Growing up, my abuela’s crispy chicken taquitos were the stuff of legends. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the kitchen as she’d carefully fry up batch after batch, her expert hands rolling the perfect little corn tortilla packages. Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside – it was a flavor explosion that had me coming back for seconds (and thirds) every time.
As I got older and started hosting my own gatherings, I knew I had to master the art of Crispy Chicken Taquitos. After countless experiments and taste tests, I finally cracked the code. This recipe is the result of years of perfecting, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Trust me, once you try these Crispy Chicken Taquitos, they’re going to become your new go-to party appetizer, game day snack, or anytime craving-crusher.
Why This Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crispy Chicken Taquitos
The key to perfectly crispy chicken taquitos lies in a few simple techniques. First, we season the chicken breasts with a flavorful blend of spices – chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of salt. This infuses the meat with bold, Southwestern-inspired flavors that pair beautifully with the corn tortillas.
But the real magic happens when we fry the taquitos to golden, crispy perfection. The secret is all in the oil temperature and frying time. By heating the vegetable oil to the right level and carefully monitoring the cooking, we end up with taquitos that are shatteringly crisp on the outside, yet still soft and pliable on the inside. It’s a texture that will have your friends and family reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of our Crispy Chicken Taquitos. Chicken breast provides a lean, juicy protein that’s easy to shred and stuff into the tortillas.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: This warming spice adds depth of flavor and a signature Southwestern kick to the chicken filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy, fragrant cumin complements the chili powder perfectly, enhancing the overall Mexican-inspired profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder infuses the chicken with an aromatic savory note that balances the other seasonings.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A simple but essential seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 12 small corn tortillas: Crisp, golden corn tortillas are a must for authentic taquitos. Their pliable texture and delicate flavor profile are the perfect vehicle for the seasoned chicken.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying: This is the secret to achieving that signature crispy shell on the taquitos. The oil needs to be hot enough to create a quick sear on the outside while keeping the interior moist and tender.
Step-by-Step Crispy Chicken Taquitos Instructions
Preparing Your Crispy Chicken Taquitos
With a total time of just 45 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking), this Crispy Chicken Taquitos recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. All you’ll need is a large skillet or Dutch oven for frying, a shredding fork or two forks, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Rub the spices all over the meat to ensure even distribution of flavor.
2- Next, heat the vegetable oil in your skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach 350°F – 375°F for optimal frying.
3- While the oil is heating, use your forks to shred the seasoned chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This should take about 5 minutes.
4- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shredded chicken to the skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
5- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken until it’s all cooked.
6- Serve the crispy chicken taquitos warm, nestled in the corn tortillas and drizzled with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra-crispy taquitos, fry the corn tortillas briefly in the hot oil before filling them. This helps create an extra-crunchy shell.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken – work in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly shredded chicken for the best texture. Pre-cooked, store-bought chicken may become dry and tough when fried.
- Serve the taquitos immediately for maximum crispiness. The shell can soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy them hot off the stove.
- Get creative with your toppings! Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice all make delicious additions.
Serving and Storing Your Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Perfect Pairings for Crispy Chicken Taquitos
This recipe makes 12 tasty taquitos, which is the perfect shareable size for a party, game day gathering, or family-style dinner. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh, crunchy salad, Mexican-style rice, and refried or black beans. And don’t forget the margaritas or Mexican beers to really set the mood!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Crispy Chicken Taquitos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely make them ahead of time. After frying, let the taquitos cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also freeze the taquitos for longer-term storage. Just lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Creative Crispy Chicken Taquitos Variations
- Switch up the protein by using shredded pork or ground beef instead of chicken.
- For a veggie-forward option, try a mix of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms as the filling.
- Add some diced jalapeño or chipotle chili to the chicken for an extra spicy kick.
- Experiment with different cheese fillings like shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled queso fresco.
- Swap the corn tortillas for flour tortillas for a softer, more pliable taquito.
Making Crispy Chicken Taquitos Diet-Friendly
Looking to make your Crispy Chicken Taquitos a little healthier? No problem! For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free corn tortillas. To make them low-carb, swap the corn tortillas for lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas. And for a vegan option, replace the chicken with seasoned, shredded soy or jackfruit “meat.”
No matter which dietary restrictions you’re working with, the key is to focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients that will still deliver that signature crispy, Mexican-inspired taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of chicken besides breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs or a mix of breasts and thighs would also work well in this recipe. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook the Crispy Chicken Taquitos?
A: This recipe has a total time of 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking. The quick prep and frying time make these taquitos perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
Q: Can I make the Crispy Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the taquitos in advance. After frying, let them cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving. You can also freeze the taquitos for up to 3 months.
Q: How many Crispy Chicken Taquitos does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 taquitos, which is a great shareable size for parties, game days, or family dinners. Feel free to scale the recipe up or down as needed to feed your crowd.
Q: What should I do if the taquitos aren’t getting crispy enough?
A: Make sure your oil is hot enough, around 350°F-375°F, and try frying the taquitos in smaller batches to maintain the oil temperature. You can also try briefly frying the empty corn tortillas before filling them to create an extra-crisp shell.
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 taquitos
Description
Crispy, golden-brown taquitos filled with tender, juicy shredded chicken make for an irresistible appetizer or main dish. These taquitos come together in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 12 small corn tortillas
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
5. Place 2-3 tablespoons of shredded chicken near the edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
6. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the taquitos for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain the taquitos on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with your favorite dips and toppings.
Notes
For a healthier option, you can bake the taquitos instead of frying. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
These Crispy Chicken Taquitos are the perfect marriage of bold, Southwestern flavors and crave-worthy texture. With their golden, crispy exteriors and juicy, seasoned chicken fillings, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oil, and get ready to wow your friends and family with these amazing Crispy Chicken Taquitos. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out – be sure to leave a comment and let me know!
