Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal—easy homemade chicken taquitos! These little bundles of joy are not only super simple to whip up, but they’re also packed with flavor and a delightful crunch that makes them irresistible. I remember the first time I made them; I had some leftover chicken and thought, why not? Now, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen! With just a handful of ingredients, you can have crispy taquitos ready in no time. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for busy evenings or even as a fun snack for gatherings.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite brand or make your own for extra zing)
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas (corn gives that authentic flavor, but flour works too)
- Cooking spray (to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven)
How to Prepare Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos
Making these easy homemade chicken taquitos is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious, crispy taquitos in no time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to get them nice and golden! While that’s heating up, grab a bowl and mix together the shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa until everything is well combined. This filling is super versatile, so feel free to adjust the salsa level to match your taste.
Next, it’s time to warm those tortillas! Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable. This step is crucial because it prevents them from cracking when you roll them up. Now, place a small amount of that delicious chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Don’t overstuff them—you want to make sure they roll tightly without spilling out. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Now, give those taquitos a little spritz with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells amazing! Let them cool for a minute, and then serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crunch and flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup shredded cheese, and 1/2 cup salsa.
- Warm 10 small corn or flour tortillas in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Place a small amount of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll up the tortillas and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Spray the taquitos with cooking spray for extra crunch.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have.
- Deliciously crispy on the outside and warm, cheesy goodness on the inside.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or as a fun appetizer for gatherings.
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite spices or toppings!
- Gluten-free option available with corn tortillas.
Tips for Success
To make your easy homemade chicken taquitos truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a game changer—just shred it and you’re ready to roll! Also, don’t skip warming the tortillas; it keeps them from cracking and helps achieve that perfect roll. For a flavor boost, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the chicken mixture. If you want to mix things up, try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or even some cream cheese for extra creaminess. Finally, keep an eye on them while baking; every oven is different, and you want that golden brown perfection!
Variations
Get creative with your easy homemade chicken taquitos by experimenting with different fillings and flavors! Swap out the chicken for shredded beef or even sautéed veggies for a vegetarian option. You could try adding black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and taste. Feeling adventurous? Spice things up with diced jalapeños or some chipotle sauce for a smoky kick. You can also mix in different cheeses like queso blanco or feta for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make these taquitos your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover easy homemade chicken taquitos (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them properly. Allow the taquitos to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for that delicious crunch. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying easy homemade chicken taquitos, it’s nice to know what you’re getting! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for two taquitos: around 250 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. They also contain about 2g of sugar and 300mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, these taquitos make for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t break the calorie bank. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and cook it before shredding to use in your taquitos.
What’s the best way to keep taquitos crispy after baking? If you want to keep them crispy, place them on a wire rack instead of directly on a plate after baking. This allows air to circulate around them.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
What dipping sauces pair well with taquitos? I love serving them with sour cream, guacamole, or even a zesty salsa verde. They add an extra layer of flavor!
Are these taquitos gluten-free? Yes, if you use corn tortillas, they’re naturally gluten-free. Just check your ingredients to be sure!
Print
Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos: 7 Irresistible Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy homemade chicken taquitos are a delicious and simple dish made with shredded chicken and tortillas, baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 10 small corn or flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet to make them pliable.
- Place a small amount of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll up each tortilla and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole.
- Can use leftover chicken for convenience.
- Adjust salsa level to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy homemade chicken taquitos