How many calories do chicken taquitos have?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a single deep-fried, frozen chicken taquito can contain as few as 70 calories, while homemade and baked versions vary widely depending on ingredients. The total calorie count is significantly influenced by preparation methods like air frying or deep frying, as well as brand and serving size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for chicken taquitos varies depending on preparation. Frozen varieties like Delimex or El Charrito have specific nutrition facts per serving, while homemade taquitos' calories are affected by cooking methods and ingredients. Air frying is a popular way to reduce the calorie and fat content compared to traditional deep frying.

Key Points

Calorie Range Varies: Chicken taquito calories depend heavily on ingredients and cooking method, with options from under 100 to over 150 calories per piece.
Frozen vs. Homemade: Store-bought frozen taquitos have brand-specific calorie counts, often higher than baked homemade versions, due to processing and pre-frying.
Cooking Method Matters: Air frying or baking drastically reduces fat and calories compared to traditional deep frying, which soaks the taquito in oil.
Air Frying Benefits: Using an air fryer can lower a taquito's calorie count by 70–80% compared to deep frying, offering a healthier crispy texture.
Serving Size Awareness: Nutrition labels for frozen taquitos list calories per a serving of 2 to 5 pieces, so it is important to check the details to calculate your total intake.
Ingredient Control: Making homemade taquitos allows you to use leaner protein, less cheese, and control added fats, resulting in a healthier final product.

Understanding the Factors That Influence Taquito Calories

The calorie content of chicken taquitos is not a single, fixed number. It's a spectrum, and where a particular taquito falls on that spectrum depends on several key variables. The primary factors are the cooking method, whether the taquitos are homemade or store-bought, and the specific ingredients used.

Cooking Method

How a taquito is cooked is the most significant factor determining its final calorie and fat content. Deep frying adds a substantial amount of oil, increasing both calories and fat. A study on air frying versus deep frying found that air frying can reduce calories by 70–80% compared to traditional deep frying, as it uses significantly less oil. Baking offers a similar reduction, relying on hot air instead of oil to crisp the tortilla.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Frozen, store-bought taquitos often contain a variety of additives, different types of oils, and can be pre-fried before freezing. For example, some brands use textured soy protein concentrate to increase protein content, which can affect the overall nutritional profile. Homemade taquitos, on the other hand, give you complete control over the ingredients, allowing for healthier choices like lean chicken breast, lower-fat cheese, and less oil during cooking.

Ingredients

Ingredients are another key to the calorie puzzle. The type of tortilla (corn vs. flour), the cut of chicken (breast vs. thigh), and the amount of cheese and other fillings all contribute to the final tally. Using lean chicken breast and minimizing cheese can drastically lower the calorie count of a homemade taquito.

Calorie Breakdown: Brand Comparisons and Recipes

To see how these factors play out, let's look at some specific examples. Frozen brands often list calorie information per a specific serving size, which can vary. For instance, Delimex corn taquitos list 370 calories for a serving of five, while El Monterey provides 220 calories for a serving of two flour taquitos. The type of tortilla (corn vs. flour) and additional fillings like cheese make a difference.

Homemade recipes also demonstrate a wide range of calorie outcomes. A recipe for baked chicken taquitos lists just 129 calories per taquito, while another for a cheesy baked version clocks in at 431 calories per serving. This shows the power of recipe customization for managing calorie intake.

Comparison: Frozen vs. Homemade, Deep-Fried vs. Air-Fried


Preparation Method	Calories (approx. per taquito)	Notes
Frozen (Deep-Fried)	70-95	Varies by brand, size, and specific recipe. Serving sizes can be misleading.
Homemade (Deep-Fried)	Highly variable	Dependent on the amount and type of oil used during frying.
Homemade (Baked)	129-180	Offers excellent control over ingredients and fat content.
Homemade (Air-Fried)	Significantly lower	Air frying reduces oil absorption, potentially lowering calories by 70-80% compared to deep frying.
Frozen (Air-Fried)	Lower than deep-fried	A healthier alternative for frozen products without adding extra oil.

How to Make Healthier Chicken Taquitos

For those looking to enjoy chicken taquitos with a lower calorie count, there are several simple strategies you can employ. Whether you're a home cook or just reheating a frozen batch, these tips can make a difference.

Here are some ways to prepare healthier taquitos:

Choose the right cooking method: Opt for baking or air frying over deep frying to dramatically reduce fat and calorie intake. The extra crispy texture is a great bonus. Find more information on air frying vs. deep frying here.
Use lean protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for the filling, which is a leaner protein source compared to chicken thighs.
Limit cheese and high-fat additions: While cheese adds flavor, it also adds calories. Use low-fat cheese or a smaller amount. Forgoing sour cream and other creamy, high-fat toppings can also help.
Make your own fillings: When making homemade taquitos, use fresh, whole ingredients for the filling. Season the chicken simply with spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder instead of relying on pre-packaged, high-sodium seasoning blends.
Select corn over flour tortillas: While both have calories, corn tortillas are traditionally used and can sometimes have a slightly different nutritional profile. The most significant calorie impact comes from preparation, not just the tortilla choice. However, corn tortillas are a good source of fiber and are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

The question of how many calories do chicken taquitos have is complex, with the answer depending largely on the preparation and ingredients. From low-calorie, baked homemade versions to higher-calorie, deep-fried store-bought options, the range is significant. By understanding the key factors and opting for healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying, you can enjoy this delicious treat while staying mindful of your nutritional goals. For calorie-conscious individuals, making taquitos from scratch offers the most control and allows for the healthiest possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single frozen chicken taquito varies by brand. For example, a single El Charrito taquito has 70 calories, while a serving of five Delimex taquitos totals 370 calories, or 74 calories per taquito.

Yes, air frying is significantly healthier than deep frying. Studies show that air frying can reduce calories by 70–80% compared to deep frying because it requires much less oil.

The calorie difference depends on your homemade recipe and cooking method. Homemade baked taquitos can be as low as 129 calories per taquito, while frozen versions vary widely based on the brand and how they were prepared before freezing.

To reduce calories in homemade taquitos, use lean, skinless chicken breast, bake or air fry them instead of deep frying, and use low-fat cheese or less cheese in the filling. Choosing corn over flour tortillas can also help manage calorie intake.

According to the packaging for Delimex taquitos, a serving of five taquitos contains 370 calories. This equates to approximately 74 calories per individual taquito.

A standard serving size varies depending on the manufacturer and the size of the taquito. For many frozen brands, a serving is typically defined as 2, 3, or 5 taquitos. Always check the nutrition facts on the packaging for precise information.

Yes, to make lower-carb chicken taquitos, you can use low-carb tortillas or wraps instead of traditional corn or flour tortillas. Focusing on a high-protein chicken filling with plenty of vegetables and minimal cheese will also help.

The calorie difference between corn and flour tortillas for taquitos is often not as significant as the preparation method. However, corn tortillas are generally smaller and slightly higher in fiber, while flour tortillas can be denser. Baking or air frying is the best way to control calories regardless of tortilla type.