Easy Homemade Taquitos Recipe: Crispy Mexican Goodness in Minutes

Taquitos revamp ordinary ingredients into a culinary adventure that sparks joy at the first crispy bite.

Small corn tortillas become magical vessels for rich, seasoned fillings that tantalize taste buds with complex flavor profiles.

Each taquito represents a miniature masterpiece of Mexican-inspired cuisine, promising intense satisfaction in compact form.

Rolled tight and golden-brown, these delectable treats capture the essence of comfort food with their irresistible texture.

Crisp exteriors give way to warm, savory interiors that dance between traditional techniques and modern culinary creativity.

Versatile enough for appetizers, snacks, or casual meals, taquitos bring excitement to any dining experience.

Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will leave you craving more.

Taquitos: A Crispy, Flavorful Snack for Any Occasion

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: The combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and salsa creates an explosion of tastes that dance together in every single bite.
• Crispy Texture Delight: Deep-frying transforms ordinary tortillas into golden, crunchy vessels that provide an irresistible crackle with each mouthwatering bite.
• Quick and Easy Meal Magic: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality taquitos in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Protein-Packed Goodness: Loaded with 25g of protein per serving, these taquitos offer a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.

Key Ingredients for Making Crispy Taquitos

• Chicken: Shredded meat as the main filling, choose tender and flavorful chicken breast or thighs.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind the filling together, select full-fat version for richness.

• Colby Jack Cheese: Provides melty, mild cheese flavor, great for enhancing the fillings taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling, optional topping for serving.

• Corn or Flour Tortillas: Wrap the filling, corn tortillas provide authentic texture, flour tortillas offer softer consistency.
• Spinach: Adds nutrition and green color to the filling, fresh or frozen spinach works well.
• Salsa: Brings moisture and extra flavor to the chicken mixture, choose your preferred heat level.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste of the filling.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying the taquitos to achieve crispy golden exterior.

• Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch when serving.
• Tomatoes: Provides fresh color and light flavor.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa topping for added zest.

How to Make Perfectly Crisp Taquitos Every Time

Step 1: Prepare Oil for Frying

Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large saucepan until it reaches 350°F using a cooking thermometer.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Chopped spinach
• Colby Jack cheese
• Salsa
• Sour cream

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Wrap Taquitos

Spread a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling stays secure.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry each taquito for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Step 5: Drain and Rest

Transfer the fried taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and help them maintain their crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Extra sour cream
• Pico de Gallo

Tips for Cooking Taquitos in the Oven or Fryer

• Seal Securely: Roll tortillas tightly and press edges to prevent filling from leaking during frying, ensuring perfect crispy taquitos.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent oil heat at 350°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Drain Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping taquitos crisp and preventing greasiness.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing for smoother, more evenly distributed filling.
• Batch Cooking Wisdom: Fry taquitos in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, resulting in crunchier texture.

Storing Your Taquitos to Keep Them Crispy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crunchy exterior.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual taquitos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their original texture and flavor.

Pairing Taquitos with These Sides and Dips

• Boost Flavor with Zesty Margaritas: Pair these crispy taquitos with a tangy classic margarita to complement the rich, cheesy chicken filling. The citrusy kick cuts through the deep-fried texture and enhances the overall taste experience.
• Cool Down with Fresh Salsa Verde: Serve a bright, herbal salsa verde on the side to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, crunchy taquitos. The green sauce provides a light, acidic balance that makes each bite more exciting.
• Refresh with Mexican Beer Pairing: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo to wash down these savory taquitos. The light, crisp beer helps cleanse the palate and matches perfectly with the spicy, cheesy filling while cooling down the fried appetizer.
• Create a Complete Plate with Mexican Rice: Accompany the taquitos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice to round out the meal. The seasoned rice adds texture and absorbs the delicious flavors from the taquitos, making every bite more satisfying.

Fun Twists You Can Add to Your Taquitos

• Mexican Green Chile Taquitos: Swap spinach with roasted green chiles and add jalapeños for extra heat, creating a spicier southwestern-style version.
• Beef and Black Bean Taquitos: Replace chicken with seasoned ground beef and mix in black beans for a hearty protein-packed alternative.
• Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Taquitos: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and increase spinach quantity, providing a meatless option with rich, earthy flavors.
• Breakfast Taquitos: Fill with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and diced potatoes, transforming the recipe into a morning meal perfect for quick breakfast or brunch.

Taquitos Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican taquitos deliver crispy rolled tortillas packed with savory beef and zesty seasonings. Crunchy exterior meets tender filling, creating a perfect handheld appetizer that brings authentic Latin flavors straight to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 12 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas

Cheese and Cream Ingredients:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ½ cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)

Herbs, Seasonings, and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1½ cups baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Pico de Gallo

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large saucepan by heating 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring even temperature distribution for optimal frying.
2. Create a flavorful filling by thoroughly mixing shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, finely chopped fresh spinach, grated Colby Jack cheese, zesty salsa, and creamy sour cream in a mixing bowl.
3. Enhance the filling with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Warm corn tortillas slightly to increase flexibility, then place approximately 2-of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla.
5. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is compact and the edges are sealed to prevent leakage during frying.
6. Gently place the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil, maintaining a consistent oil temperature to achieve even golden-brown coloration.
7. Fry each taquito for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating carefully with tongs to ensure uniform crispiness and prevent burning.
8. Remove taquitos using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.
9. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by optional garnishes such as shredded crisp lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, additional sour cream, or fresh Pico de Gallo.

Notes

• Avoid overfilling tortillas to prevent splitting during frying and ensure a tight, crispy roll.
• Drain taquitos on paper towels immediately after cooking to keep them extra crispy and remove excess grease.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Ensure oil temperature stays consistent around 350°F for even, golden-brown taquitos without burning or undercooking.
• Check chicken mixture seasoning before rolling to guarantee maximum flavor in every bite of these crispy treats.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg