Ultimate Homemade Taquitos Recipe

I used to buy the frozen kind for my kids, but making this homemade taquitos recipe from scratch has completely changed our weeknight routine.

You can control exactly what goes inside, ensuring every bite is fresh and packed with bold flavor. It has quickly become one of those meals my family requests constantly, especially when we need something fun yet simple.

The Secret to Perfect Homemade Taquitos

One of the best things about this dish is how quickly it comes together using leftover rotisserie chicken. You do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to get a restaurant-quality crunch right at home.

These rolled tortillas are also incredibly freezer-friendly, making them a lifesaver for busy evenings. I often make a double batch just to have a stash ready for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings.

The combination of creamy cheese and zesty salsa verde creates a filling that stays moist even after frying. It is a foolproof method that results in golden crispness every single time.

If you are looking for another satisfying hand-held meal, my Hearty Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches Recipe is a spicy favorite. Fans of classic, savory flavors will also enjoy the Quick Onions and Liver Recipe for a comforting dinner.

Homemade Taquitos Ingredients

Here is the simple list of items you will need to get started:

• Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked poultry for convenience.
• Cream Cheese: This acts as the binder to keep the filling creamy and rich inside the shell.
• Salsa Verde: Provides a tangy kick and moisture to the chicken mixture without making it soggy.
• Shredded Cheese: A Mexican blend or Colby Jack works best for melting.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds the necessary spice profile to the meat mixture.
• Corn Tortillas: Small white or yellow corn tortillas offer the best authentic crunch.
• Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola for frying.

How to Make Homemade Taquitos

Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by preparing your filling in a large mixing bowl. Combine the shredded chicken, diced cream cheese, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and salsa verde. Mash everything together thoroughly with a fork until the mixture is well combined and the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
2. Warming the tortillas is the most important step to prevent them from cracking during the rolling process. Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 15 to 30 seconds per side until they are soft and pliable. You can keep the warmed tortillas stacked in a clean kitchen towel to retain their heat and moisture while you work.
3. To assemble, take a warm tortilla and spread approximately three tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line across the center. Tightly roll the tortilla over the filling, ensuring it is snug so the ingredients stay inside. Place the rolled homemade taquitos seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet while you finish the rest of the batch.
4. Pour about half an inch of oil into a heavy skillet or saucepan and heat it to 350 degrees F. Carefully place the taquitos into the hot oil with the seam side facing down to seal them shut immediately. Fry them in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy, then drain them on paper towels.

Homemade Taquitos Tips

The most critical step is warming your corn tortillas properly before you try to roll them. Cold tortillas will crack and split, so give them a few seconds in a hot skillet to become pliable.

You can secure the homemade taquitos with toothpicks if you find they are unrolling in the oil. This little trick keeps them perfectly shaped until the shell crisps up enough to hold its form.

Do not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this drops the oil temperature too quickly. Frying in small batches ensures each one comes out golden and crunchy rather than greasy.

Serving Homemade Taquitos

I love setting up a toppings bar with sour cream, fresh guacamole, and pico de gallo for everyone to customize their plate. The cool dips provide a perfect contrast to the hot and crunchy homemade taquitos.

A side of Spanish rice or a simple corn salad turns this appetizer into a hearty meal. You can also serve them with a spicy cheese dip if you want to double down on the comfort factor.

See more great recipes on Pinterest.

Homemade Taquitos Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 16 taquitos
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crispy homemade taquitos filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture. These are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for a fun family dinner.

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Ingredients

• 16 small corn tortillas (white or yellow)
• 1/2 cup salsa verde or green enchilada sauce
• 1 1/2 cups Mexican shredded cheese or Colby Jack
• 4 oz cream cheese, diced
• Neutral oil for frying
• 2 tsp taco seasoning
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa verde, and taco seasoning. Mash well with a fork until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each corn tortilla for 15-30 seconds per side. This step is vital to make them pliable so they do not crack when rolled.
3. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of a warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a plate.
4. Heat approximately 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy pan to 350°F. Carefully place the taquitos in the oil, seam-side down first to seal.
5. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

Notes

To bake instead of fry, spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Resting Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taquito
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 38mg

Keywords: homemade taquitos, chicken taquitos recipe, easy dinner, mexican appetizer, crispy taquitos