Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack: Cheesy Chicken Taquitos! Seriously, these little bundles of joy are so easy to whip up, and they’re packed with flavor. I love making them for a quick weeknight dinner or for game day gatherings. It’s like having a fiesta right in your kitchen! The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand, which makes it even more tempting to dive in. Trust me, once you take that first crispy bite with the cheesy, savory filling, you’ll be hooked! Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into guacamole or sour cream—yum! Let’s get started on this delicious adventure!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own. Shred it finely for even distribution.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I like to use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that perfect melty goodness.
- 1/2 cup salsa – Choose your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or spicy. It adds a burst of flavor!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This adds a savory kick. Fresh garlic works too if you prefer!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Another layer of flavor that makes a difference in the filling.
- 12 small tortillas – Corn or flour tortillas work great; just make sure they’re small enough to roll easily.
- Oil for frying – I recommend using vegetable or canola oil for frying to get that crispy texture.
How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Alright, let’s get that delicious filling going! In a large mixing bowl, combine your 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1/2 cup of salsa. Then sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Now, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want every bite to have that cheesy, savory goodness, so don’t be shy—get in there and mix it up!
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
Next up, we need to warm our tortillas so they’re nice and pliable. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla in there for about 15-20 seconds on each side. Just until it gets a little soft and warm. You don’t want them to get crispy yet; just enough to roll them without tearing. This step is crucial because it makes assembling the taquitos a breeze!
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Now that our tortillas are ready, let’s assemble these tasty taquitos! Take one warm tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center—about 2 tablespoons should do. Then, roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. It’s like making a little burrito! Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
Step 4: Fry the Taquitos
Time to get those taquitos crispy! In a deep pan, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. You want it hot, but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Carefully place a few taquitos in the oil, seam side down. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them gently with tongs, so they don’t fall apart. The sizzle sounds so good, and the aroma will make your mouth water!
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once your taquitos are beautifully golden, it’s time to remove them from the oil. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps soak up any excess oil, keeping them crispy and delicious. Now, they’re ready to be devoured! Serve them hot with your favorite dips like sour cream or guacamole, and prepare for everyone to come back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have these cheesy delights ready in no time!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of chicken, cheese, and salsa creates an explosion of taste in every bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Perfect for Snacking: These taquitos are the ultimate finger food—perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the cheese or add veggies to the filling to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love them! They’re not just fun to eat, but they can also help with assembly, making it a great family activity.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later! Just fry them straight from the freezer for a quick snack anytime.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cheesy Chicken Taquitos turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate your taquito game:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on that delicious filling, keep it to about 2 tablespoons per tortilla. Overfilling can make them hard to roll and more likely to burst while frying.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salsa and quality cheese make a huge difference! If you can, try using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for that extra melty goodness.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to check your oil temperature—too hot and they’ll burn; too cool and they’ll soak up excess oil. Aim for around 350°F (175°C) for that golden perfection!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches! If you add too many taquitos at once, the temperature of the oil will drop, resulting in soggy taquitos instead of crispy ones.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix things up! Add some cooked black beans, corn, or even jalapeños to the filling for a little extra flavor kick. The sky’s the limit!
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep your taquitos warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish frying the rest. That way, everyone gets to enjoy them hot and crispy!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made the most delicious Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to elevate your snacking experience! These tasty treats are super versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips and sides that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Sour Cream: A classic choice! The cool, creamy texture of sour cream balances perfectly with the crispy taquitos. You can even mix in some lime juice or taco seasoning for a fun twist!
- Guacamole: Oh wow, nothing beats fresh guacamole! The creamy avocado paired with the cheesy filling is just divine. Add some chopped tomatoes and cilantro for an extra flavor boost!
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of brightness. It’s zesty and refreshing, making it the perfect topping for your taquitos!
- Chipotle Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, drizzle some chipotle sauce or a spicy salsa over your taquitos. It adds depth and a smoky flavor that’s irresistible!
- Refried Beans: Serve a side of warm refried beans for a hearty addition. They’re filling and complement the taquitos beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Pair your taquitos with some fluffy Mexican rice. The flavors work so well together, and it makes for a satisfying meal!
- Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice add a vibrant touch and brighten up the whole dish!
With these serving suggestions, your Cheesy Chicken Taquitos will be the star of any gathering or a simple weeknight treat. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect combination!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in these Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, it’s nice to know what you’re eating! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per taquito, so you can enjoy every cheesy bite guilt-free:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
These little guys pack a flavorful punch with a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or part of a meal, you can feel good about treating yourself to these delightful taquitos!
FAQ Section
Can I use leftover chicken for these taquitos?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded nicely so it mixes well with the other ingredients. It’s a great way to use up any extra chicken you might have!
What can I substitute for the tortillas?
If you’re looking for a change or need a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter take. Just keep in mind that each will change the texture a bit.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can definitely bake them! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray lightly with oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. It’s a healthier option that still tastes amazing!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back or use an air fryer if you have one!
What dips pair well with Cheesy Chicken Taquitos?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Sour cream, guacamole, or salsa are classic choices. You could also try a spicy ranch dip or even a creamy chipotle sauce for a delicious twist!
Can I freeze the taquitos before frying?
Yes! You can assemble them, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready for a snack—no need to thaw!
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
For sure! Feel free to get creative. Adding black beans, corn, or even diced jalapeños can give your filling an extra flavor boost. Just remember not to overfill them!
Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: 5 Irresistible Flavor Bombs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious cheesy chicken taquitos that are easy to make and perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 12 small tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, salsa, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet to make them pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the taquitos until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole.
- Can bake instead of frying for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, Chicken Taquitos, Taquitos Recipe