Chicken Taquitos

It was a cozy Saturday evening, the perfect setting for a night of culinary inspiration. I had a rotisserie chicken left over from the week, and as I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon some corn tortillas. That’s when it hit me: I could make Chicken Taquitos. These delightful little rolls wouldn’t just use up my leftover chicken; they would be a family favorite in no time. The plan was set, and soon enough, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of frying taquitos, delivering a delectable crunch with every bite.

What is Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos are a traditional Mexican dish where small corn tortillas are rolled around a savory filling and then fried until they reach a crisp, golden-brown perfection. The classic filling includes tender, seasoned shredded chicken, often combined with cheese and flavorful spices. While many people know them as a popular appetizer, they can easily shine as a main dish, making them versatile for any meal occasion. Whether served as a snack during game night, a quick weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party platter, Chicken Taquitos are unfailingly tasty and satisfying.

Both easy to make and packed with flavor, these delightful bites offer a comforting meal that can also be paired with a variety of dipping sauces. The crunch of the tortilla contrasted with the juicy filling is simply irresistible. Plus, the best part is that you can customize the fillings to suit your taste, whether adding beans, veggies, or different spices.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taquitos:

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Chicken Taquitos. Here are some key benefits that make this dish a must-try:

• Quick and simple to prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these taquitos can be ready in no time.
• Family-friendly meal: The flavors are appealing to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Great for beginners: A foolproof recipe that even novice cooks can master.
• Versatile options: You can easily experiment with different fillings or toppings.
• Perfect for any occasion: Serve them as appetizers for a party or as a main course with sides.

Whether you are preparing a family dinner or entertaining guests, Chicken Taquitos are bound to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

To make delicious Chicken Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), shredded
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Oil for frying
• Sour cream and guacamole for serving

These ingredients create a classic version of Chicken Taquitos but feel free to adapt and modify them based on your preferences or dietary requirements.

Step-by-Step Instructions Chicken Taquitos

Creating perfect Chicken Taquitos is simpler than one might think. Follow these easy steps to achieve crispy, flavorful results:

1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder together until well combined. This filling will be the star of your taquitos.
2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable. This step is crucial; it prevents the tortillas from cracking while rolling.
3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly, ensuring the filling stays securely inside.
4. Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium heat to cover the bottom. Test the heat by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the taquitos in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly.
6. Once done, drain the taquitos on paper towels and serve them warm with sour cream and guacamole on the side. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

These steps yield delectable Chicken Taquitos that are sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips and Variations:

To elevate your Chicken Taquitos, consider these pro tips and variations:

• Bake instead of frying: For a healthier alternative, brush the rolled taquitos with oil and bake them at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes for a crispy texture without frying.
• Mix in some veggies: Add black beans, corn, or diced peppers to the chicken mixture for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: For a kick, incorporate jalapeños into the filling or use spicy salsa.
• Cheese alternatives: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for added zest or non-dairy cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Make them smaller: Prepare mini taquitos as bite-sized snacks for parties. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

These tips will help personalize your Chicken Taquitos, ensuring everyone gets a taste tailored to their liking.

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos

Serving Chicken Taquitos is just as exciting as making them. Here are some delicious suggestions:

• Pair them with a refreshing salad for a balanced meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the taquitos nicely.
• Serve with rice or quinoa for a heartier option. Adding a side of black beans can enhance the dish’s protein content and offer more fiber.
• Include a selection of dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to cater to varying tastes.
• Consider adding roasted vegetables or a corn salad for an added boost of nutrition and texture.

These serving ideas not only enhance the meal but also make it visually appealing for guests or family gatherings.

How to Store Chicken Taquitos

Storing leftover Chicken Taquitos properly ensures they stay delicious for later enjoyment. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate: Allow the cooked taquitos to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Properly stored, they can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the taquitos. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. For microwave reheating, do so on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Following these steps will help maintain the flavor and texture of your Chicken Taquitos.

Nutrition Information

While enjoying Chicken Taquitos, it’s good to know what you are consuming. Here’s a general overview of the nutrition information per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 220-250
• Protein: 15g
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g

By taking a closer look at nutrition details, you can enjoy these taquitos as part of a balanced diet, adjusting ingredients as necessary for your dietary needs.

FAQs Chicken Taquitos

1. Can I make Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll them up in advance. Keep them in the fridge to fry just before serving.

2. What other fillings can I use?
   Feel free to experiment with other proteins like beef or beans, or include vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to complement the chicken.

3. Are Chicken Taquitos gluten-free?
   As long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas, Chicken Taquitos can be perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

4. Can I bake Chicken Taquitos?
   Absolutely! Baking is an excellent alternative to frying. Just brush them with oil and bake until golden.

Conclusion

Chicken Taquitos are a delectable choice for any meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual family dinner or serving them at a festive gathering, these taquitos shine on every occasion. The easy preparation method makes them accessible even for novice cooks, while the potential for customization means everyone can enjoy their perfect filling. Try this recipe and share your experience; it’s a culinary adventure worth embarking on!

Chicken Taquitos

Delicious crispy rolls of corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken and cheese, perfect for any meal occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 235

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Filling

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), shredded Choose your favorite cheese.
• 1/2 cup salsa Use mild or spicy salsa as preferred.
• 1 teaspoon cumin Add more for a stronger flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Wrapping

• 12 pieces small corn tortillas Warm them to avoid cracking.

For frying and serving

• to taste Oil for frying Use vegetable or canola oil.
• to taste Sour cream and guacamole for serving Optional dips.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder together until well combined.
2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly.

Cooking

1. Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium heat to cover the bottom.
2. Fry the taquitos in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
3. Once done, drain the taquitos on paper towels.

Serving

1. Serve warm with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Notes

For a healthier version, brush the taquitos with oil and bake them at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can customize fillings to include beans or veggies according to your taste.