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Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos

Chicken Taquitos are a quick and easy recipe featuring golden, crispy rolled corn tortillas filled with savory shredded chicken and a cheesy, spiced filling. Perfect as a family-friendly meal, snack, or appetizer, they deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of Southwestern flavors in under 30 minutes. Ideal for every occasion, these taquitos can be fried or baked and are versatile enough for various customizations.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tortillas

  • 12 fresh or lightly warmed corn tortillas

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for frying, about 1-2 cups)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheese, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended and flavorful.
  2. Warm the Tortillas: Gently warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over low heat or microwave them until soft and pliable to prevent cracking when rolling.
  3. Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly from one end to the other, securing with a toothpick if necessary to prevent unrolling during cooking.
  4. Fry Until Crispy: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place taquitos seam-side down and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove toothpicks, garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or avocado, and serve hot with your favorite dips and side dishes.

Notes

  • Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause difficulties rolling and may lead to tortillas bursting during frying.
  • Keep Tortillas Warm: Warming tortillas prevents cracks and helps them roll smoothly.
  • Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve crispiness without excessive oil absorption.
  • Drain Well: Use paper towels to soak up extra oil for a lighter, less greasy taquito.
  • Experiment With Cheese: Try smoky or spicy cheese varieties for added flavor depth.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble taquitos in advance and store refrigerated or freeze before frying or baking.
  • Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake taquitos at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken taquitos, crispy rolled tortillas, shredded chicken recipe, quick Mexican appetizer, easy family meal