Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite appetizer: Cheesy Chicken Taquitos! These little bundles of joy are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made them for a game night with friends. The aroma of frying tortillas filled the kitchen, and as soon as I served them, they disappeared in minutes! They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Seriously, who can resist the combination of tender chicken and gooey cheese rolled up in a crispy tortilla? Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these delicious Cheesy Chicken Taquitos! I promise you, the ingredient list is simple, but the flavors are anything but. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – This is where the magic begins! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or simply cook some chicken breasts and shred them up.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works wonders, but honestly, use whatever cheese makes your heart sing!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese – This adds a creamy richness that takes the filling to the next level. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic? It adds such a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Just a touch to enhance the savory goodness of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – A little pinch of this adds that warm, earthy flavor we all adore in Mexican cuisine.
- 10 small flour tortillas – You can use corn tortillas if you prefer, but flour tortillas are super pliable and easy to roll.
- Oil for frying – You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of your pan for frying. Vegetable or canola oil works great!
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering taquito experience that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Let’s dive into the preparation next.
How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to bring these Cheesy Chicken Taquitos to life! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step so you can achieve that perfect crunchy exterior and cheesy interior. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is seriously the heart of your taquitos!
- Next, let’s warm up those tortillas. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla in the pan for about 10-15 seconds on each side until they’re warm and pliable. This step is key to avoiding cracks when you roll them!
- Once your tortillas are ready, take one and spoon a small amount of the filling onto the lower third of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill; you want to roll them up tightly without spilling any goodness.
- Now gently roll the tortilla away from you, tucking in the sides as you go to create a snug little package. Repeat this for all your tortillas until the filling is gone.
- In a large skillet, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles, you’re good!), carefully place a few taquitos seam-side down.
- Fry the taquitos for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to crowd the pan, so they fry evenly!
- Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, and then get ready to serve them hot!
And there you have it! These taquitos are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also make your kitchen smell heavenly. Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy them best!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful Cheesy Chicken Taquitos. While I always say that the best part is the flavor, it’s nice to know what you’re munching on, right? Here’s an estimate of what you’ll find in each taquito:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 8g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of cheese and tortillas. But hey, knowing what’s in your food can help you enjoy it even more! Now, let’s get ready to explore why you’ll love these taquitos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests!
- Every bite is packed with flavor from the creamy, cheesy filling and the crispy tortilla.
- Versatile for any occasion – serve them as appetizers at parties, snacks for movie nights, or even as a fun main dish!
- Customizable with your favorite spices, cheeses, or even add some veggies for a twist!
- A family-friendly recipe that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making these Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your taquitos from good to absolutely amazing.
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the taquitos. If it’s not hot, they’ll soak up too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy. A good test is to drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; it should sizzle immediately!
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to put lots of filling in, but trust me on this one—less is more! Overfilled taquitos are harder to roll and more likely to burst open while frying. A couple of tablespoons of filling per tortilla is just right.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can add sautéed veggies, black beans, or even some spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for a little extra kick. The possibilities are endless!
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each taquito some space to fry evenly. If you add too many at once, they’ll lower the oil temperature and won’t get that nice golden crunch.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep the finished taquitos warm in a low oven while you fry the rest. This way, they’ll all be hot and crispy when it’s time to serve!
- Let Them Drain: After frying, make sure to place the taquitos on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and not soggy!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a taquito pro in no time! Happy cooking, and get ready for some seriously delicious bites!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, the options are absolutely mouthwatering! I love pairing them with a fresh, zesty salsa that adds a burst of flavor. You can’t go wrong with guacamole either—it’s creamy, rich, and the perfect complement to those crispy bites. If you want to keep it light, try serving them alongside a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick! Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover Cheesy Chicken Taquitos (though I doubt it!), storing them is super simple. Just place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I highly recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the taquitos on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Trust me, the oven method keeps that delightful crunch! You can also use an air fryer if you have one—just a few minutes at a high temperature will do the trick. Happy snacking!
FAQ About Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Got questions about these delicious Cheesy Chicken Taquitos? No problem! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you want a healthier option, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy. They’ll still be super tasty!
What other fillings can I use?
The sky’s the limit! You can swap the chicken for shredded beef, pork, or even beans for a vegetarian version. Feel free to mix in sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added flavor and texture!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to fry or bake them. If you’re making a big batch, it’s a great time-saver!
How do I know when the taquitos are done frying?
They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If you’ve got a thermometer, the oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying!
Can I freeze them?
Definitely! You can freeze the rolled taquitos before frying. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Chicken Taquitos are crispy rolled tortillas filled with a savory chicken and cheese mixture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 10 small flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
- Warm tortillas in a pan to make them pliable.
- Place a small amount of filling on each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the taquitos until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
- Can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, Chicken Taquitos, Taquitos