Crispy Homemade Chicken Taquitos: The Perfect Snack or Meal

Who doesn’t love the crispy, golden perfection of a taquito? The crispy outer shell, the warm, cheesy filling—it’s an irresistible combination that always hits the spot. And the best part? You can easily make these homemade chicken taquitos at home! With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a plateful of these delicious treats in no time.

Before we dive into the recipe, let me just say—thank you so much for stopping by! I can’t wait for you to try these taquitos. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even meal prepping. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chicken Taquitos

There’s so much to love about these homemade chicken taquitos. First of all, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients—many of which you probably already have in your kitchen—you can create a mouthwatering dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

These taquitos have a perfect balance of flavors. The shredded rotisserie chicken, combined with cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa, creates a creamy, flavorful filling that’s so satisfying. The cheese adds a melty, gooey texture that complements the crispiness of the fried tortilla. Plus, with garlic and onion powder in the mix, there’s just the right amount of seasoning.

They’re also super versatile! You can enjoy them as a snack, serve them as a main dish, or bring them to your next party. And let’s not forget, they’re so fun to eat! There’s something about holding a little crispy taquito and dipping it into your favorite sauce that makes every bite feel like a treat.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Taquitos

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious homemade chicken taquitos:

• 1 rotisserie chicken – shredded (this is your shortcut to flavor, and it’s a great way to save time!)
• 1 block of cream cheese – to create a creamy base for the filling
• 1/3 cup sour cream – adds tang and smoothness
• 1/2 cup salsa – for a little kick and flavor
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese – I love using a Mexican blend, but you can choose your favorite (cheddar or a sharp cheese works wonderfully too)
• 1 tsp garlic powder – for that savory depth of flavor
• 1 tsp onion powder – to bring out the savory goodness
• Salt and pepper – to taste, because seasoning is key
• Tortillas – use either flour or corn, based on your preference
• Cooking oil – vegetable or canola oil works best for frying
• Toothpicks – to hold the taquitos together while frying (a must!)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Homemade Chicken Taquitos

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have crispy, cheesy taquitos ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. You’ll want the filling to be creamy and flavorful!

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Before rolling up the taquitos, warm your tortillas to make them more pliable and less likely to crack. Pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This step will make the rolling process much easier!

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Take a tortilla and place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center. Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, ensuring that the filling is tucked inside. To keep the taquito from unrolling, secure it with a toothpick at both ends. Repeat this step for the rest of the tortillas.

Step 4: Fry the Taquitos

Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla in—it should sizzle), carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet—fry in batches if needed.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once fried, use tongs to transfer the taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve your crispy homemade chicken taquitos with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Taquitos

1. Don’t skip the toothpicks – They help keep the taquitos tightly rolled during frying, so they don’t fall apart.
2. Adjust the filling – If you like it spicier, add some chopped jalapeños to the filling or a few dashes of hot sauce!
3. Use fresh tortillas – This helps with rolling them without cracking, especially if you’re using corn tortillas.
4. Fry in batches – Give each taquito enough space to fry properly. Overcrowding the skillet will result in soggy taquitos.
5. Oven Option – If you prefer to bake these, you can place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.

What to Serve with Chicken Taquitos

These homemade chicken taquitos are amazing on their own, but you can definitely pair them with a few tasty sides:

• Mexican rice – The perfect complement to the creamy chicken taquitos.
• Refried beans – Smooth and hearty, these make an excellent side dish.
• Guacamole – A creamy, rich dip that goes wonderfully with the crunch of the taquitos.
• Mexican street corn (Elote) – Sweet, salty, and spicy, this is an incredible side that’s sure to impress.

How to Store Leftover Taquitos

If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the taquitos, secure them with toothpicks, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Can I freeze taquitos?

Absolutely! Once assembled, lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken for shredded beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These homemade chicken taquitos are a simple, yet absolutely delicious recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. And with so many ways to customize them, you’ll never get bored!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below or share a photo with me on Pinterest. I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to check out other recipes featuring peaches for even more tasty ideas. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal (varies based on tortilla and cheese used)
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

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