Mini Chicken Taquitos

Mini Chicken Taquitos are crispy, bite-sized rolled tortillas filled with seasoned chicken and melted cheese, perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick meal. These golden rolls are crunchy on the outside and tender, flavorful on the inside, making them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

The beauty of mini taquitos is their versatility — you can make them spicy or mild, bake or fry them, and serve them with a variety of dips such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. They are also easy to customize with different proteins, cheeses, and seasonings, making them a fun and practical addition to any meal plan.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Each bite is perfectly balanced with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and a crunchy tortilla shell. The mini size makes them fun to eat and ideal for serving at parties, lunchboxes, or as an appetizer.

They are also incredibly easy to prepare — using cooked chicken and a few pantry staples, you can have these taquitos ready in less than 30 minutes. They are versatile, customizable, and always a hit.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Crispy and flavorful: Perfect texture and taste in every bite.
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Ideal as a snack, appetizer, or meal.
• Quick and easy to make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Use chicken, beef, or vegetables with your favorite seasonings.

If you enjoy handheld, flavorful, and crunchy snacks, mini chicken taquitos are a must-try.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 mini taquitos
• Calories: ~150–180 per taquito
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Garnish and Dips

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

Cooking Directions Overview

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet.
2. Mix chicken, cheese, and seasonings for filling.
3. Roll the filling into tortillas tightly.
4. Brush or spray taquitos with oil.
5. Bake until golden and crispy.
6. Serve hot with dips and garnishes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble Taquitos

1. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla.
3. Roll tightly, tucking in edges as you go, to form a mini taquito.
4. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. Brush or spray the tops of the taquitos lightly with olive oil for crispiness.
2. Optional: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until taquitos are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer to a serving platter.
2. Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve as a party appetizer or finger food.
• Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Serve alongside Mexican rice or beans for a complete Tex-Mex dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking while rolling.
• Press the seam down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling.
• Adjust seasonings to taste; add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.

Variations

• Beef or Pork Taquitos: Use cooked ground beef or shredded pork instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, black beans, or spinach.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a crispier texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked taquitos in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked taquitos on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 18–22 minutes until golden and crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Knife for chopping herbs or optional ingredients
• Oven or air fryer

FAQ

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and freeze unbaked, then bake when ready.

2. Can I fry instead of bake?
Yes — heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden brown for extra crispiness.

3. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely — shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas.

Conclusion

Mini Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful snack or meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With tender seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and golden, crunchy tortillas, these taquitos are a hit with kids and adults alike. Quick, versatile, and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for parties, game days, or a simple weeknight dinner.