Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are golden, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with mildly spiced shredded chicken and cheese, delivering a perfect crunch with every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an ideal snack or party appetizer combining zest, texture, and comfort for any occasion.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Assembly
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil, about 2 cups)
Garnishes (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced green onions
- Lime wedges
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly, then add fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm the corn tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking during rolling.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Roll tightly from one side to the other, securing the filling inside. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the rolls together during frying.
- Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, maintaining the temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Fry the taquitos carefully, turning occasionally to crisp evenly until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve Warm with Toppings: Plate the hot taquitos and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and lime wedges. Serve alongside your favorite dips such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Notes
- Use fresh corn tortillas for best flexibility and to avoid cracking.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to prevent bursting during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F to ensure crispiness and avoid sogginess.
- Drain fried taquitos well on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
- Serve immediately for optimal crunch, or keep warm in a low oven if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Crispy Chicken Taquitos, Mexican appetizer, fried taquitos, chicken snack, party food, gluten free snack, easy chicken recipe