Chicken Taquitos

Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos made with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and a creamy salsa blend rolled in tortillas and baked or fried until crispy. These delicious taquitos are perfect for any gathering, snack time, or weeknight dinner. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Preparing Chicken Taquitos takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese, salsa, and spices creates a rich flavor that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these taquitos with your favorite dips like guacamole or hot sauce for a customizable experience.
• Baked or Fried: Choose between baking for a healthier option or frying for that extra crunch; either way, they’re delicious!
• Kid-Friendly: These taquitos are fun to eat and can be enjoyed by the whole family, making them a great addition to any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chicken Taquitos effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this tasty dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easy to combine all the ingredients evenly for a flavorful filling.
• Non-stick griddle: This tool ensures that your tortillas heat up perfectly without sticking, making them pliable for rolling.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping taquitos while frying to achieve that golden crispiness on all sides.

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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 (to taste)

For the Tortillas

• 15-20 corn or flour tortillas

For Serving

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Hot sauce

How to Make Chicken Taquitos

Follow these simple steps to create your own flavorful Chicken Taquitos!

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
2. Add the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Heat the Tortillas

1. For corn tortillas: Preheat 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 the tortillas from the griddle and place them on a plate covered with tinfoil to keep warm.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

1. Take one tortilla at a time and place a large spoonful of filling in a line along one edge.
2. Roll tightly from that edge to form a taquito. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 4: Bake or Fry the Taquitos

Baked Taquitos:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Arrange your rolled taquitos on a baking sheet.
3. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Fried Taquitos:

1. In a large skillet, heat about 1 ½ inches of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot (the tortillas should sizzle when added), fry taquitos in small batches.
3. Cook for several seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Place fried taquitos on paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your delicious Chicken Taquitos hot with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce as desired! Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos

Chicken taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your chicken taquitos.

With Dips

• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds a deliciously smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: A classic choice that provides a tangy contrast to the savory taquitos.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a fresh and zesty kick that complements the chicken filling.

As Part of a Platter

• Nachos: Serve alongside crispy nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings for a fun sharing experience.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the taquitos nicely.

In Tacos

• Soft Taco Style: Place chicken taquitos inside warm tortillas with toppings like lettuce and cheese for a creative twist.

How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos

To ensure your chicken taquitos are always crispy and flavorful, follow these simple tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and quality cheese enhance the overall taste of your taquitos.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the filling before rolling. Adjust spices based on your preference for heat and flavor.
• Heat Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas make rolling easier and prevent them from cracking.
• Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to roll tightly without bursting, ensuring even cooking.
• Crisp Them Well: Bake or fry until golden brown for the perfect crunch that everyone loves.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos

Complement your chicken taquitos with delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes, spices, and herbs adds a hearty element to your meal.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and pair wonderfully with the crunchy taquitos.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime juice and cilantro offers a bright contrast to the savory flavors.
4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice brings a burst of freshness.
5. Chips and Salsa: Always a crowd-pleaser, crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa are great for snacking before the main course.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled vegetables add nutrition and balance out the richness of the taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Taquitos can be a fun and delicious experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy filling. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Adding too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause them to burst during cooking. Use a large spoonful and leave some space on the edges.
• Skipping the seasoning: Without proper seasoning, your taquitos may taste bland. Always taste your filling and adjust seasonings like salt, cumin, or chili powder.
• Not preheating the oil: If you’re frying, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding taquitos. This helps achieve that crispy texture. Test by dropping a small piece of tortilla in; it should sizzle.
• Baking without oil: For baked taquitos, don’t skip the cooking spray or oil brush. This step ensures they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Ignoring storage tips: Improper storage can lead to soggy leftovers. Make sure to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.

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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

• Freeze taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but note they won’t be as crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place taquitos in the pan for a few minutes until warmed through, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Taquitos.

Can I use different proteins for Chicken Taquitos?

You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or beef for different flavors while keeping the recipe intact.

How do I make Chicken Taquitos healthier?

Consider using whole grain tortillas and reducing cheese or sour cream in your filling for a healthier option.

What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Taquitos?

Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream are classic accompaniments that enhance their flavor.

How can I customize my Chicken Taquitos?

Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, corn, or different spices based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Chicken Taquitos are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with various fillings or sauces according to your liking. Whether baked or fried, they’re sure to please everyone at the table!