Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Chicken Taquitos! These little bundles of joy are the ultimate comfort food, boasting a crispy exterior that gives way to a flavorful filling of seasoned chicken and gooey cheese. I can’t help but get excited every time I whip up a batch! They’ve become a staple at my gatherings, where they disappear faster than I can say “taquito!” Just picture it: friends gathered around, dipping these golden beauties in sour cream or guacamole, laughter filling the air. Seriously, they’re perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers, and I promise they’ll steal the show every time!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor!)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white work best for that perfect bite)
- 1/2 cup salsa (choose your favorite—mild, medium, or spicy!)
- 12 small corn tortillas (I recommend getting the freshest ones you can find)
- Vegetable oil for frying (make sure you have enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
How to Prepare Chicken Taquitos
Let’s get into the fun part—making these delicious Chicken Taquitos! It’s a simple process, and I promise, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar as you bring this recipe to life. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying treat in no time!
Step 1: Mix the Filling
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, diced onion, and salsa. Use a fork to mix it all together until everything is nicely combined. I love to make sure every bite has that perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, the smell alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Now, let’s get those tortillas ready! Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them pliable and easy to roll without cracking. A little tip: keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel while you work to prevent them from drying out!
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Alright, it’s time to roll! Take a warm tortilla, place a generous spoonful of that delicious filling in the center, and roll it up tightly. I like to tuck in the sides as I roll to keep all that goodness inside. Repeat this for all your tortillas, and don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; they’ll taste amazing!
Step 4: Fry the Taquitos
Heat a good amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat—enough to cover the bottom. Carefully place a few taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure the oil is hot enough; if it’s not, they’ll absorb too much oil and won’t get that lovely crunch we’re after. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once they’re perfectly golden, remove the taquitos from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. And here’s the best part: serve them hot with a side of sour cream or guacamole! Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed filling that combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty salsa.
- Crispy golden exterior that adds an irresistible crunch to every bite.
- Perfect for gatherings—these taquitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable! You can add your favorite ingredients like black beans or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week!
- They’re gluten-free when made with corn tortillas, making them suitable for various diets.
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your Chicken Taquitos come out perfectly every time? I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite pro tips! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you nail that crispy texture and flavor that everyone loves.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the taquitos will soak up the oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Aim for around 350°F (175°C) for that ideal fry.
- Batch Frying: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches so that each taquito has enough space to cook evenly. This also helps maintain the oil temperature!
- Draining: After frying, place the taquitos on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy, plus it helps avoid that soggy bottom.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and fry when you’re ready for a quick snack or meal!
- Test a Taquito: If you’re unsure about the cooking time, test one taquito first. It’ll give you a good idea of how long they need without risking your whole batch.
- Experiment! Don’t be afraid to try different fillings or spices. Adding some cumin or chili powder can elevate the flavor even more!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a taquito-making pro in no time. Can’t wait for you to experience that crispy, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
While I strive to provide you with the best information, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values below are typical estimates for a serving size of 2 Chicken Taquitos:
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Always feel free to adjust your ingredients to suit your dietary needs—after all, cooking should be as fun and flexible as possible!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these tasty Chicken Taquitos, so let’s dive right in! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries to help you out.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! While I personally love the authentic taste of corn tortillas, flour tortillas work just as well. Just keep in mind that they might not get as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!
How can I make them healthier?
Great question! You can make your Chicken Taquitos healthier by using baked taquitos instead of frying them. Just brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also sneak in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach into the filling for extra nutrition!
Can I freeze Chicken Taquitos?
Yes! You can freeze them before frying. Just assemble the taquitos, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until they’re frozen solid. After that, 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.
What can I serve with Chicken Taquitos?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them with sour cream, guacamole, or even a fresh pico de gallo. You can also pair them with a side salad or some Mexican rice for a heartier meal!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to warm it up a bit before assembling the taquitos to make rolling easier.
How do I know when the taquitos are done frying?
Your taquitos are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly crispy to overdone pretty quickly. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your heat level!
And there you have it! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you create the best Chicken Taquitos ever!
Learn more about Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos for a spicy twist on this classic dish!
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Chicken Taquitos: 5 Crispy Bites You’ll Love
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken taquitos filled with seasoned chicken and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, onion, and salsa.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet to make them pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll the tortillas around the filling.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry taquitos until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole.
- Try adding black beans for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Chicken Taquitos