Description
Irresistible crispy chicken taquitos with a creamy, cheesy, and savory filling. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, they promise a delightful crunch and flavorful center.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa, mild or medium
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pinch black pepper
- 18–20 small corn tortillas (5–6 inch)
- 3–4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: Wooden toothpicks
- Optional: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Shred cooked chicken (about 2 cups). In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Warm corn tortillas (stack 5-6, wrap in damp paper towel, microwave 30-45 seconds) until pliable. Keep warm. Place 1.5-2 tablespoons of filling onto each warm tortilla, slightly off-center. Roll tightly and place seam-side down. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Heat 1-1.5 inches of frying oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully fry taquitos in batches (3-4 at a time) for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd. Remove with tongs, drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove any toothpicks before serving.
- For lighter options, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray assembled taquitos with oil. Bake on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. For air frying, preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray taquitos with oil. Place in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot taquitos immediately with desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. For a complete meal, serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans.
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in an air fryer (350°F / 175°C for 5-7 min) or oven (375°F / 190°C for 10-15 min).
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg