Crispy chicken taquitos remind me of the first time I tried them at a street food market where the smell of fried tortillas filled the air. The crunchy bite with tender chicken inside had me hooked instantly, and I knew I needed to recreate them at home.

Now, they’re one of my favorite quick snacks because they’re easy to make, baked or fried to perfection, and full of flavor. With shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla shell, these taquitos are perfect for dipping into sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Ingredients
Here’s what I use for this recipe, and you can tweak it with your own favorite add-ins!
- Shredded chicken – The savory, protein-packed filling.
- Flour tortillas – Soft and easy to roll up.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey center.
- Cream cheese – Adds creaminess to the filling.
- Salsa – Gives the chicken mixture a burst of flavor.
- Olive oil spray – Helps the tortillas crisp up in the oven.
- Green onions – Fresh garnish that adds a mild bite.
- Sour cream – Perfect for serving on top or as a dip.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – To combine the chicken filling.
- Baking sheet – For baking the taquitos to crispy perfection.
- Skillet – Optional if you prefer to fry them.
- Tongs – Handy for flipping or removing taquitos from the pan.
- Knife – For chopping green onions as garnish.

Instructions
Step 1:
I mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheddar together until well combined.
Step 2:
I warm the tortillas briefly to make them pliable and easier to roll.
Step 3:
I spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam side down on a baking sheet.
Step 4:
I lightly spray them with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even crispiness.
Step 5:
Once golden brown, I remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 6:
I top with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream or salsa for dipping.
Tips
I love adding a pinch of taco seasoning to the filling for extra flavor. You can also make these ahead of time and freeze them for a quick snack later.
Ways to Serve
These crispy chicken taquitos are great as an appetizer, party snack, or even a light dinner. Serve with guacamole, queso, or a side of Mexican rice for a full meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor, just warm them well so they don’t crack.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Definitely! Fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
See You in the Kitchen
I hope you try these crispy chicken taquitos and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite! They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Happy Cooking!
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Crispy Chicken Taquito
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
Looking for the best crispy chicken taquito recipe? This one is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or dinner idea. Whether you bake or fry them, these taquitos are the best choice. Great for parties, game nights, and family meals!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Olive oil spray
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Mix chicken, cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheddar in a bowl.
- Warm tortillas to make them flexible.
- Spoon filling onto tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam side down on a baking sheet.
- Spray with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove when golden and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with green onions and serve with sour cream or salsa.
Notes
- Add taco seasoning for extra flavor.
- Freeze rolled taquitos for a make-ahead snack.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg