Crispy on the outside and packed with bold, vibrant flavor inside, Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos bring together juicy shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, black beans, corn, and melty cheese, all rolled into golden tortilla wraps. Finished with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, queso fresco, and lime crema, this Tex-Mex twist on traditional taquitos makes for a fun and satisfying appetizer or dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These taquitos are the perfect blend of comfort and flair—simple to prepare, loaded with fresh, wholesome ingredients, and customizable to your taste. Baking or air frying them keeps the texture crispy without deep frying, making them lighter without sacrificing crunch. The cowboy caviar-inspired filling is full of color, texture, and zest, making every bite exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a quick family meal, these taquitos are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 10 small flour tortillas
- Olive oil, for brushing or frying
Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Sour cream or lime crema
- Extra chopped cilantro
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly into a taquito shape.
- Arrange taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Lightly brush each one with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Alternatively, air fry in batches at 400°F for about 10 minutes, checking for even crispness.
- Serve taquitos hot, topped with diced avocado, fresh salsa or pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream or lime crema, and additional cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for serving.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 5 servings
- Calories: Approximately 345 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeño to the filling or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and increase beans, corn, and cheese, or substitute with plant-based protein.
- Different Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Tortilla Swap: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version (warm before rolling to prevent cracking).
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with guacamole, chipotle ranch, or a creamy avocado dressing on the side.
storage/reheating
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F or in an air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in soggy taquitos. These can also be frozen (unbaked or baked) and reheated directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time—just shred and mix with the other filling ingredients.
Can I prepare these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. For longer storage, freeze them and bake as needed.
Are these taquitos spicy?
They are mildly spiced. You can increase or reduce the heat by adjusting the spices or adding hot peppers.
What type of tortilla is best?
Small flour tortillas are easiest to roll and hold together well when baked or air-fried.
How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling while baking?
Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush with oil to help them hold their shape.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
Are air-fried taquitos as crispy as baked ones?
Yes, air frying typically makes them even crispier and faster to cook, with less oil required.
Can I serve these at room temperature?
They are best served warm, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature within a few hours of baking.
What’s the best way to serve taquitos for a party?
Arrange on a platter with a variety of toppings and dips so guests can customize their taquitos.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely. Simply scale up the ingredients and bake in batches, keeping finished taquitos warm in a low oven.
Conclusion
Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos are a flavorful, festive fusion of Tex-Mex favorites wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell. With bright veggies, bold spices, and delicious toppings, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Whether served as a party appetizer or a fun family dinner, these taquitos are sure to bring bold taste and colorful flair to your table.
Print
Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed Tex-Mex rolls filled with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, peppers, and spices. Baked or air-fried until golden, then topped with avocado, salsa, and queso fresco, they’re perfect for appetizers, parties, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Filling:
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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1/2 cup black beans
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1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, diced
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Wrap & Cook:
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10 small flour tortillas
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Olive oil, for brushing or frying
Toppings:
-
Diced avocado
-
Fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo
-
Crumbled queso fresco
-
Sour cream or lime crema
-
Extra cilantro
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, mix chicken, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, spices, and shredded cheese.
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Spoon 2–3 tbsp of filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly into taquitos.
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Place seam-side down on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly brush with olive oil.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
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Top with diced avocado, salsa, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
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Serve warm with lime wedges.
Notes
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Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with extra beans or cooked quinoa.
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Freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal or snack.
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Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option (warm them before rolling to prevent cracking).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Fusion
