If there is one thing that makes my day better, it is biting into something hot, crunchy, and full of creamy goodness. That is exactly what this Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito Recipe brings to the table. It is a dish you can make right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and a little bit of frying magic.
Making these burritos at home means you get to enjoy them fresh and hot, just the way you like them. Plus, it is easy to customize with mild or spicy flavors to suit your taste. This recipe makes a little restaurant feel right at your table, and trust me, you will want to make it repeatedly.
Let me show you how I made these, right from my kitchen to yours.
Why You Love This Copycat Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito Recipe!
You are going to have a blast making this Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito at home! It is super fun to roll up these burritos and fry them until they are golden and crunchy. I love how the homemade version lets you control the flavors; you can make it just the way you like.
Plus, it is fresher and cheaper than buying it at a restaurant. The creamy filling and crispy outside make every bite amazing. A big thank you to Taco Time for the original recipe that inspired me to try this at home. You will love how easy and tasty this is, so try it!
Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito Recipe Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make these delicious burritos.
- 16 flour tortillas
- 2 lbs. ground chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ onion, chopped
- 4 oz green chilies, chopped.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying
- Flour Paste: ¼ cup flour + ¼ cup water
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board.
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
How To Make Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once warm, add your ground chicken and start breaking it up with your spoon. Cook it all the way until it is no longer pink and start browning. Sprinkle in salt and pepper for flavor. Once cooked, let it cool a bit before mixing with other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Chop half an onion finely. In a big mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, chopped onions, green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth. This is when you can add smoked paprika or adjust with more salt if needed. You want a creamy, flavorful filling that spreads easily but stays thick.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
Take one tortilla and place it flat. Spoon some of the chicken mix right in the center. Spread it gently, leaving room around the edges. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a log. To seal it, dip your finger in the flour paste and press along the edge. This keeps everything inside while frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a medium saucepan, pour in enough oil to fully cover the burritos. Heat it on medium-high. You will know it is ready when a small bit of tortilla sizzles right away when dropped in. Be careful not to overheat; you do not want to smoke.
Step 5: Fry the Burritos
With tongs, gently place each burrito into the hot oil. Let it fry until the outside turns golden brown and crispy, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Flip if needed. Once golden, lift it out and place it on paper towels to drain off the extra oil.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
That is, it! These burritos are best eaten fresh, hot, and crispy. I love serving mine with salsa, sour cream, or even a spicy chipotle dip on the side. They are filling, satisfying, and always hitting my table.
Quick Burrito Tips That Make a Big Difference
- Take cream cheese out of the fridge about an hour ahead so it softens for easy mixing.
- Pat cooked the chicken dry with paper towels to avoid a soggy filling.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to the filling for extra flavor.
- Do not overfill the burritos, keep the filling moderate to ensure easy sealing, and prevent bursting.
- Roll each burrito snugly: tight enough to hold, but not so tight that the tortilla tears.
- Double-check the edges and seal them well to keep the filling from leaking.
- Make extra flour paste, and you will need more than expected.
- Let the rolled burritos rest for a few minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Fry one burrito first as a test to confirm the oil temperature is exactly right.
- Let the fried burritos rest for a minute to stay crispy and avoid steam buildup.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can save time by making these Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burritos ahead. Prepare the filling and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also roll the burritos and keep them in the fridge for a day before frying.
If you want to freeze them, wrap each unfried burrito in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To cook frozen burritos, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then fry as usual. Reheat fried burritos in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
If they smell sour or the filling looks slimy, toss them; they have gone bad. Always store leftovers in the fridge and eat within 3-4 days for the best taste.
Serve with The Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito
1. Fresh Salsa and Sour Cream
This is my go-to combo every time. The cool, tangy sour cream cools down the warm burrito while the fresh salsa adds bright flavor. Make sure your salsa is chunky with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Serve both in small bowls so people can dip as much as they want.
2. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips
The creamy avocado is perfect with the crunchy burrito shell. I make my guac with fresh lime juice, diced onions, and a pinch of salt. Serve it right after making it, so it stays bright green. The chips give you something extra to munch on between bites.
3. Spanish Rice and Refried Beans
This combo makes it feel like a real restaurant meal. The rice soaks up any extra flavors, and the beans add protein and creaminess. I like to warm the beans with a little bit of cumin and garlic. Serve both hot alongside your crispy burritos.
4. Mexican Street Corn
This is such a fun side dish that everyone loves. Grill corn on the cob and brush it with mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The sweet corn balances the savory burrito perfectly. Cut it off the cob if you want it easier to eat.
5. Simple Green Salad with Lime Dressing
Sometimes you need something light and fresh. I tossed greens with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The acid cuts through the rich burrito and makes you feel less heavy. Add some sliced radishes or cucumbers for extra crunch.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice
This is better than plain rice. Cook white rice and stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a little butter when it is done. The bright flavors wake up your taste buds between bites of the crispy burrito. Serve it warm in a big bowl so everyone can take what they want.
7. Black Bean and Corn Salad
I love this cold side dish because it is colorful and tasty. Mix black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and red onion with lime juice and cumin. Let it sit for a while so the flavors mix. It adds freshness and different textures to your meal.
8. Pico de Gallo
This is different from regular salsa because it is chunkier and fresher. Dice tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro into small pieces. Add lime juice and salt, then let it sit for 10 minutes. The fresh vegetables are perfect with the fried burrito.
9. Mexican Coleslaw
Regular coleslaw is good, but Mexican style is even better with these burritos. Shred cabbage and carrots, then dress with lime juice, a little mayo, and cumin. The crunch is great with the soft burrito filling, and the tangy dressing balances the rich cream cheese.
10. Cheese Quesadillas
I know it sounds like a lot of food, but small cheese quesadillas cut into triangles make great appetizers. The melted cheese and crispy tortilla go perfectly with the burrito flavors. Keep them simple with just cheese, or add some jalapeños if you like heat.
Enjoy this chicken dish? Then you will love Chicken & Rice and Chicken Noodle Soup, both comfort classics with a flavorful twist.
Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once warm, add your ground chicken and start breaking it up with your spoon. Cook it all the way until it is no longer pink and start browning. Sprinkle in salt and pepper for flavor. Once cooked, let it cool a bit before mixing with other ingredients.
- Chop half an onion finely. In a big mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, chopped onions, green chilies, and softened cream cheese. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth. This is when you can add smoked paprika or adjust with more salt if needed. You want a creamy, flavorful filling that spreads easily but stays thick.
- Take one tortilla and place it flat. Spoon some of the chicken mix right in the center. Spread it gently, leaving room around the edges. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a log. To seal it, dip your finger in the flour paste and press along the edge. This keeps everything inside while frying.
- In a medium saucepan, pour in enough oil to fully cover the burritos. Heat it on medium-high. You will know it is ready when a small bit of tortilla sizzles right away when dropped in. Be careful not to overheat; you do not want to smoke.
- With tongs, gently place each burrito into the hot oil. Let it fry until the outside turns golden brown and crispy, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Flip if needed. Once golden, lift it out and place it on paper towels to drain off the extra oil.
- That is, it! These burritos are best eaten fresh, hot, and crispy. I love serving mine with salsa, sour cream, or even a spicy chipotle dip on the side. They are filling, satisfying, and always hitting my table.
Video
Notes
Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito FAQs
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burrito Recipe that people often ask.
1. Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or even sautéed veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Keep the cream cheese or use a plant-based one. You will still get that creamy inside with a crisp outside.
2. Why is my filling leaking?
Too much filling or a loose roll can cause leaks. Use less filling and seal tightly with paste.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Sure! Shred cooked chicken and mix with cream cheese. Just warm it slightly so it blends well.
4. Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground?
Yes, shredded chicken works just as well. It gives a different texture but still mixes smoothly with cream cheese and other ingredients.
5. What if I do not have ground chicken?
You can use ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumbles if you are skipping chicken. They all work well with the creamy filling.
6. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake Chicken Burrito! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place wrapped burritos on a baking sheet and spray or brush lightly with oil. Bake for about 15–20 minutes or until golden and crispy. They will not be quite as crunchy as frying, but still tasty and healthier.
7. How do I keep them crispy after frying?
Once fried, place burritos on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess. If you are making a big batch, keep them warm in the oven at 200°F until serving.
8. What type of tortillas works best?
Use thin, soft flour tortillas that are easy to roll. Burrito-size ones work great. Avoid thick wraps or stiff tortillas as they may break or not fry evenly.
9. Can I make these burritos smaller for appetizers?
Yes! Just use smaller tortillas or halve regular ones, add less filling, and roll as usual. They fry quicker, so keep an eye on them. Mini burritos are great for parties, a variety, and kid-friendly portions.
Making Taco Time Chicken Crisp Burritos at home has become one of my favorite weekend cooking projects. The crispy exterior and creamy chicken filling make these burritos truly delicious. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to recreate your restaurant favorites in your kitchen. Give it a go and let me know how yours turn out!
If you’re interested in more, Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube and Reddit for! I have plenty of fast-food copycat recipes to share. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
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