Chicken Taquitos

Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. These crispy, flavorful bites are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners. With a creamy filling made from shredded chicken and cheese, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these taquitos in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese, salsa, and spices creates a rich and tasty filling that everyone will love.
• Versatile Options: Whether you prefer baked or fried, this recipe caters to both methods, giving you flexibility in preparation.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Chicken Taquitos, gather your essential tools for an effortless cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Non-stick griddle or skillet
• Toothpicks (optional)
• Baking sheet (for baked option)
• Large skillet (for frying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine your ingredients thoroughly for a smooth filling.
• Non-stick griddle or skillet: This helps heat tortillas evenly without sticking, ensuring they remain pliable for rolling.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for the baking method, it ensures even cooking and easy cleanup after preparing your taquitos.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
2. Add shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped spinach, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed. Adjust seasoning as needed.

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. Place heated tortillas on a plate covered with tinfoil to keep warm.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

1. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto each tortilla in a line.
2. Roll tightly from one end to the other. Secure with toothpicks if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Taquitos

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Fry the Taquitos (Optional)

1. Pour about 1 ½ inches of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot enough for frying (tortillas should sizzle), fry taquitos in small batches for several seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Serve Your Delicious Chicken Taquitos

Serve warm alongside guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce for dipping! Enjoy your homemade Chicken Taquitos as an appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos are a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a game day snack or a family dinner, serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal.

With Dips

• Guacamole – Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy taquitos.
• Sour Cream – A classic choice, sour cream adds a cool tang that balances the spices in the taquitos.
• Salsa – Choose your favorite type of salsa for an added kick. Chunky or smooth, it complements the chicken filling beautifully.

As a Meal

• Rice and Beans – Serve your taquitos alongside seasoned rice and beans for a hearty and filling meal.
• Salad – A light salad with fresh greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm taquitos.
• Queso Dip – Melted cheese dip is always a crowd-pleaser and makes for a delicious side.

For Entertaining

• Platter Style – Arrange taquitos on a large platter with various dips for guests to enjoy at parties or gatherings.
• Mini Taquito Bites – Cut taquitos into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for entertaining.

How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos

To ensure your Chicken Taquitos come out crispy and flavorful every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Tortillas – Opt for corn tortillas for traditional flavor; they hold up well when frying or baking.
• Don’t Overfill – Keep the filling amount moderate to avoid spills while rolling and cooking.
• Preheat Your Oven or Oil – Make sure your oven or frying oil is hot enough before adding taquitos to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Brush with Oil – Lightly brushing or spraying the outside of taquitos with oil before cooking enhances their crispiness.
• Serve Immediately – Enjoy your Chicken Taquitos hot from the oven or skillet for the best texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos

Pairing Chicken Taquitos with delightful side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Rice – Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this rice dish adds substance and complements the flavors of the taquitos.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness, making them an ideal pairing.
3. Fresh Guacamole Salad – A vibrant salad made with avocados, tomatoes, and lime juice adds freshness to your plate.
4. Corn Salsa – Sweet corn mixed with diced tomatoes and peppers offers a crunchy texture that goes well with taquitos.
5. Chips and Salsa – A classic combination, tortilla chips paired with salsa make for a satisfying starter before diving into taquitos.
6. Cabbage Slaw – A crunchy slaw dressed in lime vinaigrette brings brightness and acidity that balances the richness of fried taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using dry chicken – Ensure your chicken is moist and flavorful. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well as it adds great taste.
• Not warming the tortillas – Cold tortillas can crack. Warm them on a griddle for better flexibility during rolling.
• Overstuffing the taquitos – Adding too much filling can lead to bursting. Use a spoonful of filling for each tortilla.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Taste your mixture! Adjust salt and spices to suit your preference before rolling the taquitos.
• Cooking at the wrong temperature – Ensure your oven or oil is hot enough. Low temperatures result in soggy taquitos instead of crispy ones.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Taquitos

• Place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen taquitos can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos

• Oven – Preheat to 400°F (204°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes; they may not stay crispy.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Taquitos.

How can I make Chicken Taquitos healthier?

You can use whole wheat tortillas and add more veggies, such as bell peppers or onions, into the filling for added nutrition.

Can I make Chicken Taquitos with leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great. Just shred it and mix with the other ingredients.

What dipping sauces go well with Chicken Taquitos?

Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa are popular choices that enhance the flavor of your taquitos.

Can I bake Chicken Taquitos instead of frying them?

Yes! Baking is a healthier option. Brush them lightly with oil and bake until golden brown for crispy results.

How should I store leftover Chicken Taquitos?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Taquitos are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients or sauces. Whether you bake or fry them, they are sure to impress at any gathering or family meal—give this recipe a try!