Crockpot Chicken Taquitos

Crockpot Chicken Taquitos

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Imagine coming home to the aroma of tender, flavorful chicken slow-cooked to perfection, just waiting to be rolled into a golden, crispy taquito. These Crockpot Chicken Taquitos are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy goodness. They’re a crowd-pleaser, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable with your favorite toppings or dips. Whether you’re planning game day snacks, weeknight dinners, or a family movie night, these taquitos deliver every time.

The best part? The crockpot does most of the work for you. All you need to do is mix, roll, and crisp them up. It’s a foolproof recipe that turns simple ingredients into handheld comfort food that will disappear fast. Let’s break down the steps and tools you’ll need to get started.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the magic happen with these Crockpot Chicken Taquitos, here are the tools that will make your cooking process smooth and efficient:

  • Crockpot (Slow Cooker): This is your best friend for making the chicken ultra-tender. Slow cooking ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavor and shreds effortlessly.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need one large bowl to mix the filling once the chicken is cooked.
  • Forks or Hand Mixer: For shredding the cooked chicken. A hand mixer speeds things up if you’re doing a big batch.
  • Baking Sheet: Essential for crisping the taquitos in the oven or air fryer once assembled.
  • Tongs or Spatula: These make transferring taquitos to and from the baking tray easier.
  • Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: A light coating of oil helps get that golden-brown finish.
  • Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Keeps your baking sheet clean and helps with even crisping.

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Ingredients for the Crockpot Chicken Taquitos

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a flavorful role in building the creamy, spicy filling that makes these taquitos irresistible:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The protein base of this recipe. They cook down beautifully in the crockpot, absorbing all the spices and sauces.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds richness and that signature creamy texture to the filling.
  • Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melty, gooey, and full of flavor — it binds the filling and adds a cheesy finish.
  • Salsa or Rotel Tomatoes: Brings moisture, heat, and tangy depth. Choose mild or spicy depending on your taste.
  • Taco Seasoning: Packs bold, zesty flavor that gives the chicken its Tex-Mex character.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Boosts the savory depth.
  • Flour Tortillas (Soft Taco Size): The perfect size for rolling and crisping into taquitos.
  • Optional: Fresh Cilantro, Lime Juice: Adds brightness and a fresh finish if desired.

How To Make the Crockpot Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and top with salsa or Rotel, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.

Step 2: Shred and Mix

Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer. Return it to the crockpot and stir in cream cheese until melted and well-combined. Then mix in the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly into a taquito shape and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry

Spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite dip!


How to Serve and Store Crockpot Chicken Taquitos

These taquitos are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can pair them with a creamy avocado dip, spicy salsa, or a classic sour cream drizzle. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, a chopped salad, or even chips and queso for a full meal. They’re perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or even a main course depending on how many you serve.

For storing, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling while baking?

Place the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. The weight of the taquito holds it in place. You can also use a toothpick to secure it if needed.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, but warm them slightly to make them pliable and prevent tearing. Corn tortillas give a more traditional flavor but are trickier to roll.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the texture will be slightly less thick and rich.

How spicy are these taquitos?

That depends on your salsa or taco seasoning. Use mild salsa and low-sodium seasoning for a kid-friendly version, or go bold with hot salsa for heat lovers.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely! Roll them and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Or freeze unbaked taquitos for quick meals later.


Want More Chicken Recipe Ideas?

If you love these Crockpot Chicken Taquitos, you’ll definitely want to explore more chicken-packed favorites on Life With Olivia:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Let me know how your batch turned out! Did you use the air fryer or go old-school with the oven? Maybe added jalapeños for heat or a drizzle of lime crema?

I always love seeing how these taquitos come to life in your kitchen. Share your tips or tweaks in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other with flavor!


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Crockpot Chicken Taquitos

Crockpot Chicken Taquitos


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 7 hours
  • Yield: 10 taquitos

Description

These Crockpot Chicken Taquitos are everything you want in a comforting, crispy, creamy meal—without the hassle. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you whip up a filling that’s savory, cheesy, and perfectly spiced. Ideal for dinner, snacking, or game day platters, these taquitos are freezer-friendly and come out crispy every time—baked or air-fried.


Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

1 cup salsa or Rotel tomatoes

2 tbsp taco seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

10 flour tortillas (soft taco size)

Optional: 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional: 1 tbsp lime juice


Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and top with salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.

3. Remove the chicken and shred using two forks or a hand mixer.

4. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and combined.

5. Mix in shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.

6. Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F.

7. Add 2–3 tablespoons of chicken mixture to each tortilla, then roll tightly into a taquito.

8. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

9. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil.

10. Bake for 15–20 minutes or air fry for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

11. Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or toppings of your choice.

Notes

Warm your tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.

For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.

Double the batch and freeze extras before baking—they reheat beautifully in the air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Crockpot + Oven or Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taquito
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: taquitos, crockpot chicken, freezer meals

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