If you’re looking for a fun and easy meal to whip up, look no further than these Homemade Chicken Taquitos. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, taquitos make for a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a satisfying meal. What makes taquitos so versatile is that you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer flour tortillas or corn, spicy or mild fillings, or even baking instead of frying, there are endless ways to make taquitos your own.

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This particular recipe uses shredded rotisserie chicken as the base, paired with cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and plenty of shredded cheese. The creamy filling is wrapped in tortillas and quickly fried for a crispy, golden-brown exterior. While this method involves frying, you can also opt to bake or air fry the taquitos for a lighter option. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the filling by adding different spices, veggies, or even experimenting with buffalo chicken next time. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delicious taquitos.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

One rotisserie chicken, shredded: The convenience of a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. Simply shred the meat, and you’re ready to go.
One block of cream cheese: This adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together.
1/3 cup sour cream: Adds a bit of tanginess and extra creaminess to the filling.
1/2 cup salsa: Use your favorite salsa for added flavor and moisture in the filling.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (your choice): Whether you prefer cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend, shredded cheese adds richness and flavor to the filling.
Tortillas (flour or corn): While flour tortillas are used in this version, you can choose your preferred type. Warm them up before filling to make them more pliable for rolling.
Toothpicks: These will help keep the taquitos rolled up while frying.

Directions:

1. Mix the Filling

Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese. The cream cheese should be softened so that it mixes easily with the other ingredients. Once everything is combined, you’ll have a rich, creamy filling that’s bursting with flavor.

This filling is extremely adaptable. If you prefer a bit more spice, try adding chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper. For those who like a more savory filling, sautéed onions and garlic can add depth of flavor.

2. Warm the Tortillas

To make the tortillas easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This step is especially important for flour tortillas, which can be a bit stiff when cold. If you’re using corn tortillas, warming them also helps prevent them from cracking as you roll them up.

3. Fill and Roll the Taquitos

Once your tortillas are warm, take 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place it in the middle of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick. This step is crucial, as the toothpick will help keep the taquitos from unrolling while frying. Repeat this process until all of the filling has been used.

4. Fry the Taquitos

In a skillet, heat up some oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, but not so much that the taquitos are fully submerged. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the taquitos in the skillet, seam side down. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn the taquitos gently to avoid splattering oil.

Once fried, transfer the taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Frying gives the taquitos a wonderfully crispy texture, but you can also bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or air fry them for a similar result without the extra oil.

5. Serve Warm

Serve the taquitos warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Sour cream and salsa are classic options, but guacamole, queso, or even a spicy ranch dip can also make excellent accompaniments. The crispy exterior combined with the creamy, flavorful filling makes these taquitos incredibly satisfying and perfect for dipping.