Description
These crispy chicken taquitos are filled with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and bold Mexican-inspired spices, all wrapped in golden, crunchy tortillas. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or quick snacks, they can be baked, fried, or air-fried for a deliciously satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
¼ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
For Assembly:
12 small corn tortillas (6-inch) or flour tortillas
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and salsa in a large bowl.
Add seasonings: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir well until creamy and fully combined.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30–40 seconds, or heat on a skillet for 10 seconds per side.
Keep warm under a towel to prevent cracking.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling along one edge of each tortilla.
Roll tightly and place seam-side down on a plate.
Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
Step 4: Cook the Taquitos
Option 1: Bake
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush lightly with oil.
Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Option 2: Pan-Fry
Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Drain on paper towels.
Option 3: Air Fryer
Preheat to 390°F (200°C).
Lightly oil taquitos.
Air fry 7–9 minutes, turning halfway.
Notes
Warm tortillas before rolling to avoid cracking.
Don’t overfill—too much filling causes bursting.
Seal seams down while cooking to keep them closed.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture—avoid microwaving.
Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Snack
- Method: Baking, Frying, or Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: crispy chicken taquitos, easy chicken taquitos, baked taquitos, air fryer taquitos, Mexican snacks, chicken roll ups