Quick Chicken Taquitos

Why Make This Recipe

Quick Chicken Taquitos are perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious and satisfying with minimal effort. These flavorful bites combine shredded chicken, zesty cheeses, and spices, all wrapped in crispy corn tortillas. They make for a great snack, appetizer, or even a main dish!

How to Make Quick Chicken Taquitos

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Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or more, to taste
• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
• 6 cups vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, green chiles, cheeses, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce.
2. Working one at a time, transfer a tortilla to a work surface. Place 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
3. Bring the bottom edge of the tortilla tightly over the filling, then roll from the bottom to the top until you reach the edge of the tortilla. Secure it with wooden picks.
4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees F.
6. Working in batches, add the taquitos to the Dutch oven and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer the cooked taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, remove the wooden picks.
8. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Quick Chicken Taquitos

Quick Chicken Taquitos are best served hot and fresh. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They can also be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal.

How to Store Quick Chicken Taquitos

If you have any leftovers, let the taquitos cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before cooking. Just be sure to thaw before frying.

Tips to Make Quick Chicken Taquitos

• Warm the tortillas before filling to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
• Experiment with different fillings such as beans or vegetables for added flavor.
• If you want a healthier option, you can bake the taquitos instead of frying them. Spray them with cooking oil and place them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, until crispy.

Variation

For a spicy kick, add jalapeños to the filling. You could also substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftover rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken breast or thighs, but using leftovers saves time.
2. Can I make taquitos in advance? Yes! Prepare the taquitos and keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.
3. What can I use instead of corn tortillas? Flour tortillas can be used if you prefer, but they may not get as crispy when frying.

Quick Chicken Taquitos

These Quick Chicken Taquitos are easy to make and packed with shredded chicken, zesty cheeses, and spices, all wrapped in crispy corn tortillas.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 12 taquitos

Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients

  

Filling Ingredients

• 3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken You can substitute with cooked and shredded fresh chicken.
• 1 can diced green chilies (4 ounces)
• 4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or more, to taste

For Assembly

• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
• 6 cups vegetable oil For frying.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, green chiles, cheeses, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce.
• Working one at a time, transfer a tortilla to a work surface. Place 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
• Bring the bottom edge of the tortilla tightly over the filling, then roll from the bottom to the top until you reach the edge of the tortilla. Secure it with wooden picks.
• Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Cooking

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees F.
• Working in batches, add the taquitos to the Dutch oven and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer the cooked taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool enough to handle, remove the wooden picks.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños to the filling or substituting chicken with ground beef or turkey. To bake instead of fry, spray taquitos with cooking oil and bake at 400 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Keyword Chicken Taquitos, Easy Recipe, Fried Taquitos, Party Food, Quick Snack