why make this recipe
Chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal that everyone loves. They are crispy, filled with flavor, and a great way to use leftover chicken. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings and dips.
Making taquitos at home allows for a fun cooking experience, perfect for family or friend gatherings. Whether you plan to serve them for a casual dinner or as a party appetizer, chicken taquitos offer a great taste and can be made quickly.
equipment needed for Chicken Taquitos
To make chicken taquitos, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. First, you’ll need mixing bowls for combining the ingredients and a non-stick griddle or skillet for cooking the tortillas. If frying, a large skillet is also essential for ensuring the oil heats up properly.
You should have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate ingredient portions. Additionally, a spatula is useful for flipping the taquitos while cooking. If you decide to bake the taquitos, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will make cleanup easier. Don’t forget some toothpicks if you want to secure your rolled taquitos!
What You Need to Make Chicken Taquitos
You will need the following ingredients:
- 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 (for taste)
- 15-20 corn or flour tortillas
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
How to Cook Chicken Taquitos Step by Step
Begin by preparing the filling. In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Stir these ingredients until they are smooth and well combined. Next, add the cooked shredded chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, and the spices: cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Take a moment to taste the filling. You can always add more seasoning if desired.
Now it’s time to prepare the tortillas. If you’re using corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for about 15 to 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable. This step is crucial as it prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Once cooked, remove the tortillas from the griddle and place them on a plate covered with tinfoil to keep them warm.
With your filling and tortillas ready, it’s time to assemble the taquitos. Grab a warm tortilla and place a large spoonful of the chicken filling in a line along one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Repeat this process until you have rolled all the tortillas.
You can choose to bake or fry your taquitos depending on your preference. For baked taquitos, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet by spraying the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray, or you can brush them lightly with oil. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the shells are crispy and golden brown.
If you prefer fried taquitos, fill a large skillet with about 1 1/2 inches of oil and heat it to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, which you can tell by the sizzle when you add a tortilla, carefully place the taquitos in the oil. Fry them in small batches, flipping them as they cook, until they turn golden and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve your chicken taquitos warm with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful treat with your chosen dips!
how to make Chicken Taquitos
To make Chicken Taquitos, first prepare the chicken filling by combining cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream in a bowl. Mix them until smooth. Then, add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped spinach, and spices. Mix thoroughly and taste the filling.
Heat the tortillas on a griddle until soft. Place a spoonful of filling on each tortilla, roll it up, and secure with a toothpick if necessary. For baked taquitos, preheat the oven, spray the taquitos with oil, and bake until crispy. For fried taquitos, heat oil in a skillet, fry until golden, and drain on paper towels. Serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Enjoy your tasty taquitos!
how to serve Chicken Taquitos
To serve chicken taquitos, arrange them neatly on a large serving platter. They look appetizing when grouped together, and your guests can easily help themselves. You can place small bowls of different dips around the platter for a colorful presentation.
Consider serving guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce. These toppings enhance the flavor of the crispy taquitos. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños on top of the taquitos before serving. This not only adds flavor but also gives a fresh and inviting appearance.
Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy these delicious treats. Their crispy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy dips. Taquitos are perfect for gatherings, parties, or casual dinners, making them a crowd favorite.
what to serve with Chicken Taquitos
When serving chicken taquitos, you have plenty of options to complement them. A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs nicely. This adds a refreshing touch to your meal. You might also consider spicy rice or seasoned black beans, which make a hearty side dish.
If you want to go all out, offer a platter of nachos next to the taquitos. Layers of tortilla chips topped with cheese, beans, and jalapeños create a fun togetherness around the table. This invites everyone to share and enjoy the buffet-style spread.
Drinks can greatly enhance this meal as well. Cool beverages, like soda, iced tea, or margaritas, will balance the spiciness of the taquitos and refresh your guests.
how to store Chicken Taquitos
To store leftover chicken taquitos, make sure they have cooled to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If properly stored, they can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you plan on saving them for a longer time, consider freezing your chicken taquitos. Wrap each taquito tightly in plastic wrap before placing them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can bake them straight from the freezer or let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. A few minutes in the oven will make them crispy again, bringing back that delicious texture.
tips to make Chicken Taquitos
One important tip for making chicken taquitos is ensuring your tortillas are heated properly. Heating makes them pliable and reduces the risk of tearing when you roll them. If you plan to fry, test your oil to ensure it’s hot enough before adding the taquitos.
Another tip is to not overfill your tortillas. A large spoonful of filling is enough. Overfilling can make rolling them up difficult and may cause them to leak filling during cooking.
Experimenting with ingredients is also a great idea. Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the filling. You can replace the chicken with beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option.
variation
If you’re looking for variations of chicken taquitos, consider using shredded beef or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor. You can also switch up the cheeses, trying pepper jack for some heat or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
For a healthier twist, you can use whole-wheat tortillas and add extra vegetables to the filling, such as corn or diced tomatoes. These additions will boost the nutrition while still keeping the taquitos flavorful.
Adding spices can also create exciting variations. A pinch of smoked paprika or taco seasoning can change the profile completely, giving it a different flair while still being delicious.
best time to make Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are great for any occasion, but they shine during casual get-togethers. They are particularly enjoyable during game days or family movie nights when people want something to snack on.
These taquitos also fit perfectly for quick weeknight dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly. You can whip them up quickly, and they please both kids and adults alike. When hosting parties, taquitos can be an attractive platter option that invites guests to feast and socialize.
common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making chicken taquitos is not using soft tortillas. If they’re too cold or not warmed up, they can crack when rolled. Take time to heat them up properly for the best results.
Another mistake is overcooking the taquitos. Whether baking or frying, keep a close watch to avoid burnt edges. Crisp is good, but burnt ruins the taste.
Also, be mindful of the filling amount. Overstuffing can cause the taquitos to burst or leak, making them messy. Stick to a reasonable amount of filling for cleaner taquitos.
nutritional notes
While chicken taquitos can be a delightful treat, they can also fit into a balanced diet. Using lean chicken and whole-wheat tortillas increases nutritional value. Adding vegetables like spinach enhances fiber and vitamins.
Portion control is key; enjoying a few taquitos along with fresh veggies as sides can make for a wholesome meal. Balance is essential, so enjoy them while being mindful of other food choices throughout the day.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for taquitos?
Yes, frozen chicken works perfectly! Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before incorporating it into your filling.
2. How long can I keep taquitos in the fridge?
Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I bake taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative. Just make sure to spray with cooking oil to achieve a crispy texture.
conclusion
Chicken taquitos are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. From preparing the flavorful filling to rolling and cooking them to crispy perfection, taquitos are a fun and satisfying meal. With a variety of serving options and the ability to customize them based on personal preferences, you can enjoy these tasty treats any time.
By following the tips provided, you can create a batch of chicken taquitos that will impress family and friends alike. Whether served at a party or enjoyed on a cozy night in, these crispy delights are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these homemade chicken taquitos!
Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, and spices. Mix thoroughly and taste the filling.
- Heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 15 to 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
- Once cooked, remove from griddle and keep them warm under tinfoil.
- Grab a warm tortilla and place a spoonful of filling in a line along one edge.
- Roll tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
- For baked taquitos, preheat oven to 425°F. Spray tops with cooking spray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until crispy.
- For fried taquitos, heat oil in a skillet to medium-high. Fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side.
