. Broiling them for a minute or two at the end can add that extra crunch you want!
Print
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Deliciously crunchy taquitos filled with flavorful shredded chicken and cheese, perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 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 serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Place the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush them with oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
- Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for freshness.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat tortillas. Add more veggies to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, Mexican appetizer