Easy homemade Chicken Taquitos are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful party appetizer. These crispy treats are filled with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, making them both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you bake or fry them, Chicken Taquitos are sure to be a hit at any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these taquitos in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the filling with your favorite spices or veggies to suit your taste.
- Crispy Texture: Choose to bake or fry your taquitos for that perfect crunch.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for easy snacks or meals later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick griddle
- Baking sheet (for baked taquitos)
- Large skillet (for frying)
- Paper towels (for draining)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Non-stick griddle: This tool ensures tortillas stay intact while softening, preventing tearing during rolling.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for evenly baking taquitos until they turn golden brown.
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.
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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Add cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream to a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Incorporate the remaining ingredients (except the tortillas) into the mixture. Toss gently to combine. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
- For corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook each tortilla for about 15 – 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
- Transfer warmed tortillas to a plate covered with tinfoil to keep them warm.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
- Place a large spoonful of filling in a line along each tortilla.
- Roll tightly around the filling. Use a toothpick if necessary to secure them.
Step 4: Bake Your Taquitos
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until shells are crispy.
Step 5: Fry Your Taquitos
- Pour about 1½ inches of oil into a large skillet and heat it to medium-high.
- Once hot (the tortillas should sizzle immediately when added), fry taquitos in small batches.
- Cook for just a few seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Place fried taquitos on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Chicken Taquitos hot with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side for dipping!
How to Serve Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a refreshing touch to the crispy taquitos.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a burst of flavor; fresh salsa or pico de gallo works great!
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and adds creaminess to each bite.
As a Main Course
- Serve with Rice: Pair your taquitos with seasoned rice for a hearty meal that complements the flavors.
- Add Beans: Black or refried beans offer an excellent protein boost and add texture to your plate.
For Parties
- Create a Taquito Bar: Set up toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños for guests to customize their taquitos.
- Mini Taquito Skewers: Serve smaller versions on skewers for easy eating at gatherings.
How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos
Getting the perfect chicken taquitos takes a bit of practice, but these tips will help you achieve crispy and flavorful results every time.
- Bold Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Add spices to enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality cheese make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Heat Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas make them easier to roll without tearing.
- Choose Cooking Method Wisely: Baking is healthier, while frying gives you that extra crunch; choose based on your preference.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling moderate to avoid messy taquitos that are hard to seal.
- Let Them Rest After Cooking: Allowing them to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps maintain crispiness.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos
Pairing side dishes with chicken taquitos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the flavors of chicken taquitos perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, refried beans add richness and heartiness to your meal.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with lime dressing adds brightness and crunch alongside your taquitos.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an excellent appetizer before the main event.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies provide a healthy contrast to rich taquitos.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This zesty quinoa dish is nutritious and pairs well with the savory flavors of chicken taquitos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Taquitos, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure your dish turns out perfectly. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Using cold cream cheese: Always soften the cream cheese before mixing. Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well and can create lumps in the filling.
- Overfilling the tortillas: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but overfilling can cause them to burst while cooking. Stick to a large spoonful for easy rolling.
- Not warming the tortillas: If you skip warming the tortillas, they may crack when rolled. Heat them briefly on a skillet for flexibility.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste your filling before assembling. Under-seasoned taquitos can be bland, so adjust spices to your preference.
- Skipping the cooking spray: For baked taquitos, neglecting to spray or brush oil on top can result in a less crispy texture. Ensure they are coated for optimal crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chicken Taquitos
- Freeze uncooked or cooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- Properly stored, they can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Chicken Taquitos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: For quick reheating, place taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats in Chicken Taquitos?
Yes, you can substitute shredded beef or pulled pork for chicken if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I make Chicken Taquitos gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Chicken Taquitos, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I bake Chicken Taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is an excellent option if you want a healthier version. Just follow the baking instructions provided above.
What dips pair well with Chicken Taquitos?
Chicken Taquitos go great with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce for added flavor.
How do I customize my Chicken Taquitos?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or onions into the filling or experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile—perfect as an appetizer or main dish. You can easily customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or dipping sauces. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful twist on traditional tacos
Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 (12 taquitos) 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful crunch of homemade Chicken Taquitos, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive party appetizer. Bursting with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, these taquitos are both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, every bite offers a deliciously crispy texture that will please the whole family. Customize your filling with your favorite spices and veggies for an added personal touch. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty treats ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped baby spinach
- Corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream until smooth. Mix in chicken, cheddar cheese, spinach, and spices.
- Warm tortillas on a non-stick griddle until pliable.
- Spoon filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or fry in oil until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For a spicy twist, add jalapeños to the filling. Serve with guacamole or salsa for dipping.