Description
Follow these steps to make crispy homemade chicken taquitos, perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
- Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix until the filling is evenly combined.
- Prepare the tortillas: Wrap the stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until they are warm and pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
- Warm a small skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush or dip each tortilla in the oil, or simply warm them briefly in the microwave if you plan to bake or air fry.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture near one edge of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Secure the seam with a toothpick if necessary.
- Choose your cooking method:
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place taquitos in a single layer in the basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Pan-Frying: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Remove toothpicks before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro into the chicken filling.
- If you are making these ahead of time, assemble them and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or your preferred salsa for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Air Frying, or Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 25