Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Are you looking for a delightful dish that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious? You’re in the right place! Crispy chicken taquitos are an amazing choice for dinner or as a party snack. They are packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside. Plus, they come together quickly, allowing you to satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we will guide you through the reasons to make this recipe, how to make it, tips for serving and storing, and some variations to try. Let’s dive in!
Why Make This Recipe
Crispy chicken taquitos are a versatile and tasty meal option. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making them:
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
Customizable: You can easily change the ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you prefer a specific type of cheese, desire to add some veggies, or adjust the spices, the choice is yours!
Kid-Friendly: Children generally love finger foods that they can dip. These taquitos are a perfect way to get kids involved in cooking or to satisfy picky eaters.
Great for Meal Prepping: You can make a big batch of taquitos ahead of time and freeze them. This way, you always have a quick meal ready to go.
Perfect for Parties or Game Days: Serve it on a platter with dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and your guests will be raving about them all night.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make these tasty taquitos!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for dipping)
- Guacamole (for dipping)
- Extra shredded cheese (for toppings)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and salsa. Next, add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until fully combined. This mixture is what makes the taquitos creamy and flavorful.
Prepare the Tortillas: To make your tortillas easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This softening step will help prevent them from cracking.
Fill and Roll the Tortillas: On one side of each tortilla, spoon in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling. Roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the top of each taquito with oil or spray with cooking spray. This step will help them become golden and crispy as they bake.
Bake the Taquitos: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, take the taquitos out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm along with sour cream, guacamole, or any of your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy chicken taquitos are perfect for a variety of serving occasions. They are great for a casual family dinner, movie night, or party appetizers. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer multiple dips like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and even cheese sauce for variety.
- Garnish: Add freshly chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Platter Presentation: Arrange them neatly on a platter, which not only looks appealing but also makes it easy for guests to help themselves.
- Side Options: Consider serving with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad to create a more complete meal.
How to Store Crispy Chicken Taquitos
If you have leftover taquitos, storing them properly ensures that they stay delicious. Here’s how to do it:
Cooling: Allow the taquitos to cool to room temperature before storage.
Refrigeration: Place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Stored this way, they can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the taquitos. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, though they may not stay as crispy.
Tips to Make Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Here are some useful tips to enhance your taquito-making experience:
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken, this is a fantastic way to use it. Simply shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese Substitute: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will still give you a creamy texture.
Adjust the Spice: Feel free to add more spices or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick. You can also add chopped jalapeños for added heat.
Don’t Overfill: Make sure to avoid overfilling the tortillas. This makes them difficult to roll and can cause them to burst during baking.
Variations
You can create several variations of crispy chicken taquitos to keep things exciting:
- Vegetarian Taquitos: Swap out the chicken for black beans or grilled vegetables. Add cheese and spices to maintain the flavor.
- Breakfast Taquitos: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and diced vegetables for a breakfast twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix in buffalo sauce with the chicken for a spicy and flavorful option.
- Cheesy Taquitos: Add more varieties of cheese, like pepper jack or queso fresco, for a cheesy version.
FAQs
Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking them.
Can I bake them from frozen?
Absolutely! When baking from frozen, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Just make sure they are heated through and crispy before serving.
What is the best way to reheat taquitos?
The best way to reheat taquitos is in the oven. Preheat your oven to about 375°F (190°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes, keeping them on a baking sheet for optimal crispiness.
In summary, crispy chicken taquitos are an easy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dish. With a little preparation and creativity, you can tailor this recipe to suit your taste or occasion. Enjoy making them and sharing with family and friends!
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and salsa.
- Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds to soften them.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto one side of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the top of each taquito with oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Optionally broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.