Chicken taquitos are a crispy, flavorful Mexican-inspired treat that’s perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even a main meal. If you love the idea of crunchy rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, then making chicken taquitos at home is easier than you think! In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to make delicious chicken taquitos with tips for baking, frying, or air frying them to crispy perfection.
What Are Chicken Taquitos?
Taquitos, sometimes called flautas, are small rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or other fillings, then cooked until crispy. Chicken taquitos specifically use shredded chicken mixed with cheese and spices, wrapped in corn or flour tortillas, and cooked until golden. They’re great served with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or your favorite Mexican sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to make classic chicken taquitos:
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
– 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup sour cream
– ¼ cup salsa (choose your favorite kind)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon ground cumin
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 15-20 corn or flour tortillas
– Cooking oil for frying (if frying)
Optional for serving: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors meld together.
2. Soften the Tortillas
To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas so they become soft and pliable. You can do this by heating them on a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 1-2 minutes.
3. Assemble the Taquitos
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. If needed, secure the seam with a toothpick to keep them from unrolling during cooking.
4. Cook the Taquitos
You have three great options for cooking:
– Frying: Heat about 1 to 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot (test by dropping a small piece of tortilla in the oil—it should sizzle), fry the taquitos in batches for 1-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
– Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray the tops with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden, flipping halfway if desired.
– Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange taquitos in a single layer seam side down. Spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 2 minutes until crispy.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Taquitos
– Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavor.
– Warm tortillas well to avoid cracking when rolling.
– Don’t overfill the tortillas to keep them from bursting.
– Secure with toothpicks if needed, but remember to remove them before serving.
– Customize your filling by adding chopped spinach, green chilies, or different cheeses.
– Serve with fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or shredded lettuce for a complete meal.
Why Make Chicken Taquitos at Home?
Making chicken taquitos from scratch is not only fun but also lets you control the ingredients and flavors. Unlike store-bought or frozen versions, homemade taquitos are fresher, less processed, and you can adjust the spice level and fillings to your liking. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or family dinners!
Chicken taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can make this Mexican-inspired favorite right in your kitchen. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, these taquitos will be a hit every time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and dig into these tasty chicken taquitos soon!