Chicken Taquitos

Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos are the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a delicious snack, these taquitos deliver on flavor and crunch. With a blend of shredded chicken, creamy salsa, and melted cheese, they stand out as a crowd favorite. Plus, they can be baked or fried to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious taquitos.
• Crispy and Satisfying: Bake or fry them to achieve that perfect crispy texture everyone loves.
• Flavor-Packed Filling: The creamy salsa blend with shredded chicken and spices creates an irresistible flavor.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to your liking.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great as an appetizer or main course, these taquitos are ideal for sharing with friends and family.

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Tools and Preparation

To make the best Chicken Taquitos, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. These help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Non-stick griddle
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Large skillet (if frying)
• Tongs
• Toothpicks (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients smoothly without any mess.
• Non-stick griddle: This tool makes it easy to warm tortillas without sticking, ensuring they remain pliable.
• Large skillet: Perfect for frying taquitos evenly while keeping them crispy on all sides.

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.

For the Filling

• 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)

For the Taquitos

• 15-20 corn or flour tortillas
• Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce (for serving)

How to Make Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Add cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream to a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the remaining ingredients (except tortillas) to the bowl. Toss until well combined.
3. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Heat the Tortillas

1. For corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Cook each tortilla for about 15-30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
3. Remove tortillas to a plate covered with tinfoil to keep them warm.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

1. Place a large spoonful of filling in a line along each tortilla.
2. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Step 4: Bake or Fry the Taquitos

Baked Taquitos:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Spray tops of taquitos with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until shells are crispy.

Fried Taquitos:

1. Add about 1 1/2 inches of oil to a large skillet; heat over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot (the tortillas should sizzle), fry taquitos in small batches for a few seconds on each side.
3. Rotate them while cooking until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Place fried taquitos on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Chicken Taquitos with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping! Enjoy this delightful dish that everyone will love!

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos make for a delightful snack or meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these crispy delights can be paired with an array of delicious sides and dips.

With Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole complements the savory flavors of chicken taquitos.
• Sour Cream: A classic choice that adds a cool, creamy texture to every bite.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste.

As a Meal

• Serve with Rice: Pairing taquitos with Mexican rice creates a filling and satisfying meal.
• Salad Side: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the taquitos, adding crunch and nutrients.
• Taco Bar Style: Set up a taco bar with various toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese for a fun dining experience.

For Kids

• Mini Taquito Bites: Cut the taquitos into smaller pieces for kid-friendly snacks that are easy to handle.
• Fruit Platter: Serve alongside fresh fruit like watermelon or pineapple for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos

To achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful Chicken Taquitos, follow these essential tips. These guidelines will help you elevate your cooking game.

• Use Quality Tortillas: Fresh corn or flour tortillas work best. They should be pliable, which prevents tearing when filled.
• Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling quantity moderate to ensure easy rolling and prevent breakage.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: For baked taquitos, watch closely and remove them once they are golden brown for optimal crispiness.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust seasonings like cumin or chili powder to match your taste preferences or try different spice blends for variety.
• Fry in Batches: If frying, cook in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Let Them Rest: Allow cooked taquitos to rest briefly on paper towels; this helps them maintain their crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Taquitos can enhance your meal experience. Here’s a list of tasty accompaniments that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs and spices makes a hearty addition.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and pairs well with crispy textures.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, balancing out the savory flavors.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa create an engaging appetizer option.
5. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A light quinoa dish infused with lime and cilantro brings brightness to the table.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add flavor diversity while keeping things healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Taquitos can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese can make it hard to mix. Always let it soften at room temperature for a smooth blend.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling can lead to messy taquitos. Stick to a large spoonful for easy rolling.
• Skipping seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland taquitos. Always sample the mixture and add salt or spices as needed.
• Not warming tortillas: Using cold or unheated tortillas can cause them to crack when rolled. Warm them briefly on a griddle to keep them pliable.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Cooking taquitos in oil that isn’t hot enough can make them greasy. Ensure your oil is sizzling before adding them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Taquitos

• Place cooled taquitos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but they may not stay crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and re-crisp them for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Taquitos.

Can I use other meats for Chicken Taquitos?

Yes, you can substitute shredded beef or pork if you prefer a different protein.

How do I make Chicken Taquitos gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure your salsa is gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Taquitos?

Consider serving them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I bake Chicken Taquitos instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option and still yields deliciously crispy taquitos.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Taquitos are an incredibly versatile dish that everyone will love. You can customize the fillings based on your preferences, whether you want extra veggies or different cheeses. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Try it today and enjoy the delightful flavors!