Homemade Crispy Chicken Taquitos: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 10 small flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Guacamole, salsa and sour cream for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Warm the tortillas in a microwave or on a griddle until they are soft and pliable. This makes them easier to roll without tearing.
  4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then place on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
  5. Brush the tops and sides of the rolled tortillas with the vegetable oil. This helps them to crisp up in the oven.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Serve your chicken taquitos with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or feta for unique flavor combinations.
  • Add diced green chilies or jalapenos to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Replace the chicken with cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded beef for a beef taquito variation.
  • Make vegetarian taquitos by substituting the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
  • Try baking the taquitos in an air fryer instead of the oven for a quicker cooking time and extra crispiness.
  • Serve the taquitos with a variety of dipping sauces such as chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese before serving for added flavor.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Chicken Taquitos! These delicious, crispy rolled tortillas are filled with a flavorful mix of shredded chicken, cheese, cilantro, and spices. Baked until golden and crispy, these taquitos make a perfect main course or appetizer. They are also great for parties and gatherings as they are easy to make in large quantities. Served with sides of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, these Chicken Taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. This recipe yields 10 taquitos, perfect for a family meal or a get-together. So, let's get started on making these tasty, homemade Chicken Taquitos!

Common questions

  1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas if you prefer. Just make sure to warm them up before rolling to prevent cracking.
  2. Can I use pre-shredded chicken? Yes, you can use pre-shredded chicken if you have it on hand. However, using freshly cooked and shredded chicken will yield the best flavor and texture.
  3. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the taquitos ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Can I freeze the taquitos? Yes, these taquitos freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven until heated through.
  5. What can I serve with chicken taquitos? Chicken taquitos are great on their own but can be served with a variety of sides. Some common options include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce, or a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Taquitos, also known as flautas, trace their origins back to the regional cuisines of Mexico. The name "taquito", meaning "little taco", is derived from the Spanish diminutive form of taco. The rolled and filled tortilla is then typically fried until it achieves a crispy, golden exterior. Taquitos are often stuffed with meat, cheese, or beans and served with toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. In Mexico, they are a popular street food and are also found in many restaurants. In the United States, they became popular in the Tex-Mex cuisine of the Southwestern regions. Despite their humble origins, taquitos have found their way onto tables around the world, beloved for their crunch, their versatility, and the delightful contrast between the crispy tortilla and the soft, flavorful filling inside.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.