Description
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious Mexican-inspired snack or appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful filling, rolled tightly in soft tortillas, and baked to golden crisp perfection. Perfect for parties, game day, or a tasty meal, these taquitos offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
Tortillas
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them soft and pliable, which makes rolling easier without cracking.
- Fill and Roll: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto one side of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly over the filling, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to keep them closed during baking.
- Arrange and Oil: Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the tops and sides of the taquitos with cooking oil or spray for a crispy golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. For an extra crunchy texture, broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken taquitos warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference; corn tortillas will give a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother filling texture.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for extra crispiness.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
- These taquitos freeze well. Freeze the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: crispy chicken taquitos, baked taquitos, Mexican appetizer, chicken snacks, easy party food
