Golden Crispy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe That Wows

Mastering crispy homemade chicken taquitos requires nothing more than a few smart techniques and fresh ingredients.

Corn tortillas become magical vessels for shredded seasoned chicken when rolled precisely.

Authentic mexican flavors shine through each perfectly crunchy bite.

Kitchen novices can confidently craft these delectable rolls without complicated steps.

Simple spices like cumin and chili powder create robust taste profiles.

Warm salsa or cool sour cream complement these irresistible appetizers beautifully.

You’ll find these taquitos vanish faster than you can plate them.

What Makes Crispy Chicken Taquitos a Snack-Time Star

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up these taquitos in no time with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills required. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Serve these crispy treats as an appetizer, snack, or main course that will wow guests at game day gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Kids and adults alike will love the delicious, crunchy goodness.
• Customize Your Flavor: Swap out ingredients to create endless variations – use different proteins, add heat with jalapeños, or experiment with unique cheese blends. This recipe adapts to your taste preferences and pantry staples.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Enjoy the satisfying crunch and creamy filling that makes these taquitos an irresistible comfort food. They bring the excitement of restaurant-style appetizers right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Chicken Taquitos (Crispy) Ingredients

• Rotisserie Chicken: Tender and flavorful shredded meat for the filling.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy and rich components that bind the filling.

• Corn or Flour Tortillas: Flexible wrapper for the taquitos.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.

• Salsa: Adds moisture and zesty flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the taquitos.
• Toothpicks: Help secure the taquitos during rolling and frying.

Chicken Taquitos Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Create Magical Filling

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything thoroughly until the mixture looks creamy and well-incorporated.

Step 2: Soften Tortilla Wrappers

Gently warm tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes them super flexible and prevents cracking when rolling.

Step 3: Roll Delicious Taquitos

Place a generous spoonful of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly, tucking filling inside. Secure each taquito with toothpicks at both ends to prevent unraveling.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place taquitos seam-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn gorgeous golden brown and become wonderfully crispy. Work in batches to maintain oil temperature.

Step 5: Final Touchdown

Transfer taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauce for an incredible flavor experience.

Taquito Tips That Keep Them Crispy and Satisfying

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Add a splash of taco seasoning or hot sauce to the filling for an extra flavor punch that makes every bite exciting.
• Prevent Tortilla Tearing: Always warm tortillas before rolling to increase flexibility and reduce the chance of cracking during preparation.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a cooking thermometer to ensure oil stays around 350°F for perfectly crispy taquitos without burning or undercooking.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, allowing you to enjoy homemade taquitos anytime.
• Healthier Cooking Alternative: Bake taquitos at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, lightly spraying with cooking spray to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.

Tips for Reheating Homemade Chicken Taquitos

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them flat to prevent sogginess and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet, spread them slightly apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F. Place taquitos in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly and crispy, turning once midway.

Snacks That Work with Chicken Taquitos

• Pair with Tangy Margarita: A zesty lime margarita cuts through the rich, crispy taquitos, balancing the creamy chicken filling with its bright, refreshing citrus notes.
• Complement with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Homemade pico de gallo adds a bright, fresh contrast to the deep-fried taquitos, introducing crisp tomatoes, onions, and cilantro that wake up your palate.
• Match with Cool Avocado Crema: A smooth, creamy avocado sauce provides a cooling counterpoint to the hot, crunchy taquitos, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its subtle richness.
• Serve with Mexican Cerveza: A light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the taquitos' richness with its effervescent character.

Chicken Taquito Snack Swaps

• Vegetarian Taquito Version: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potato, or seasoned jackfruit for a plant-based alternative that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to create a naturally gluten-free version that still delivers crispy, satisfying results for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps, using a cauliflower or zucchini-based filling to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic taquito experience.
• Spicy Chili Lovers Edition: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce into the filling mixture to add a fiery kick for those who enjoy extra heat in their snacks.

FAQs

• Can I use corn or flour tortillas for taquitos?

Corn tortillas work best for authentic flavor and crispiness. Flour tortillas can be used but won’t get as crispy and might become softer when fried.

• Is rotisserie chicken the only option for filling?

No, you can use leftover grilled chicken, shredded boiled chicken, or even canned chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded into small pieces.

• How do I prevent taquitos from opening during frying?

Secure each taquito with toothpicks before frying. Insert toothpicks at both ends to keep the roll tight and prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.

• Can I bake these taquitos instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness, but they won’t be as crisp as fried taquitos.

Crispy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crisp and golden chicken taquitos bring Mexican street food magic right to home kitchens. Packed with zesty seasoned chicken and rolled to perfection, these handheld delights guarantee smiles and satisfied cravings for everyone who takes a bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or sharp cheese)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 block cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tortillas (flour or corn)
• Cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil for frying)
• Toothpicks (for securing the taquitos while frying)

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable filling by blending shredded rotisserie chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and aromatic seasonings until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
2. Gently warm tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enhance flexibility and prevent potential cracking during rolling.
3. Position a generous portion of the chicken mixture near one edge of each tortilla, then tightly roll into compact cylinders, securing ends with toothpicks to maintain structural integrity.
4. Prepare a skillet with sufficient oil heated to medium-high temperature, testing readiness by introducing a tortilla fragment that sizzles upon contact.
5. Carefully introduce taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil, ensuring they do not overcrowd the cooking surface, and fry until each side achieves a golden-brown, crispy exterior (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).
6. Transfer fried taquitos onto a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and allow slight cooling.
7. Plate the crispy taquitos and accompany with complementary condiments such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Choose rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and ease, ensuring the meat is tender and already cooked perfectly.
• Warm tortillas briefly prevents cracking and makes rolling smoother, creating more uniform and professional-looking taquitos.
• Test oil temperature carefully to avoid burning or undercooking, using a small tortilla piece to check sizzling point before adding taquitos.
• Keep taquitos sealed with toothpicks during frying to prevent unraveling and maintain a tight, crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg