My Picky Eater has proclaimed that all Homemade Chicken Taquitos are his. He is not sharing! Haha…
It’s unfortunately true as he will eat a pan all by himself if I don’t carefully pull some aside.
Making Homemade Chicken Taquitos is quick and easy, especially using shredded chicken that you’ve made earlier for an easy meal prep.
But even if you make your shredded chicken now, this recipe is a cinch to throw together.
Psst: Here is a link to my Instant Pot Recipe to make Shredded Chicken. It's a cinch!
6 Servings | Ready in 30 minutes | Good for Dinner | 6qt Instant Pot
I have always found that I enjoy taquitos. But of course, made fresh they are wonderful.
When made with a corn tortilla, these Homemade Chicken Taquitos are Gluten Free as well.
Now some might argue that Taquitos are only made with corn tortillas. We prefer both options. So you decide what's best for you!
What is a Taquito?
A Taquito is simply put, a rolled tortilla and can be filled with a variety meats and cheeses.
These are small when rolled and can be fried or baked. They can also be air fried too!
Eaten easily in your hands and dipping into Salsa, Sour Cream, and even a guacamole.
How to make Shredded Chicken
This recipe calls for 3 cups of Shredded Chicken, Making Shredded Chicken in your Instant Pot is quick and easy.
- Place 1 cup of broth or water in your instant pot and place 2-3 large Chicken Breasts.
- Add Salt and Pepper and 2 teaspoon of crushed garlic.
- Set your instant Pot to 15 minutes will a full natural release.
- When the pin drops remove chicken and quickly shred with 2 forks while it’s hot.
- You are ready to add your chicken into a variety of meals or freeze for later use.
What can I serve Chicken Taquitos with?
If my Picky Eater son doesn’t just devour the entire pan, I like to dip Chicken Taquitos into a traditional salsa dip and make Spanish Rice on the side.
I also love dousing taquitos with my Tomatillo Salsa Recipe as well. You can also easily pair this recipe with my Sweet Corn Cakes Recipe too.
There really isn’t a bad combination when it comes to Mexican Food.
What kind of Tortilla should I use?
Making Taquitos I prefer the taco size tortilla, however you can also use the Street Taco Sized tortilla as well.
It’s important to remember that a Taquito is a thin rolled taco, so meats and cheeses placed inside should be spread thin for best results.
I use both a corn tortilla and a flour tortilla depending on our moods. Using a corn tortilla will make this a Gluten Free Recipe. If using gluten free corn tortillas of course.
How do I keep Corn Tortillas from Cracking when making Taquitos?
We all hate when our tortillas crack. A simple trick is to heat up the tortilla. I heat a skillet over medium heat and lay a few tortillas on the pan. They only need a few moments to heat I quickly pull them off, fill with meat and roll while hot.
Why are my Corn Tortillas Breaking?
This question is similar to the previous question but let me add that adding some oil brushed on top helps to keep the tortilla moist so it won't crack of break.
Are Flautas like Taquitos?
They are very similar. It's said that Flautas are made with larger tortillas where taquitos are made with smaller taco sized tortillas. Floutas are traditionally made with flour tortillas where Taquitos an be made with either.
What's the Difference between a Taquito and a Rolled Taco?
We are really splitting hairs here. A Taquito is a thin rolled taco of meats where a Rolled Taco is thicker and often filled with rice or beans with meat too. Really, they are so similar I like to think they are the same.
Can you Freeze Taquitos?
Of course you can. Roll them up and freeze individually or all together. Thaw and cook in the over or on the stove over medium high heat until fully cooked.
How to reheat Taquitos
The easy answer is in the microwave. However, I prefer to reheat taquitos on the stove over medium/high heat in a skillet. You can add a little olive oil to the pan or Pam Spray. Turn as necessary until crispy and hot
Fun Fact!
While the taquito is regarded by many as a Mexican dish, it is believed that it was invented in the United States. Who knew?!?
Want to Save this Recipe for Later?
Looking for more great Recipes?
- Chicken Taquito Enchilada
- Tomatillo Salsa
- Sweet Corn Cakes
- Easy Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Fajita Sliders
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
- BBQ Chicken Tostada
- Sweet Salsa Chicken Salad
- Ground Turkey Tacos
- Spanish Rice
- Watermelon Salsa
Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
- 3 Cup Shredded Chicken - about 2 large chicken breasts
- 6 oz Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup+ Can Rotel Tomatoes with liquid
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Cup Mexican Blend Cheese
- 10-12 to rtillas
- 2 TBS Butter melted
- ¼ Cup Chicken Broth*optional
- *Garnish
- Sour Cream
- Tomatoes
- Salsa
Instructions
- Shredded Chicken:
- Place 1 cup water in Instant Pot
- Place 2-3 Chicken Breasts or 8-10 Chicken Tenders in Instant Pot
- Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper
- Add 1 Tbs Crushed Garlic
- Set Instant Pot to Manual High (Pressure Cook) for 15 Minutes with a 15 Minute Natural Release
- Remove Chicken and shred
- Chicken Taquitos:
- In a bowl add 3 cups shredded chicken
- Add Seasonings (Cumin, Chili Powder, and Garlic Powder) and stir
- Add softened cream cheese
- Add Rotel Tomatoes and cheese
- Stir to combine
- Place a spoonful of chicken on each tortilla and roll.
- Place in greased baking dish. Continue until all taquitos have been rolled
- Brush melted butter on top of Taquitos
- Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, cheese, etc
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Alexis Parker
When trying to find a quick family meal yours came up. I thought 40mins total isnt too bad. However as Im cooking it Im finding it takes more then 40mins as the chicken has to cook for 15, npr for 15, so we are already at 30mins, then we have to bake for 15-18mins after we shred the chicken and everything else. The times are very misleading. Otherwise its a good recipe
Devour Dinner
Hi Alexis,
The recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken. I've included how to cook chicken as a courtesy so you don't need to click to another recipe but the time to make this recipe does not account if you need to cook chicken. Hope this helps!
Sheryl
What are you doing with the 1/4 c chicken broth? Is it mixed in with the shredded chicken filling? It's not in the instructions.
Devour Dinner
Hi Sheryl,
I add the chicken broth mixed in with the chicken filling to make it easy to spread. Hope this helps!
Sheryl
I forgot that I commented but I made this tonight without adding broth to the mixture and it was delicious.
Devour Dinner
Hi Sheryl,
I add the broth just to thin it down a little tiny bit. So you can easily leave it out too! So glad you enjoyed it!
Destiny
My pickiest eater ate this with no problem! I was so relieved. My daughter was so excited when I told we were eating these for supper. This will definitely make it into our regular rotation. I loved how quick and easy it was to prepare and make ahead.
Devour Dinner
Hi Destiny! I LOVE LOVE hearing this. I know my picky eater loves this recipe and it's great hearing that others do too. It really is super simple to make, which I love and appreciate for sure. Thanks for the review!
Amanda
My girls and I lovr this recipe! My only problem is what to do with the leftover filling. I would like to make some taquitos and freeze them. Do I need to cook them before freezing?
Devour Dinner
So glad you enjoyed the recipe. We never have leftover filling, but you can always use any leftovers as a dip with crackers or chips!
Donna Bro
Do you mean 1/2 cup plus a full can of rotell?
Devour Dinner
Hi Donna, sorry for the confusion. I mean 1/2 cup. I do a generous 1/2 cup is which why it states 1/2+. Hope that helps!
Susan
Instead of oven. Can these be placed in air fryer?
Devour Dinner
Yes of course!