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; 1/3 cup salsa (chunky style recommended); 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 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 if frying); Greek yogurt or sour cream (thinned with a little milk to drizzle); Chopped fresh cilantro; Guacamole; Chopped diced tomatoes or additional salsa

There’s something so satisfying about biting into crunchy, golden taquitos filled with tender, flavorful chicken and melty cheese. This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe combines that perfect crisp exterior with a creamy, cheesy inside that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to snack or meal.

A round white plate with a gray stone texture holds five golden brown rolled tacos arranged in a loose pile with some cilantro leaves scattered around and underneath them, adding fresh green color and texture contrast. To the right side of the plate is a small white bowl filled with chunky red salsa topped with black pepper and a few cilantro leaves. The tacos have a crispy, slightly bubbled surface with specks of black pepper, and the ends of the filling lightly poke out, showing a hint of orange. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 a lot of taquitos in my day, and what makes this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe stand out is how easy it is to get that perfect crispy crunch without deep frying or a ton of hassle. Plus, the creamy chicken filling is loaded with just the right amount of spice and cheesy goodness.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together in minutes.
Multiple Cooking Options: Whether you want to bake, pan-fry, or air-fry, you can make these your way.
Perfect Texture: Crispy outside with creamy, cheesy filling inside that’s just irresistible.
Customizable: Easy to tweak seasoning and toppings to your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe blends familiar flavors that complement each other perfectly—tender chicken, zesty salsa, and creamy Greek yogurt to balance spices while keeping the filling moist. Using fresh cheese adds richness without overpowering the chicken’s flavor.

Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken breast in a simple white ceramic bowl, chunky red salsa in a small white bowl, smooth plain nonfat Greek yogurt in a small white bowl, a heap of bright orange and white shredded Mexican blend cheese on a white plate, a neat stack of six pale, soft corn tortillas, small white bowls with ground chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt arranged symmetrically, fresh green cilantro sprigs resting beside the bowls, a small white bowl of creamy guacamole, diced fresh red tomatoes in a small white bowl, and a small white bowl with thin drizzle of white sour cream mixed with milk, 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: The star of the filling, lean and easy to shred. I like using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Salsa (chunky style): Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick and helps keep the filling juicy.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: A creamy binder that keeps these light but satisfying.
Chili powder: Gives gentle warmth without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, smoky note essential to this flavor profile.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy bite.
Flour or corn tortillas (6-inch): Flour tortillas are easier to roll straight from the package; corn tortillas need warming to become pliable.
Olive oil spray or cooking oil: Used to crisp the taquitos whether baking or frying.
Garnishes: Greek yogurt or sour cream (thinned with a bit of milk for drizzling), chopped cilantro, guacamole, and diced tomatoes or salsa add fresh flavor and color.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe is how easy it is to make adjustments. You can easily swap out the cheese blend, add your favorite hot sauce, or even mix in some veggies like sautéed peppers or corn for a heartier bite.

Variation: I once added a bit of chipotle powder and some finely diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra smoky heat—so good for a game day snack!
Healthier Option: Using baked tortillas and nonfat Greek yogurt keeps it lighter but still delicious.
Gluten-Free: Corn tortillas make this naturally gluten-free—just be sure they’re fresh and pliable.
Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version.

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

Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Filling

Start by combining shredded chicken, salsa, Greek yogurt, and all your spices in a medium bowl. Stir in the shredded cheese gently so it’s evenly distributed but not packed too tight. This mixture should be creamy, moist, and full of flavor—if it feels dry, a little extra salsa or yogurt can help.

Step 2: Warm Your Tortillas (Especially for Corn)

If you’re using corn tortillas, heat them briefly in a dry skillet, about 15-30 seconds per side, until soft and flexible. This prevents cracking when rolling. Flour tortillas generally don’t need warming—just use them straight from the package.

Step 3: Rolling Taquitos Tight and Tucking Seam-Side Down

Place about one-sixth of the filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll it tightly and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This keeps them from unrolling. If you find any tails unrolling, securing with a toothpick helps, especially if you plan on frying.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method—Bake, Fry, or Air Fry

For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly spray the taquitos with olive oil. Bake for 14-18 minutes until golden and crispy, especially on the edges. If you’re pan-frying, heat 1.5 inches of oil until shimmering and fry in batches for a few seconds per side—don’t crowd the pan! Air frying at 380°F for 8-12 minutes also works wonders for convenience with great crisp.

Top Tip

From my experience, the secret to perfect Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe isn’t just the filling—it’s how you handle the tortillas and cooking method. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to make them turn out amazing every time.

Softening Tortillas: Don’t skip warming corn tortillas—they’ll break when rolling if cold and dry.
Don’t Overfill: A little less filling makes rolling easier and keeps them from bursting open during cooking.
Even Cooking: When baking or air frying, space them out to allow hot air to crisp all sides evenly.
Use Cooking Spray Liberally: This helps build that golden crust without deep frying.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

crispy chicken taquitos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top mine with a drizzle of thinned Greek yogurt or sour cream because the tang cuts through the richness so nicely. Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal note, and a scoop of guacamole is just dreamy with the crispy taquitos. Diced tomatoes or more salsa on the side brings extra freshness and color.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing these taquitos with a simple Mexican street corn salad or a crunchy cabbage slaw to add some contrast. A bowl of black beans or Spanish rice rounds out the meal perfectly if you want something more filling.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting, I like to stand them up in a tall glass or jar for a fun appetizer presentation. Lining them up on a colorful platter with bowls of guacamole, salsa, and crema invites everyone to build their perfect bite. Adding sliced jalapeños or pickled onions on the side adds a nice pop of flavor too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, I reheat them in the oven on a wire rack rather than the microwave, which can make the tortillas soggy.

Freezing

These freeze wonderfully! I wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake or air fry straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheating in a hot oven (around 375°F) on a wire rack keeps them crispy on all sides. If you’re in a rush, the air fryer works great too—just watch carefully so they don’t burn. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with softer tortillas.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie or grilled chicken, works perfectly and saves prep time. Just be sure to shred it finely for easy rolling.

What’s the best way to soften corn tortillas for rolling?

The best method is to warm them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-30 seconds per side until flexible. This prevents them from cracking when rolling your taquitos.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use corn tortillas labeled gluten-free, and double-check your salsa and seasoning ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten. This recipe naturally lends itself to gluten-free adaptations.

What’s the best way to keep taquitos crispy after baking?

Reheat leftover taquitos in a hot oven or air fryer on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soft and chewy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it—a crispy, cheesy hug wrapped in a tortilla! Whether it’s a quick snack, party appetizer, or casual dinner, it always hits the spot. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, too. Once you nail the rolling and pick your favorite cooking method, these taquitos will become one of your easiest and most delicious recipes to pull out any day.