Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a flavor explosion with these irresistible Chicken Taquitos! Whether you're craving a quick appetizer, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a satisfying meal, these golden, crispy rolls packed with tender chicken and melted cheese will have everyone begging for more. The best part? You can either fry them to crunchy perfection or bake them for a lighter option – making these taquitos the ultimate flexible recipe that suits every cooking style and dietary preference.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken filling by combining shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa in a medium mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Warm the corn tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.
- Place a small amount of chicken mixture (approximately 2-3 tablespoons) along the bottom edge of each tortilla, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom edge, creating a compact cylinder. Secure with a toothpick if needed to prevent unrolling.
- For Frying Method: - Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F - Carefully place rolled taquitos into hot oil, seam-side down - Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy - Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil
- For Baking Method: - Preheat oven to 400°F - Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray - Arrange taquitos seam-side down - Lightly spray tops with cooking spray - Bake for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden
- Remove toothpicks if used and let taquitos cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
Tips
- Use room temperature tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling
- Don't overfill your taquitos – this can cause them to burst during cooking
- For extra crispiness when baking, place taquitos on a wire rack over the baking sheet
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature (375°F) when frying to prevent soggy taquitos
- Let taquitos rest for a few minutes after cooking to help them hold their shape
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican cheese mix for varied flavors
- Freeze uncooked taquitos between layers of parchment paper for an easy make-ahead meal option
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
