Name: Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast; ⅓ cup chunky style salsa; ⅓ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend cheese; 6 6-inch flour or corn tortillas; Olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray or oil for frying; Greek yogurt or sour cream (thinned with a little milk for drizzling); Chopped fresh cilantro; Guacamole; Chopped diced tomatoes or additional salsa

There's something irresistibly satisfying about a crunchy shell giving way to warm, cheesy chicken inside. This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe hits all those notes perfectly, combining the right spices and textures to make a snack or meal that's truly crave-worthy.

The image shows five crispy rolled tacos with a golden brown color on a white plate that looks like stone texture. The tacos are sprinkled with black pepper and surrounded by fresh green cilantro leaves scattered around and under them. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with chunky red salsa topped with some cilantro and black pepper. The background features a soft, white marbled surface with a light beige cloth and green cilantro in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made many versions of chicken taquitos over the years, but this one stands out because it’s both foolproof and packed with cozy, zesty flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can bake, fry, or air fry, which means it adapts perfectly to whatever kitchen setup you have.

Perfectly Crispy Texture: The outside crisps up beautifully whether you bake, fry, or air fry, giving you that delightful crunch every bite deserves.
Simple Ingredients: You'll love how easy it is to pull together with pantry staples and cooked chicken leftovers.
Customizable Flavors: From cheese blends to spices, you can tweak this recipe to exactly how you like it.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze some for quick, satisfying meals down the road.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its own role in balancing flavor and texture, helping the taquitos turn out moist inside and crispy outside.

Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken breast, a small white bowl of chunky salsa, a small white bowl of plain nonfat Greek yogurt, a small pile of chili powder, a small pile of garlic powder, a small pile of ground cumin, a small pile of kosher salt, a small mound of freshly shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, six soft corn tortillas arranged in a fan shape, a small white bowl of thinned sour cream, a small bunch of fresh chopped cilantro, a small white bowl of guacamole, a small white bowl of chopped diced tomatoes, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooked, shredded chicken breast: Using shredded chicken gives you tender bites and evenly distributes flavor throughout.
Salsa (chunky style recommended): Adds zesty moisture and a nice contrast to the creamy yogurt.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: Gives a creamy texture and slight tang instead of heavier creams.
Chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, kosher salt: These spices create that classic Mexican flavor profile that brings everything together.
Freshly shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into the filling perfectly for gooey, cheesy goodness.
6-inch flour or corn tortillas: Warmed tortillas roll easier without cracking, making each taquito nice and tight.
Olive oil spray (or alternative for frying): Helps you achieve golden crispness without soaking the tortillas in oil.
Toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, guacamole, diced tomatoes: Fresh garnishes add creaminess, brightness, and color to every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing up this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe based on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Sometimes I add extra diced jalapeños for heat, other times I swap out the cheese for a sharper cheddar. Feel free to make it yours!

Variation: When I’m short on time, I use rotisserie chicken and add a spoonful of chipotle sauce for smokiness—it’s a game changer.
Dietary tweaks: Corn tortillas make this gluten-free. For dairy-free, try a vegan cheese substitute and swap yogurt for a creamy avocado mash.
Seasonal change: I sometimes fold in roasted corn or black beans for a more hearty, southwestern vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Filling

Start by combining your cooked shredded chicken, chunky salsa, Greek yogurt, and the spices—chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt—in a medium bowl. This mixture should be creamy but still firm enough to roll. Then gently fold in the shredded cheese—it’s what makes these taquitos so wonderfully gooey inside.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas (Especially Corn!)

If you’re using corn tortillas, heating them in a dry skillet for 15 to 30 seconds on each side really softens them and prevents cracking when you roll. Flour tortillas usually don’t need this step. Trust me, this prevents frustrating broken taquitos later.

Step 3: Assemble and Roll Tightly

Spoon about one-sixth of your filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll up tightly, then place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this helps them hold shape while cooking. If you’re worried about unrolling, a toothpick can help secure each one.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

For baking, preheat the oven to 425°F, spray the taquitos lightly with olive oil spray, and bake for 14-18 minutes until golden and crispy. If pan frying, heat about 1 ½ inches of oil until hot, then carefully fry the taquitos in small batches until crisp on all sides. For a healthier approach, air fry at 380°F for 8-12 minutes. I love having these options—depending on my mood and how crispy I want them!

Top Tip

From plenty of kitchen experiments, I’ve found a few things that really make these taquitos shine. Paying attention to the warmth and softness of your tortillas will save you great frustration, and the cooking method you choose makes a noticeable difference in texture and ease.

Warm Your Tortillas: Soft tortillas roll easier and won’t crack, especially important if using corn.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: When frying, too many taquitos at once cools the oil and results in limp shells—small batches are the way to go.
Spray Evenly: Whether baking or air frying, a light, even spray of oil helps get that golden crisp without sogginess.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye near the end of baking, as ovens vary, to get that perfect crunchy edge without drying out the filling.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

crispy chicken taquitos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are always a drizzle of thinned Greek yogurt or sour cream, sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, and a scoop of creamy guacamole. Sometimes I add diced tomatoes or a spoonful of salsa for freshness and color—it brightens every bite and adds freshness to the crispy snack.

Side Dishes

Since these taquitos are fairly rich, I often pair them with a simple side salad or Mexican street corn salad. Black beans or a fresh cucumber corn salad also complement the flavors nicely without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like setting up a taquito bar with toppings in little bowls—sour cream, shredded lettuce, various salsas, jalapeños, and melted cheese sauce—it’s always a hit! Another fun trick is skewering a couple taquitos with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for easy finger food presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let cooled taquitos rest on a paper towel-lined plate, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find they stay decently crispy if you reheat them properly (more on that below).

Freezing

I often make a double batch and freeze half—just arrange rolled taquitos on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep well for about 2 months, perfect for last-minute snacks or dinners.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I like popping them back into a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This way, they crisp up again without getting soggy. About 5-7 minutes at 375°F usually does the trick!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and makes this recipe even easier to throw together on a busy day. Just shred it finely and proceed as directed.

What's the best way to get crispy taquitos without frying?

Baking or air frying are fantastic alternatives to frying. Spray the taquitos lightly with oil spray and cook at a high enough heat (425°F for baking or 380°F for air fryer) to get that crisp exterior without deep frying.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just choose corn tortillas labeled gluten-free, as some may contain additives. Warming the corn tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking, making rolling easier.

How do I prevent taquitos from unrolling during cooking?

Rolling tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet is essential. You can also secure them with a toothpick if needed, especially if your tortillas are prone to unrolling.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe has become my go-to for casual dinners or quick gatherings because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I'm confident that once you make them, they'll become a family favorite in your kitchen too—let me know how you customize yours!