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Homemade Chicken Taquitos

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These homemade chicken taquitos will make you forget all about the frozen kind - they're crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make! Starting with rotisserie chicken is the brilliant shortcut that saves tons of time while still giving you that perfectly seasoned, tender filling. When you roll it up with cheese and seasonings in corn tortillas, then crisp them up until golden, magic happens! The best part is you can freeze a batch for later, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks. They're way better than store-bought and just as convenient!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:04:55 GMT
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A plate of rolled tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and salsa, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of sour cream. Pin it
A plate of rolled tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and salsa, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of sour cream. | tastygusto.com

Every time I make these crispy Chicken Taquitos my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma. Living in Southern California has taught me the beauty of simple Mexican-inspired dishes. These golden rolled tacos stuffed with seasoned chicken have become a staple in my weekly meal rotation. They're so versatile you can dress them up for dinner parties or keep them casual for busy weeknights.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Homemade chicken taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They're healthier than store-bought versions and easy to customize. Plus, they're perfect for make-ahead meals and can be frozen for later. A kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe!

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Cooking spray: Olive or avocado oil works great.
  • Greek yogurt: Can be substituted with sour cream.
  • Salsa: Adds tangy flavor.
  • Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder.
  • Shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken is ideal.
  • Cheese: Use shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend.
  • Corn tortillas: Or small flour tortillas if preferred.
  • Optional: Grated carrot and red bell pepper for added nutrients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven
Preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and coat with cooking spray.
Mix the Filling
Combine Greek yogurt, salsa, lime juice, and seasonings in a bowl. Add chicken and cheese, stirring to combine.
Prepare the Tortillas
Warm tortillas to keep them pliable, then cover with a damp towel while assembling.
Assemble and Bake
Place filling on each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Taquitos

For extra crispiness, pat the tortillas dry before rolling. Add black beans or green chiles for variety. Make ahead by preparing the filling in advance, or freeze rolled taquitos for a convenient meal later.

Storage and Reheating

I love having these ready to go in my freezer. They'll keep beautifully for up to 3 months wrapped well. For best results warm them in the oven or air fryer to restore that wonderful crispiness. Just a few minutes at 350°F and they taste freshly made.

Serving Suggestions

In my house we love setting up a taquito bar. I put out bowls of fresh guacamole cool sour cream zesty salsa and my homemade pico de gallo. A side of Mexican rice or black beans makes it a complete meal. For casual gatherings these are always the first to disappear from the appetizer table.

Variations for Chicken Taquitos

Chicken taquitos are highly customizable! Substitute chicken with shredded beef or pork for variety. Add chopped green chiles or jalapeños for a spicy kick, or swap Greek yogurt for cream cheese to make the filling extra creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas? Yes, but corn tortillas are preferred for their authentic flavor and crisp texture.

How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking? Warm the tortillas before filling and rolling to keep them pliable.

Can I make them vegetarian? Absolutely! Use black beans or roasted vegetables as a filling.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

After years of making taquitos I can tell you these beat anything from the store. The filling is perfectly seasoned the tortillas get wonderfully crispy and you know exactly what goes into them. They've become a trusted recipe in my collection one that never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table.

A plate of five crispy taquitos filled with chicken and topped with fresh cilantro, accompanied by small bowls of salsa and sour cream. Pin it
A plate of five crispy taquitos filled with chicken and topped with fresh cilantro, accompanied by small bowls of salsa and sour cream. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze the assembled taquitos before baking and cook directly from frozen.
→ How do I keep the tortillas from breaking?
Heat the tortillas until soft and keep them covered with a damp towel while working. This keeps them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling.
→ Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes, about half the time of oven baking.
→ How do I reheat leftover taquitos?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes until crispy. Leftovers keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
→ Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with black beans for a vegetarian version. You can also customize with different proteins or add green chiles for extra flavor.

Chicken Taquitos

Crispy baked taquitos filled with seasoned chicken, cheese, and optional hidden vegetables. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for make-ahead meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 18 Servings (18 taquitos)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Cooking spray.
02 3/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
03 1/4 cup salsa.
04 1 tablespoon lime juice.
05 1 teaspoon chili powder.
06 1/2 teaspoon cumin.
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
08 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 2 cups cooked shredded chicken.
10 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
11 1 medium carrot (optional).
12 1/2 red bell pepper (optional).
13 18 corn or small flour tortillas.
14 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment and spray with cooking spray.

Step 02

Mix yogurt, salsa, lime juice and seasonings. Add chicken, cheese and optional minced vegetables.

Step 03

Warm tortillas until pliable. Keep covered with damp towel while working.

Step 04

Place 3 tablespoons filling on each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.

Step 05

Spray taquitos with cooking spray and bake 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Notes

  1. Can be frozen before baking.
  2. Works in air fryer for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Filling can be made one day ahead.
  4. Can substitute black beans for chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Food processor (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, yogurt).
  • Gluten (if using flour tortillas).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 118
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 8 g