Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in. These crispy treats are filled with a delightful blend of shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and creamy salsa, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. You can bake or fry them according to your preference, ensuring a delicious experience every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these tasty taquitos in no time.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste—add more spices or veggies!
- Perfect for Sharing: These taquitos make an excellent finger food for gatherings or game days.
- Crispy Texture: Baking or frying gives you that satisfying crunch that everyone loves.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious meal that’s easy to eat and fun to make.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Gathering your equipment will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick griddle
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (for baked taquitos)
- Large skillet (for frying)
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick griddle: Ensures tortillas cook evenly without sticking, making it easier to handle them.
- Mixing bowl: A larger bowl allows for easy mixing of the filling ingredients without spillage.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for baking your taquitos evenly while achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Large skillet: Essential for frying; its size accommodates multiple taquitos at once.
Ingredients
Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos made with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and a creamy salsa blend rolled in tortillas and baked or fried until crispy.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (I use rotisserie)
– 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
– 1/4 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup baby spinach leaves (chopped)
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
– salt and freshly ground black pepper (for taste)
– 15-20 corn or flour tortillas
– guacamole, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Add cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream to a mixing bowl and stir until smooth. Add remaining ingredients (except the tortillas) and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Soften the Tortillas
For corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat. Cook tortillas for about 15 – 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable. Remove tortillas to a plate covered with tinfoil to keep them warm and pliable.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Place a large spoonful of filling in a line along each tortilla and roll tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Step 4: Bake the Taquitos
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray the tops of the tacos with cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the shells are crispy.
Step 5: Fry the Taquitos
Add about 1 1/2 inches of oil to a large skillet and heat to medium-high. Once hot (the tortillas should sizzle immediately when added), fry the taquitos in small batches for a few seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a paper towel lined plate.
Step 6: Serve
Serve taquitos warm with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to game day snacks. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your chicken taquitos experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a fresh flavor that complements the spices in the taquitos.
- Sour Cream: A classic choice, sour cream provides a cool contrast to the heat of the taquitos.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa for added flavor; whether it’s chunky or smooth, it enhances the overall taste.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy extra heat, a dash of hot sauce is a perfect finishing touch.
As Part of a Platter
- Veggie Platter: Surround your taquitos with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a colorful presentation and healthy crunch.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with an assortment of cheeses to create a more indulgent spread that balances the crispy taquitos.
In Tacos or Wraps
- Taco Style: Serve your taquitos in taco shells topped with lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese for a fun twist on traditional tacos.
- Wrap It Up: Use larger tortillas to wrap the taquito filling into burritos for a heartier meal option.
How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos
Perfecting chicken taquitos takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to ensure your taquitos turn out crispy and delicious every time.
- Bold Seasoning: Don’t hold back on the spices! Season generously with cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder for depth of flavor.
- Proper Tortilla Preparation: Always heat tortillas before wrapping to make them pliable. This prevents cracking during rolling.
- Tight Rolling: Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling to keep everything secure during baking or frying.
- Cooking Method Choice: Choose between baking for a healthier option or frying for extra crispiness—both are delicious!
- Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking can lead to burnt edges while undercooking can leave them soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your chicken taquitos fresh out of the oven or fryer for maximum crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos
Pairing side dishes with chicken taquitos can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement their flavors perfectly.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes for a hearty side that pairs well with chicken taquitos.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making your meal more filling.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad brings sweetness and crunch that contrasts nicely with crispy taquitos.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and texture to balance out the richness of the taquitos.
- Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa offer an extra crunch alongside your main dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables provide a smoky flavor that complements the savory chicken filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Taquitos, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your dish. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their filling. Always taste your mixture before rolling it up. Add salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the flavor.
Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when rolled. Warm them up on a griddle for a few seconds on each side to make them pliable and easier to work with.
Overstuffing the taquitos: Filling them too much can lead to bursting during cooking. Stick to a large spoonful of filling to ensure they roll easily and maintain their shape.
Not using enough oil for frying: If frying, ensure there’s enough oil in the skillet. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. About 1.5 inches of oil is ideal for frying.
Ignoring cooking times: Baking or frying times are crucial for achieving crispy taquitos. Keep an eye on them and adjust cooking time based on your oven or stove’s performance.
Serving without dipping sauces: Taquitos are best enjoyed with dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. Don’t forget these delicious accompaniments!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Taquitos
- Wrap each taquito individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Taquitos
Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that they may not be as crispy.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add taquitos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chicken for Chicken Taquitos?
You can use grilled chicken, boiled chicken, or even leftover chicken from other meals! Just ensure it’s shredded for easy rolling.
How do I make Chicken Taquitos spicier?
Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños into the filling for extra heat. You can also serve with spicy salsa as a dip.
Can I bake Chicken Taquitos instead of frying?
Yes! Baked Chicken Taquitos are healthier and still delicious when made crispy in the oven.
What should I serve with Chicken Taquitos?
Serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or any favorite dips. A side salad also pairs well for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Taquitos are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various occasions. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Chicken Taquitos
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Chicken Taquitos, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. These crispy delights are filled with a savory blend of shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa, making them an instant crowd favorite. They are versatile enough to serve as appetizers, snacks, or even a main dish. You can bake them for a healthier option or fry them for that irresistible crunch. Enjoy these taquitos dipped in guacamole or salsa for an added burst of flavor!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 (12 taquitos) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 15–20 corn or flour tortillas
- Seasonings: cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and seasonings.
- Warm tortillas on a non-stick griddle until pliable.
- Place a spoonful of filling on each tortilla and roll tightly; secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy or fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos (90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the filling. Customize the recipe by adding veggies like bell peppers or corn. Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for three months.
