Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making these easy homemade chicken taquitos! They’re not just delicious; they’re like little crispy bundles of happiness. I remember the first time I made them for my family—everyone gathered around the kitchen, the smell of frying tortillas wafting through the air, and smiles all around. It’s such a simple recipe, and you won’t believe how quickly they come together! Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a favorite for game nights, parties, or just a cozy dinner at home. You’ll be thrilled to share them with your loved ones!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your easy homemade chicken taquitos. Trust me, you won’t need to hunt high and low for these—they’re all pretty standard kitchen staples!
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will do!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack works great, but you can mix it up with a blend if you like!)
- 1/2 cup salsa (Choose your favorite type—mild, medium, or spicy, depending on your taste!)
- 10 small corn tortillas (Make sure they’re fresh for the best rolling experience!)
- Oil for frying (I like to use vegetable or canola oil for frying, but anything with a high smoke point will work!)
How to Prepare the Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious taquitos! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of crispy, delicious taquitos ready to be devoured in no time!
Preparing the Filling
First things first, let’s get that filling ready! In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa. I love to make sure everything is well mixed—this is where all the flavor comes together! Give it a good stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the salsa and the cheese is nicely distributed. Trust me, this is the key to tasty taquitos!
Warming the Tortillas
Now, onto the tortillas! You’ll want to warm them up so they’re pliable and easy to roll. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla in there for about 20-30 seconds on each side until it’s soft but not crispy. You can stack them on a plate covered with a kitchen towel to keep them warm and moist while you work. This step is super important—nobody wants a torn tortilla when you’re rolling!
Rolling the Taquitos
Here comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and spoon a generous amount of your chicken mixture along one edge—about 2 tablespoons should do it. Now, carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything nice and secure. You can use a toothpick to hold them together if you’d like, but I usually just make sure they’re snug. Keep rolling until all your tortillas are filled and ready to fry!
Frying the Taquitos
Time to fry! In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of tortilla sizzles upon contact. Carefully place your rolled taquitos in the hot oil, seam side down. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Just watch them closely, as they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash, oops!
Serving Suggestions
Once they’re done frying, drain the taquitos on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Now, here’s where you can get creative! Serve them hot with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or even some extra salsa for dipping. I promise, they’ll disappear in no time! Enjoy every crispy bite—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Great flavor with a perfect balance of chicken, cheese, and salsa.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite fillings or spices!
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy family dinner.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Golden, crispy exterior with a warm, cheesy inside—so satisfying!
- Easy to make in large batches for gatherings.
- Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day (if there are any!).
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to make your taquitos absolutely perfect! These little nuggets of joy are pretty forgiving, but a few simple tricks can elevate them to the next level!
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but trust me, a couple of tablespoons is all you need. Overfilling can lead to messy leaks while frying, and nobody wants that!
- Keep Tortillas Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep your tortillas warm in a towel while you work. This keeps them pliable and makes rolling much easier!
- Watch the Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not hot enough, your taquitos will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If the oil’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through. A little test with a piece of tortilla can help—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in smaller batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking, giving you that perfect golden color!
- Let Them Drain: After frying, place your taquitos on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents them from getting greasy!
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite spices to the filling! A little cumin or chili powder can take the flavor to new heights.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before rolling—this cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to fry!
- Serve Immediately: Taquitos are best served fresh and hot. If you need to make them ahead, consider baking them instead of frying and serving them with your favorite dips!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to crafting the most delightful, crispy chicken taquitos that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these easy homemade chicken taquitos! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But here’s a rough breakdown per taquito:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
These taquitos are not only delicious but also pack a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied. So go ahead, indulge a little—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about making these easy homemade chicken taquitos? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, and I’m here to help you navigate through them!
Can I use leftover turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey or even shredded beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure whatever meat you use is cooked and shredded, so it blends well with your other ingredients!
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
No problem! While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that they might be a bit softer and might not get quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste great!
Can I bake these taquitos instead of frying?
Yes, you can totally bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the rolled 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. It’s a healthier option, and they still come out delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for that crispy texture!
Can I freeze taquitos?
Yes! To freeze, place the uncooked rolled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, you can fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time!
What can I serve with taquitos?
Oh, there are so many tasty options! Guacamole, sour cream, or salsa are classics. You can also whip up a quick avocado crema or a fresh pico de gallo for a burst of flavor. Get creative and enjoy!
Why are my taquitos coming out soggy?
Soggy taquitos can happen if the oil isn’t hot enough or if they’re overcrowded in the pan. Make sure your oil is sizzling before adding them, and give them some space while frying for that perfectly crispy finish!
There you go! With these answers, you’re all set to tackle any questions that come up while whipping up your delicious chicken taquitos. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those tasty taquitos fresh and delicious for later! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a bit of a miracle, right?), here’s what you need to do:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your taquitos have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed well so they don’t dry out!
- Freezing Taquitos: If you want to save them for a later date, you can freeze them too! Lay the uncooked rolled taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can fry them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time!
Now, let’s get into reheating! You’ll want to bring back that crispy texture, and here’s how:
- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the outside is crispy again. This method works like a charm!
- In the Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, this is another fantastic way to reheat! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and air fry the taquitos for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally until they’re golden and crispy.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but just a heads up, they won’t be as crispy. Place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your delicious chicken taquitos anytime! Happy snacking!
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Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe for Happy Gatherings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for homemade chicken taquitos.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 10 small corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, and salsa.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet to make them pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll each tortilla around the filling.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry taquitos until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Serve with guacamole or sour cream.
- You can bake taquitos instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy homemade chicken taquitos recipe