Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that have a special place in the hearts of many. The combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices rolled up in a crispy tortilla makes each bite a delicious experience. Perfect for family dinners, game day snacking, or a cozy night in, these taquitos are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. This recipe provides a simple, step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible bites, ensuring you can whip them up any time you crave comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about Crispy Chicken Taquitos is their versatility. With minimal ingredients and straightforward prep, they are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a larger gathering. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone, making them a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can easily customize the filling to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, this recipe caters to all. Additionally, they are baked or air-fried, offering a healthier option without sacrificing that all-important crunch.
Ingredients
12 small corn tortillas: These soft, pliable tortillas provide a perfect vehicle for our delicious filling. Their subtle flavor pairs wonderfully with the aromatic spices.
2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Juicy and tender, the shredded chicken is the star of the show, bringing protein and satisfaction to each taquito.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack): Adding a rich, creamy texture and a deliciously melty quality, the cheese elevates the dish to new levels of indulgence.
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This ingredient adds a smooth, velvety richness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Providing a kick of aromatic flavor, garlic powder brings depth to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the savory aspect of the filling.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: A warm, earthy spice that brings a whole new dimension to your taquitos, cumin complements the chicken perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors, adjusting the seasoning ensures a deliciously balanced taste.
Oil spray for baking or air frying: A light spritz of oil will give your taquitos that coveted golden brown, crispy exterior.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven or air fryer: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your taquitos will cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix them together until they are thoroughly combined and creamy.
Warm the tortillas: For easier rolling, warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This step makes them pliable and less likely to crack when you roll them.
Assemble the taquitos: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at one edge of each tortilla. Roll it tightly, keeping the mixture inside, and then place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet or in your air fryer basket.
Add some crisp: Lightly spray the taquitos with oil to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Bake or air fry: For baking, place the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. If you’re using an air fryer, cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Once done, remove your taquitos from the oven or air fryer, and serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
- If you want to make these ahead of time, you can assemble the taquitos and store them in the fridge, then bake them right before serving.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- If you’re in a hurry, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling – it’s both convenient and delicious.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are perfect as an appetizer or a main course. Pair them with refreshing sides like a simple salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness. They also complement a variety of dips such as pico de gallo, guacamole, or creamy ranch dressing. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving them alongside other finger foods like nachos or sliders for a fun and varied spread.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Crispy Chicken Taquitos (about 2 taquitos) contains approximately 300-350 calories. This includes a good balance of protein from the chicken and cheese, healthy fats from the cream cheese, and carbohydrates from the tortillas. While they are a comforting dish, it’s always good to enjoy them in moderation, especially when paired with fresh veggies or wholesome sides.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you happen to have leftover taquitos, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven to maintain their crispiness. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked taquitos before cooking. Just assemble, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
For variations, feel free to add black beans, corn, or diced vegetables to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Now that you have this delightful recipe for Crispy Chicken Taquitos at your fingertips, it’s time to get cooking! Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they also offer a wonderful opportunity to gather around with family and friends over comforting food. We encourage you to try making them, and we would love to hear about your experience in the kitchen!
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with black beans, sweet potatoes, or even grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.What dipping sauces pair well with taquitos?
Traditional sauces like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are popular, but consider trying creamy ranch or even a chipotle aioli for something different.Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! You can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture, but corn tortillas traditionally offer that crispy finish.What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! Baking the taquitos in the oven will yield equally delicious results. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.How can I spice up the filling?
For added heat, mix in diced jalapeños or use spicy cheese. You could also add chili powder or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delightful Crispy Chicken Taquitos featuring savory chicken, creamy cheese, and aromatic spices wrapped in a crispy tortilla, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil spray for baking or air frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture at one edge of each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Lightly spray the taquitos with oil.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Add chopped jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container, or freeze unbaked taquitos for later.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
