Do you have a craving of something crunchy, cheesy and quick to prepare? This is a simple recipe to make crispy chicken taquitos to eat on a crazy night or a snack during the weekend. They are filled with juicy pieces of chicken, melted cheese, and enrolled in golden and crispy tortillas. The most appropriate thing about it is? They are made in under 20 minutes.
These taquitos are delicious whether you are having family dinner, have some friends over, or simply just want something decent to eat. On to this easy recipe that is big on the flavor but is light on the workload.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Baked or air-fried for a healthier crunch
- Great for meal prep and freezing
- Kid-friendly and customizable
If you already love stuffed tortillas like burritos or quesadillas, you’re going to enjoy this recipe. It has that same satisfying bite — just with a crispy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make about 10 taquitos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa (or taco sauce)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray (for baking)
Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, chopped cilantro, jalapeños
Quick Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep.
Set your oven to 425°F (or preheat your air fryer to 400°F). Put some parchment or foil on an ungreased baking pan and very lightly grease it.
Step 2: Combine the filling.
Combine the shredded chicken, cheese, sour cream, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder and salt in a bowl. Stir until all mix well.
Step 3: Toast the tortillas.
Heat the tortillas between 20 seconds in the microwave under a moistened paper towel to get the tortillas pliable and avoid them cracking.
Step 4: Rolling and stuffing.
Spoon 2 T. filling on each tortilla, half on one side and half on the other side. Fold it in the form of a cigar but roll it really tight and put it in the baking sheet seam-side down.
Step 5: Bake or air-fry.
Spray the cooking spray to the tops of the taquitos.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Step 6: Serve hot.
Serve with your favorite dips like guacamole or ranch. Add fresh toppings for more flavor.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are easier to roll.
- Double the batch and freeze some for later. Reheat in the oven or air fryer—no soggy taquitos here!
Variations You Can Try
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty twists:
- Buffalo Chicken Taquitos – Add hot sauce and ranch to the filling.
- BBQ Chicken Taquitos – Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and cheese.
- Veggie Taquitos – Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers with cheese.
You can even get creative with breakfast taquitos using scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Serving Ideas
These taquitos go great with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Fresh salads with lime vinaigrette
- Nacho-style toppings like chopped tomatoes, onions, and avocado
And if you’re a fan of cheesy, stuffed tortillas, don’t miss out on our Quesadilla Rellena Recipe. It’s another quick, delicious option that’s filled with savory ingredients and perfect for lunch or dinner. Try both and see which one becomes your favorite!
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When life gets hectic, quick meals are a lifesaver. These taquitos are:
- Fast – They come together in under 30 minutes, including baking time.
- Easy to clean up – Just one bowl and one pan.
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters love the cheesy crunch.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep the filling ahead of time and assemble when ready.
Keep this recipe on hand for those “I don’t feel like cooking” days.
How to Store and Reheat
Store:
Cool completely, then keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
- Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes
- Microwave: 1 minute (less crispy)
Freeze:
Assemble, roll, and freeze before baking. Store in a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen at 425°F for 20–22 minutes.
Why These Taquitos Work So Well
A combination of juicy chicken, creamy cheese and the crispy texture ensures that one bite of this recipe is satisfying. It is quick to prepare and tastes like indulgence. You do not actually require elaborate ingredients and time consuming preparations to create something that you crave after.
Moreover, it complements any other stuffed tortilla dishes such as burritos and quesadillas. Talking of which, you love this you are going to love our Quesadilla Rellena Recipe, a cheesy filling Mexican recipe that takes you just a few minutes. It is the warm little sister of these fried taquitos.
Final Thoughts
Crispy chicken taquitos are a game-changer. They’re fast, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo snack, this recipe is here to make your mealtime easier and more delicious.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook, skip the takeout and roll up some taquitos instead. And while you’re at it, explore our Quesadilla Rellena Recipe for another cheesy, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
