Chicken Taquitos

Name: Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 6 ounces cream cheese; 1/4 cup salsa; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 15-20 corn or flour tortillas

Published: July 27, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious taquitos ready in no time.
Flavorful Filling: A creamy blend of chicken, cheese, and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Baked or Fried Options: Choose between baking for a healthier option or frying for that extra crunch.
Customizable: Easily adapt the filling with your favorite ingredients or spice levels for a personal touch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these taquitos fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience while making Chicken Taquitos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Non-stick griddle
Skillet
Baking sheet
Toothpicks (optional)
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the creamy filling ingredients easily.
Non-stick griddle: Helps soften tortillas without sticking, making rolling easier.
Skillet: Necessary for frying taquitos to achieve that crispy texture.
Baking sheet: Ideal for baking taquitos evenly in the oven.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Chicken Taquitos:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (I use rotisserie)
6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup baby spinach leaves (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper (for taste)
15-20 corn or flour tortillas
guacamole, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by adding cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream to a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients (except the tortillas) and toss well to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Soften the Tortillas

For corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 15 – 30 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable. Transfer them to a plate covered with tinfoil to keep warm.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

Place a large spoonful of filling in a line along each tortilla. Roll them tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Bake the Taquitos

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Fry the Taquitos

Alternatively, add about 1½ inches of oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the taquitos in small batches for just a few seconds on each side until golden and crispy all around. Use paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Chicken Taquitos warm with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side for dipping!

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos

Serving Chicken Taquitos is all about enhancing their crunchy texture and delicious flavor. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Classic Dipping Sauces

Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances the spices in the taquitos.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the crispy taquitos.
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a fresh, zesty kick that complements the chicken filling.

Fresh Side Salads

Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant salad with corn, lime, and cheese adds sweetness and crunch.
Cabbage Slaw: This crunchy slaw with lime dressing offers a refreshing bite alongside the taquitos.

Flavorful Extras

Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, these add a spicy tang that enhances each bite.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime over the taquitos brightens the flavors and adds zest.

How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos

To achieve perfectly crispy Chicken Taquitos, there are some simple tips you can follow for optimal results.

Bold seasoning: Make sure your chicken mixture is well-seasoned; this enhances flavor throughout.
Warm tortillas: Heating tortillas makes them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling.
Don’t overfill: Less is more! Fill tortillas just enough to roll without spilling out.
Even frying or baking: Ensure your cooking method allows for even heat distribution to avoid soggy spots.
Test oil temperature: For fried taquitos, check if oil sizzles upon tortilla addition; this ensures crispiness.
Cool before serving: Let them cool slightly after cooking to maintain crispiness when served.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Taquitos can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their flavors perfectly.

Mexican Rice: This flavorful rice dish is often seasoned with spices and tomatoes, making it a perfect match for taquitos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein and a hearty side that pairs well with the crispy texture of taquitos.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa provide an additional snack option while enjoying your meal.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and freshness to balance out the richness of the chicken filling.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory taquitos.
Queso Dip: A warm cheese dip offers indulgence and extra flavor when paired with crunchy taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Chicken Taquitos from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold ingredients can make it hard to achieve a smooth filling.
Overfilling the tortillas: While it’s tempting to pack in a lot of filling, overstuffed taquitos can burst during cooking. Aim for a spoonful of filling per tortilla.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Don’t forget to taste your filling before rolling it up. Adjust the spices according to your preference for the best flavor.
Not heating tortillas: If you’re using corn tortillas, always warm them first. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on the taquitos while baking or frying. Cooking times may vary based on your oven or stove, so check for golden brown perfection.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
To prevent sogginess, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other.

Freezing Chicken Taquitos

Place cooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on high for 30-second intervals until warm but be aware they may become soft.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook taquitos for about 4-5 minutes on each side until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different meats in Chicken Taquitos?

Yes! You can substitute shredded beef or turkey if you prefer. Just ensure it’s cooked and shredded similarly to chicken.

What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Taquitos?

Popular choices include guacamole, sour cream, and various salsas. You can also try hot sauce for an extra kick!

How do I make Chicken Taquitos healthier?

Consider using whole wheat tortillas and adding more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini into the filling for added nutrition.

Can I bake Chicken Taquitos instead of frying them?

Absolutely! Baked taquitos are just as delicious and often lighter than fried ones. Follow the baking instructions provided in the recipe.

What sides pair well with Chicken Taquitos?

Serve with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or beans for a complete meal that complements the flavors of your taquitos.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Taquitos are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or adjust spices according to your taste. Whether baked or fried, these taquitos are sure to impress at any gathering or casual dinner. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating your perfect taquito experience!

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