Ever bitten into a perfectly crispy taquito that makes you want to dance?

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate comfort food — they’re quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and the perfect handheld treat. Whether you’re hosting game night or looking for a fun family dinner, these taquitos will certainly be a hit. Plus, they’re easily customizable, making them a winner for both picky eaters and adventurous foodies.

Why make this recipe

What’s not to love about Crispy Chicken Taquitos? Here are a few reasons to grab your apron and get cooking:

Easy cleanup: Who wants to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans? Not you! This recipe minimizes the mess while crankin’ up the yum factor.
Family-friendly: Kids adore finger foods, and these taquitos are no exception. Just imagine the smiles when they dig into these crispy delights!
Budget-friendly: Using shredded chicken? 🙌 It’s a cost-effective way to make a delish meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 small flour or corn tortillas
Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
Chopped cilantro to garnish
Sour cream for dipping
Guacamole on the side
Extra shredded cheese (optional, but why not?)

Directions

Follow these straightforward steps to crispy taquito perfection:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
Place taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush with oil or spray with cooking spray.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

How to make Crispy Chicken Taquitos (Overview)

Making Crispy Chicken Taquitos is like a delightful dance in the kitchen. First, you’ll mix your hero ingredients in one bowl — the chicken, cream cheese, and spices create a dreamy filling. Warm those tortillas to make rolling a breeze, then wrap up your filling snugly like a cozy burrito. Bake until golden, and watch the magic happen. Pro tip: For an extra crispy texture, don’t skip that final broil!

How to serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Bring out the color and crunch when you serve these beauties! Plating them up with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh pop, while creamy guacamole and zesty sour cream will invite everyone to dig in. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake—heavenly, right?

How to store Crispy Chicken Taquitos

These taquitos keep well in the fridge for about 3–4 days in an airtight container. Want to freeze them? You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months! Just make sure they’re well-wrapped. For reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350°F until crispy again — nobody likes a soggy taquito!

Tips to make Crispy Chicken Taquitos

For extra flavor, experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or oregano.
If you love an extra cheesy bite, toss in some cream cheese into the filling — creamy goodness!
Want to save time? Meal prep your filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to roll.
If using corn tortillas, consider lightly frying them beforehand to reduce tearing when rolling.
Don’t overstuff! It can be tempting, but too much filling means they’ll burst open.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Spice things up by adding black beans, diced jalapeños, or even corn to the filling. Want to make it vegan? Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or tofu, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative!

FAQs

How can I make these taquitos spicy?
Add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy salsa for that extra kick!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

What can I use instead of shredded chicken?
Try black beans, tofu, or even leftover turkey for a delicious twist — whatever floats your boat!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!