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These Chicken Taquitos can be baked or fried and require just a small list of simple ingredients to make! Crunchy and delicious, you’ll be dreaming of this crispy snack!
You know I love simple recipes and trust me when I tell you these Chicken Taquitos couldn’t get any easier! Made with a list of kitchen staple ingredients you will most likely already have on hand, you’ll never have to make a late night convenience store run again!
I filled my tortillas with tender, shredded chicken spiced with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cumin, topped it off with some ooey gooey cheese, rolled them up, and fried them to golden perfection. Can you think of a better snack or appy? I sure can’t.
Why This Recipe Works
- Short, Simple Ingredient List
- Can Be Baked Or Fried
- Easy To Make
- 30 Minute Recipe
- Homemade
I used to buy taquitos in the frozen section of my grocery store more than I’d like to admit. However, I knew I could make them myself at home, and I was right. No more buying frozen or 7/11 taquitos, this homemade version is WAY better and takes under 30 minutes! I have also included baking instructions for those opposed to frying!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – Cooked and shredded. You can also buy a rotisserie chicken and use that.
- Spices – Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder and cumin. All these spices scream Mexican.
- Cheese – I used a Mexican cheese blend, shredded. Plain old cheddar, Monterey Jack or Colby are great here.
- Tortillas – Small flour tortillas, use corn if you prefer.
- Vegetable Oil – For frying (see “FAQs & Expert Tips” for substitutes)
How To Make Chicken Taquitos
Making the Taquitos
- Mix Ingredients: Mix the chicken in a large bowl with the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cheese.
- Assemble: Scoop 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto the middle of a tortilla. Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick (if you’re baking the taquitos, skip the toothpick). Repeat with remaining chicken and tortillas.
Cooking the Taquitos
You have two options when it comes to cooking these chicken taquitos!
- Option 1: Fry: Fill a skillet 1/2″ up with vegetable oil. Heat to 350°F over medium heat. Use a pair of tongs to add the taquitos to the skillet, working in batches, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the taquitos to a wire rack to cool down for a few minutes.
- Option 2: Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Lay the taquitos on the sheet, seam-side-down. Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Taquito?
If you’ve never had a taquito before, you might be wondering what the heck I’m talking about. To sum it up, a taquito is essentially just a rolled up taco! Tortillas are filled with your favorite ingredients, then rolled and either baked or fried.
What’s The Best Type Of Oil To Use For Frying
When it comes to high-temperature cooking like frying, you want to make sure to choose the right type of oil. Every type of oil has a “smoke point” which is the temperature the oil will start to burn and, subsequently, smoke. Choose oils with a high smoke point! Like Canola oil, Vegetable oil, Avocado oil, Safflower oil, Sunflower oil, Peanut oil, or Grapeseed oil.
Can I Make These In Advance?
You can prepare these taquitos as instructed up until cooking! Cover them and put them in the fridge overnight until ready to cook or cover and pop them into the freezer! If you freeze them, thaw them out before cooking.
What Can I Add To These Taquitos?
Feel free to include any extra goodies in your taquitos! Some great options: Corn, Black Beans, Green Onion, Cream Cheese, Jalapeno, Ground Beef, Enchilada Sauce, Marbled Cheese, Pinto or Refried Beans or Chorizo!
Expert Tips
- You can buy a pre-cooked chicken from your grocery store and shred it to save time!
- Burnt oil will affect the overall flavor of anything you’re cooking, so avoid oils with low smoke points like extra virgin olive oil, butter, or unrefined oils and choose oils with a high smoke point!
- Top your chicken taquitos with additional toppings to really amplify the dish! Try: Hot Sauce – Whatever kind you like! I prefer to make my own, but if I don’t have any made I like to use sriracha or Valentina’s! Sour Cream, Guacamole – You can use store bought or homemade guacamole, or Chives – Finely Chopped and sprinkled over top!
Leftovers
You can store your leftover taquitos for up to 3 days sealed in an airtight container.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave, or reheat in the oven to maintain the crispness before eating.
Freezing
Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. Let thaw and reheat in the oven.
More Related Recipes:
Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken cooked & shredded
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend shredded
- 12 small flour tortillas use corn if you prefer
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the chicken in a large bowl with the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cheese.
- Scoop ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture onto the middle of a tortilla. Starting from the bottom, roll the tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick (if you're baking the taquitos, skip the toothpick). Repeat with remaining chicken and tortillas.
- Option 1: Fry: Fill a skillet ½" up with vegetable oil. Heat to 350°F over medium heat. Use a pair of tongs to add the taquitos to the skillet, working in batches, and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the taquitos to a wire rack to cool down for a few minutes.
- Option 2: Bake: Preheat the oven to 425F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Lay the taquitos on the sheet, seam-side-down. Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips & Notes:
- Nutritional information is per baked taquito.
- You can buy a pre-cooked chicken from your grocery store and shred it to save time!
- Leftovers: You can store your leftover taquitos for up to 3 days sealed in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave, or reheat in the oven to maintain the crispness before eating.
- Freezing: Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. Let thaw and reheat in the oven.
