5-Ingredient Creamy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
These 5-Ingredient Creamy Chicken Taquitos are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack featuring shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a creamy, spicy sauce rolled in corn tortillas and cooked to crispy perfection. Choose to fry for extra crunch or bake for a healthier option, making them perfect for any occasion or gathering.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (or Pepper Jack for extra heat)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ to ⅓ cup verde hot sauce (such as Hot Ones Verde), depending on spice preference
Taquitos
- 12 corn tortillas
- 12 toothpicks
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and verde hot sauce until well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful chicken mixture.
- Soften Tortillas: To prevent cracking, microwave the corn tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 to 60 seconds or until soft and pliable, making them easier to roll without breaking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon the chicken filling down the center of each softened tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and secure each roll with a toothpick to hold its shape during cooking.
- Fry the Taquitos (Optional): Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a piece of tortilla, which should sizzle), carefully fry the taquitos in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them as needed until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Bake the Taquitos (Alternative): Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with oil and arrange the taquitos seam-side down on the sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove toothpicks prior to serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, use Pepper Jack cheese and adjust the amount of verde hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.
- Microwaving the tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel prevents them from cracking while rolling.
- Frying yields crispier taquitos, while baking provides a lighter, less greasy version.
- Remove the toothpicks before serving to avoid any choking hazards.
- Leftover taquitos can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
