Chicken and Cheese Taquitos with Salsa Verde

Chicken and Cheese Taquitos with Salsa Verde” is a beloved Mexican-inspired dish featuring crispy rolled tortillas filled with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fragrant spices — served with a bright, tangy salsa verde. Taquitos (also called flautas) are essentially rolled tacos, pan-fried or baked until golden brown and crunchy.

This version combines savory chicken and gooey cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, offering a perfect balance between creamy, cheesy comfort and zesty freshness from the salsa verde. Every bite is packed with bold flavor and satisfying texture, making it an irresistible meal or snack.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s comfort food with personality — crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with authentic flavor. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress — whether served for family dinners, parties, or game nights.

What makes it extra special is its customizability — you can fill taquitos with anything you like, from spicy chicken to veggies or beans, and serve them with endless dips. Plus, they can be baked or fried, so you can choose between indulgent or healthy versions. And that tangy, slightly spicy salsa verde on top? It ties everything together beautifully!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

• Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying — the perfect bite every time.
• Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.
• Customizable for any palate (spicy, mild, or vegetarian).
• Loved by all ages — great for kids and adults alike.
• Bursting with authentic Mexican flavors from the salsa verde.

It’s a complete flavor fiesta you can make in your own kitchen — fun, versatile, and utterly delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes 12–14 taquitos)
• Calories per Serving: ~360 kcal

Cuisine:

mexican

Course:

Appetizer / Main Course

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for creaminess)
• 12–14 small corn or flour tortillas

For Frying or Baking:

• Oil (for frying or brushing)

For the Salsa Verde:

• 6–8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 jalapeño (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make the chicken and cheese filling.
2. Roll the taquitos tightly in tortillas.
3. Fry or bake until golden and crisp.
4. Blend salsa verde and serve with the taquitos.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa Verde

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add tomatillos and jalapeño.
2. Boil for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly dull in color.
3. Drain and transfer to a blender.
4. Add onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
5. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.
6. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, and spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).
2. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) or skillet to make them pliable.
2. Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla.
3. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Taquitos

Option 1 – Frying (Crispy & Golden):

1. Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry taquitos, seam-side down, for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Option 2 – Baking (Healthier Option):

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush lightly with oil or cooking spray.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Arrange taquitos on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle or serve alongside the salsa verde.
3. Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and optional sour cream or guacamole.

How to Serve

Serve hot and crispy with:

• Salsa verde for tang and freshness.
• Guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo on the side.
• A light green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
  Perfect for parties, lunch boxes, or casual dinners!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Don’t overfill — it makes rolling difficult.
• To keep taquitos warm and crisp, place them in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while you fry the rest.
• If using corn tortillas, dip them in warm oil for a few seconds to make them flexible.
• Double the batch — they freeze and reheat beautifully!

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Chicken Taquitos: Add minced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
2. Beef Taquitos: Use cooked ground beef or shredded steak instead of chicken.
3. Vegetarian Taquitos: Use refried beans, cheese, and sautéed veggies.
4. Baked Breakfast Taquitos: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon.
5. Cheesy Deluxe: Add extra cheese and top with queso or melted nacho cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked or cooked taquitos for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: Bake frozen taquitos at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes — no thawing required!

Special Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor (for salsa verde)
• Skillet or baking tray
• Tongs
• Paper towels for draining
• Toothpicks (optional, for securing taquitos)

Conclusion

Chicken and Cheese Taquitos with Salsa Verde is a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. With tender spiced chicken wrapped in crunchy tortillas and served with zesty homemade salsa verde, it delivers the perfect mix of comfort and freshness.

Whether served as a family dinner, party snack, or weekend indulgence, this recipe brings the warmth of Mexican home cooking straight to your table. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — it’s that irresistible