Crispy chicken taquitos incredible flavor is something I crave weekly! I remember the first time I made these homemade crispy chicken taquitos; the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of toasted corn tortillas and savory chicken. My kids came running, drawn by the promise of a crunchy, cheesy delight. These aren’t just any taquitos; they’re a golden, crunchy masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. If you’re looking for a fantastic crispy chicken taquito recipe that will impress everyone, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Incredible Chicken Taquitos
You’ll adore these crispy chicken taquitos for so many reasons! They’re incredibly delicious, boasting a perfectly crispy exterior and a savory, cheesy chicken filling that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll be amazed at how quick they are; this easy crispy chicken taquitos recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, they’re surprisingly budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have. They’re fantastic as a main course or a fun appetizer. Making homemade crispy chicken taquitos has never been so satisfying and easy!
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious crispy chicken taquitos. You’ll need 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, which is the heart of our filling. For that gooey, melty goodness, grab 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend). A teaspoon of taco seasoning adds that classic savory kick. If you like a fresh touch, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro is optional but recommended. The stars of the show are 8-10 corn tortillas; warming them is key to getting them pliable, which is essential for any crispy chicken taquitos oven baked recipe or fried version. Finally, you’ll need cooking oil for frying, like vegetable or canola oil, and your favorite dips such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
Let’s dive into making these amazing taquitos! Trust me, getting that perfect crunch is easier than you think.
- Step 1: Prepare the Filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups shredded cooked chicken with the 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir in the 1 teaspoon taco seasoning and the optional 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks delicious.
- Step 2: Warm the Tortillas. To make sure your tortillas are pliable and won’t crack, warm them up. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet for about 15-20 seconds per side. You want them soft and flexible, which is a crucial step for any how to get taquitos extra crispy method.
- Step 3: Fill and Roll. Grab a warm tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one end. Tightly roll the tortilla to enclose the filling. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate. This keeps them from unraveling during cooking.
- Step 4: Heat the Oil. Pour enough cooking oil into a large frying pan to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You’re looking for it to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to fry, but not so hot that it’s smoking. This is key to how to get taquitos extra crispy without burning.
- Step 5: Fry for Crispiness. Carefully add a few taquitos to the hot oil, making sure to place them seam-side down first. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are nice and crispy. Then, carefully flip them and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes until they are uniformly golden and crunchy.
- Step 6: Drain Excess Oil. Once they’re perfectly fried, use tongs to transfer the taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps absorb any excess oil, ensuring they stay wonderfully crisp rather than greasy.
- Step 7: Repeat and Serve. Continue this process with the remaining taquitos. Serve these incredibly crispy chicken taquitos immediately while they are hot and at their crunchy best, alongside your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to guarantee these taquitos are absolutely perfect every time. Following these simple tips will elevate your game!
- Ensure your corn tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling; this prevents them from cracking and helps you achieve that beautiful, tight roll.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Give the taquitos space so the oil can circulate evenly, ensuring maximum crispiness.
- For extra crispiness, especially if you’re using the oven-baked method, consider lightly brushing the taquitos with oil before baking.
- Always drain the fried taquitos on a wire rack set over a baking sheet rather than directly on paper towels. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottoms from becoming soggy.
What’s the secret to perfect Incredible Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
The real secret to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior lies in the oil temperature and not overcrowding the pan. It’s about a consistent, medium-high heat that fries them quickly without burning, giving you those wonderfully crunchy results. For more cooking tips, check out our recipe section.
Can I make Incredible Crispy Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the filling and roll the taquitos a day in advance. Store them seam-side down in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You’ll want to fry them just before serving for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Incredible Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
A common pitfall is using cold, stiff tortillas, which leads to cracking and makes them difficult to roll. Another mistake is frying them at too low a temperature, which causes them to absorb too much oil and become greasy, or too high, burning the outside before the inside is crisp. This is often why are my chicken taquitos not crispy! Learn more about our cooking philosophy.
Best Ways to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
These crunchy delights are so versatile! For a classic meal, I love serving them with a side of Mexican rice and creamy refried beans. They also make an amazing appetizer for parties. If you’re wondering what to serve with crispy chicken taquitos, think about colorful toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream or crema, and of course, plenty of salsa and guacamole. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top really brightens all the flavors. You might also enjoy our boat dip as another party favorite.
Nutrition Facts for Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
When you make these crispy chicken taquitos, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, which is about two taquitos:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used for your delicious homemade crispy chicken taquitos. For other healthy options, consider our Zepbound weight loss recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
Once your crispy chicken taquitos are cooked, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their deliciousness. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing. For refrigeration, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet! Wrap each taquito individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Now, let’s talk about how to reheat crispy chicken taquitos to bring back that amazing crunch.
For the best results when reheating, avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soft. Instead, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. An air fryer is also fantastic for reheating; a few minutes at around 370°F (188°C) should do the trick, giving you that just-made crunch. You can find more reheating tips on our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible
What makes chicken taquitos crispy?
The key to achieving those wonderfully crispy chicken taquitos is a combination of factors. First, using corn tortillas that are warmed until pliable prevents them from breaking and allows them to fry up beautifully golden. Second, frying them in oil that’s at the right temperature – hot enough to crisp them quickly but not so hot that they burn – is crucial. Finally, draining them properly on a wire rack helps maintain their crispiness. For more on achieving perfect textures, explore our crispy roasted cauliflower.
Can I use flour tortillas for these Incredible Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
While this recipe is designed for corn tortillas to achieve that classic crispy texture, you *can* use flour tortillas. However, be aware that flour tortillas tend to be chewier and less inherently crispy when fried compared to corn. If you do use them, you might need to fry them a bit longer to get them golden and somewhat crisp, but they won’t have quite the same signature crunch as corn.
How do I make these taquitos healthier?
You can absolutely make these savory crispy chicken taquitos a bit healthier! Instead of frying, try baking them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, an air fryer works wonders at around 380°F (193°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway. You could also reduce the cheese slightly or opt for a lower-fat cheese.
Variations of Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible You Can Try
Don’t be afraid to get creative with these crispy chicken taquitos! They’re a fantastic base for so many delicious twists. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken for black beans and corn seasoned with taco seasoning. You can also create incredibly flavorful crispy chicken taquitos by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a little heat. If you’re looking for a different cooking method, try baking them on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. An air fryer is also a great option, yielding wonderfully crisp taquitos in about 12 minutes at 380°F (193°C). For another great recipe, check out our turkey meatloaf recipe.
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Incredible: 1 Amazing Bite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious crispy chicken taquitos with this incredible 7-step recipe. Perfect for weeknights or parties, these taquitos feature a flavorful chicken and cheese filling inside a crunchy corn tortilla shell. Serve with your favorite dips for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 8–10 corn tortillas
- Cooking oil for frying
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, taco seasoning, and cilantro (if using). Mix until well incorporated.
- Warm the Tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 15-20 seconds on each side. This will help them be more pliable and prevent cracking.
- Fill the Tortillas: Take a warm tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one end. Roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling and place seam-side down on a plate.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, but not smoking.
- Fry the Taquitos: Carefully add a few taquitos to the hot oil, seam-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Drain Them: Using tongs, transfer the fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat: Continue the process until all taquitos are cooked. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked or roasted chicken.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to prevent tearing.
- Serve taquitos hot for the ultimate crispy texture.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a baked version.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: N/A
