Dessert

Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Name: Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; ¼ cup salsa; 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

Bylina Carter February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

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Introduction

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. Filled with flavorful shredded chicken and melted cheese, these rolled tortillas bake to golden perfection. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a tasty weeknight dinner.

The image shows a white plate with five golden-brown rolled taquitos stacked on top of each other, each taquito having a slightly crispy texture with small browned spots. One taquito in the front is broken open, revealing a filling of shredded light-colored chicken inside. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered on the plate around the taquitos. To the right side of the plate, there is a small round white bowl filled with red salsa, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup salsa

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
Step 4: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
Step 5: Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with oil.

Step 6: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for an additional minute or two, watching carefully.
Step 7: Serve warm with chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but warm them well to prevent cracking.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
Try mixing in diced jalapeños or green chilies for added flavor.
For a crispy finish, brush taquitos lightly with oil rather than spraying.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Four golden-brown rolled tacos are neatly arranged side by side on a white plate lined with light parchment paper. Each taco has a crispy, lightly bubbled texture with some darker browned spots. Two of the tacos are slightly open at the ends, revealing a filling of shredded chicken mixed with creamy melted cheese and a reddish sauce peeking out. The surface under the plate shows a soft white marbled texture, and blurred green garnish is lightly visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked in a single layer, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with crispy chicken taquitos?

They pair well with fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. A simple side salad or Mexican rice also complements the dish nicely.