Chicken taquitos are the kind of crunchy, cheesy delights that make your taste buds do a happy dance. Picture this: golden, crispy tortillas hugging a savory filling of perfectly seasoned chicken, all smothered in melty cheese and topped with a splash of salsa. You can practically hear the crunch and feel the warm hug of flavors as you take your first bite. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth every single time.

These little rolls of joy have been my go-to comfort food for years. I remember the first time I made them for friends – the smiles, the laughter, and an empty plate faster than you could say “More, please!” Whether it’s game night or a cozy family dinner, chicken taquitos never fail to impress. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will keep you coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken taquitos recipe is super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight
- The flavor profile is a perfect blend of spicy and savory that keeps everyone satisfied
- Visually appealing with its golden-brown exterior, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Plus, they are versatile enough to be served as appetizers or a main dish!
My family couldn’t get enough of these crispy delights during a recent taco night; they were gone before I even had time to snap a picture!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: A reliable choice; about 3-4 breasts will feed a hungry crowd nicely.
Fresh Garlic: Go for firm cloves; they pack more flavor and aroma into your taquitos.
Tortillas: Choose small corn tortillas for authentic flavor; they hold the filling perfectly.
Shredded Cheese: I love using Mexican blend cheese; it melts beautifully and adds richness.
Salsa: Pick your favorite brand or homemade; it adds moisture and zest!
Cumin: A must-have spice; it gives that warm depth to the chicken filling.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for drizzling before baking, ensuring crispiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Taquitos
Prepare Your Chicken Filling: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic until fragrant.
Next, add diced chicken breasts seasoned with cumin and salt; cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Shred the Chicken: Remove cooked chicken from heat and let cool slightly before shredding it with two forks or your hands. It should be tender and easy to pull apart.
Add Cheese and Salsa: Mix shredded chicken with shredded cheese and salsa in a bowl until well combined. The melty goodness of cheese should evenly coat each piece!
Roll Your Taquitos: Take one tortilla at a time; spoon some filling onto one edge then tightly roll it up. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Repeat for all tortillas.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Drizzle the rolled taquitos lightly with olive oil then bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
These chicken taquitos are more than just food; they’re little pockets of joy that transform any meal into something special. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
You Must Know
- Chicken taquitos are not just delicious; they are perfect for meal prep or game day
- Their crispy texture and flavorful filling make them an instant crowd-pleaser
- Plus, you can customize toppings to suit any taste, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the chicken with spices first, then assemble and roll the taquitos before frying for optimal crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shredded beef or veggies, and experiment with different cheese types to personalize your taquitos.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your chicken moist by marinating it beforehand
- Use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor, and don’t overfill your taquitos to prevent bursting during cooking
Sharing my first attempt at making chicken taquitos was a hilarious disaster; I forgot to seal them properly, leading to a mini explosion of chicken filling everywhere.
FAQ
Can I make chicken taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them earlier and refrigerate before frying when ready.
What is the best way to fry chicken taquitos?
Fry in hot oil (around 350°F) until golden brown, usually about 3-4 minutes per side.
How do I ensure my taquitos stay crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the frying pan and let them cool on a wire rack after frying.
Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are a delightful treat that combines crispy tortillas with a savory chicken filling, making them the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With their golden-brown exterior and melty cheese, these taquitos are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether it’s game night or a family gathering, they’ll be gone in a flash! Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of irresistible chicken taquitos that will surely impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings (12 taquitos) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with cumin and salt; cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before shredding the chicken with two forks.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with cheese and salsa until mixed well.
- Take one tortilla at a time, spoon filling onto one edge, and tightly roll it up. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Drizzle rolled taquitos with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand. Feel free to substitute chicken with shredded beef or veggies for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven.







