Golden Crispy Taquitos Recipe: Crunchy Joy on Your Plate!

Weeknight dinners transform with this mouthwatering crispy taquitos recipe that promises pure comfort and flavor.

Golden tortillas crackle with each delightful bite, stuffed with savory fillings that dance on your palate.

Rolled tightly and fried to perfection, these little bundles of joy bring Mexican-inspired excitement to your table.

The crisp exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful interior that surprises and satisfies.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this dish a weeknight champion for busy cooks.

Each taquito delivers a crunch that echoes with rich, authentic taste.

You’ll want to serve these irresistible bites straight from the pan, while they’re at their absolute golden best.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Taquito Ingredient Breakdown

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that brings hearty texture and classic taquito flavor, select freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum moisture.
• Shredded Beef: Rich alternative protein with deep savory notes, choose lean cuts for best results.
• Beans: Vegetarian protein option that adds creamy texture and earthy depth, black or pinto beans work wonderfully.
• Cheese: Melty binding ingredient that creates luscious richness, opt for sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for authentic taste.
• Salsa: Zesty flavor enhancer that adds moisture and tangy kick, select fresh or jarred salsa matching your spice preference.

• Cumin: Warm, smoky spice that provides traditional Mexican undertone.
• Chili Powder: Vibrant seasoning delivering subtle heat and robust flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic ingredient adding savory depth without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Salt: Essential flavor amplifier that balances and highlights all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Subtle spice bringing gentle warmth and complexity to the filling.

Tools to Roll and Fill Taquitos

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your delicious filling ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for mixing chicken, cheese, salsa, and spices smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Helps crisp up taquitos evenly in the oven.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting tortillas or shredding chicken if needed.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning taquitos while cooking.

How to Make Homemade Taquitos

• Whip Up The Filling

Grab your mixing bowl and toss in shredded chicken with a burst of cheese, zesty salsa, and bold seasonings. Blend everything together until the flavors dance and mingle.

• Warm The Tortillas

Heat tortillas until they’re soft and pliable, ready to cradle your delicious filling. A quick spin in the microwave or gentle skillet warm-up works perfectly.

• Roll With Precision

Place a generous spoonful of your flavor-packed mixture near the edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly, creating those classic cigar-shaped taquitos that promise crunch and excitement.

• Prepare For Cooking

Lay your rolled taquitos seam-side down to keep them sealed. Choose your cooking adventure: deep frying for maximum golden crispiness or baking for a lighter touch.

• Crisp To Perfection

Fry in hot oil until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and becomes delightfully crispy. If baking, brush with a touch of oil to ensure a beautiful, crunchy exterior.

• Serve And Enjoy

Transfer your taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any extra oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like creamy guacamole or zesty salsa.

Add-On Ideas for Taquito Flavor

• Perfect Filling Consistency: Drain excess liquid from salsa to prevent soggy taquitos that might fall apart during frying.
• Tortilla Warming Hack: Microwave corn tortillas for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted vegetables, or scrambled tofu for a plant-based version that's equally delicious.
• Baking Alternative: For a healthier approach, brush taquitos with olive oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes instead of deep-frying, turning once halfway through for even crispiness.

Serve Taquitos with Tasty Sides

• Fiesta Plate Perfection: Arrange golden taquitos on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado for a vibrant presentation.
• Dip Delights: Serve with multiple dipping sauces like creamy guacamole, zesty sour cream, tangy salsa verde, or classic restaurant-style red salsa to enhance flavor variety.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp side salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality comfort to your dining table.
• Party Starter Strategy: Slice taquitos into bite-sized pieces for easy appetizer sharing during game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests can enjoy quick, delicious finger food.

Taquito Storage You Can Count On

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store prepared taquito filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients fresh and ready for quick assembly.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Roll multiple taquitos in advance and layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, allowing easy separation and convenient future cooking.
• Optimal Freezing Technique: Uncooked taquitos can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to a sealed freezer bag for storage up to 2 months, maintaining crisp texture and flavor integrity.
• Reheating Smart Approach: Revive refrigerated or frozen taquitos by warming in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior and heated through center without compromising quality.

Crispy Taquitos Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican taquitos showcase crispy rolled tortillas filled with savory meat or beans. Crunchy exterior and rich flavors make these small rolls a perfect appetizer or quick snack you’ll enjoy with salsa and guacamole.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked shredded chicken, beef, or beans
• ½ cup (118 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 12 small corn tortillas
• ¼ cup (59 ml) vegetable oil (for brushing or frying)
• ¼ cup (59 ml) salsa or enchilada sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly shred cooked chicken into fine, uniform pieces, eliminating any substantial chunks for consistent texture.
2. Mixing: Blend shredded chicken with grated cheese, creating a harmonious base that provides richness and structural integrity to the filling.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce salsa into the chicken-cheese mixture, allowing the liquid to infuse moisture and elevate the overall taste profile.
4. Seasoning: Gently fold in selected spices, ensuring complete and even distribution throughout the filling for balanced flavor.
5. Tortilla Handling: Warm tortillas to increase pliability, preventing potential cracking during the rolling technique.
6. Rolling: Position a controlled portion of filling near the tortilla’s edge, then tightly roll into compact cylinders, securing with toothpicks if needed.
7. Cooking Method: Select preferred preparation technique – deep frying for a crisp exterior or baking for a lighter approach – ensuring thorough heating and golden-brown coloration.
8. Serving: Allow taquitos to rest briefly after cooking, permitting the filling to stabilize and the exterior to achieve maximum crispness before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Tortilla Cracking: Warm tortillas briefly to increase flexibility, reducing the chance of splitting during rolling.
• Optimize Filling Distribution: Shred chicken finely and mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor and texture in every bite.
• Control Portion Size: Use consistent filling amounts to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent overstuffing or underfilling.
• Achieve Crispy Texture: Choose between deep frying for maximum crunch or baking for a healthier alternative, monitoring cooking time to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg