Quick & Easy Chicken Taquitos: Ready in Under 30 Minutes!

Craving something crispy, cheesy, and satisfying, but short on time? These quick and easy chicken taquitos are the perfect solution! They’re incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun snack, these taquitos are sure to become a new favorite. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferred spice level and cheese preferences, making it a winner for everyone.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Taquitos

• Fast & Easy: As the title suggests, these are ready in no time! Minimal prep work and a quick cooking time make them ideal for busy schedules.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by changing the spice levels, cheese, and toppings.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
• Versatile: Serve them as a main course, appetizer, or snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

• Cooked Chicken: About 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This is key for a creamy and flavorful filling.
• Shredded Cheese: 1 cup, divided. Mexican blend, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all work well.
• Taco Seasoning: 1-2 tablespoons, depending on your spice preference. You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning.
• Green Chiles: 4 ounces, diced (optional, but adds a nice kick).
• Small Corn Tortillas: About 12-15. Corn tortillas are preferred for their texture when baked or fried.
• Cooking Spray: For baking.
• Optional Toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, etc.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best chicken taquitos:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and diced green chiles (if using).
2. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more taco seasoning for a spicier flavor.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Warming the tortillas is crucial to prevent them from cracking when rolling. You have a few options here:

• Microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until softened.
• Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 10-15 seconds per side, until pliable.
• Oven: Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Lay a warmed tortilla on a clean surface.
2. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla. Don’t overfill them!
3. Tightly roll the tortilla up, starting from one end.
4. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Bake or Fry the Taquitos

You can either bake or fry your taquitos. Baking is a healthier option, while frying gives them a crispier texture.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray. This helps them get crispy.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the taquitos during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Frying Instructions:

1. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the taquitos in the hot oil, seam-side down.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the taquitos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the taquitos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
2. Enjoy your quick and easy chicken taquitos!

Tips for the Best Chicken Taquitos

• Don’t overfill the tortillas: This will make them difficult to roll and they may burst during cooking.
• Warm the tortillas properly: This prevents them from cracking when rolling.
• Use good quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your taquitos.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Add more or less taco seasoning depending on your spice preference.
• For extra crispy taquitos, brush them with a little oil before baking.
• If baking, flip the taquitos halfway through to ensure even browning.
• To prevent soggy taquitos when frying, make sure the oil is hot enough.
• Let the taquitos cool slightly before serving so the filling doesn’t burn your mouth.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some ideas to customize your chicken taquitos:

• Spicy Chicken Taquitos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling. Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: Use a combination of different cheeses in the filling, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
• Black Bean and Corn Chicken Taquitos: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a can of drained corn to the chicken filling.
• Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
• Ground Beef Taquitos: Substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and seasoned ground beef.
• Sweet Potato and Black Bean Taquitos: A delicious vegetarian option using roasted sweet potatoes and black beans.
• Creamy Avocado Filling: Add a dollop of mashed avocado to the filling for a creamy and flavorful twist.
• Use Flour Tortillas: While corn tortillas are traditional and crisp up better, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Be aware that they may not get as crispy.
• Air Fryer Taquitos: For an even healthier option, cook the taquitos in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken taquitos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty toppings and sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Sour Cream: A classic topping that adds a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot.
• Guacamole: A must-have for any Mexican-inspired dish.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh and flavorful salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Queso: A creamy cheese dip that’s perfect for dipping taquitos.
• Shredded Lettuce: Adds a fresh and crunchy element.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds a burst of fresh flavor.
• Cilantro: A fragrant herb that complements the flavors of the taquitos.
• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with taquitos.
• Refried Beans: A hearty and flavorful side dish.
• Corn on the Cob: A simple and delicious side dish.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): A creamy and flavorful salad made with corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

These taquitos can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Here’s how:

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Bake or fry them just before serving.
• Storage: Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, skillet, or microwave.
• Freezing: To freeze taquitos, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

  Yes, you can, but corn tortillas will get crispier. Flour tortillas will be softer and more pliable.

• Can I make these in an air fryer?

  Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• What if my tortillas are cracking when I roll them?

  This means they aren’t warm enough. Try warming them for a few more seconds in the microwave or skillet.

• Can I use a different kind of cheese?

  Yes! Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese are all great options.

• Can I make these vegetarian?

  Yes, simply substitute the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or sautéed vegetables.

Printable Recipe Card

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Enjoy!

These quick and easy chicken taquitos are a delicious and satisfying meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can have a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. So, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Happy cooking!