Description
Crispy chicken taquitos bring Mexican street food magic to home kitchens, offering a perfect blend of shredded chicken, spices, and crunchy tortilla shells. Served with zesty salsa or creamy guacamole, these golden rolls will satisfy your craving for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (480 ml) shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 pinch salt
Tortillas and Cooking:
- 8–10 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Craft a zesty filling by blending shredded chicken with cream cheese, grated cheese, and a vibrant medley of spices including garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and a subtle salt accent. Mix thoroughly to ensure each bite bursts with flavor.
- Gently warm tortillas to enhance flexibility, preventing cracking during rolling. Carefully distribute the prepared filling along one edge of each tortilla, creating a compact, tight cylinder.
- Position the taquitos seam-side down on a prepared baking surface, ensuring they remain compact and sealed.
- For baking method, preheat the oven to 425°F. Delicately brush or mist the taquitos with oil to promote golden, crispy exteriors. Roast for approximately 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform crispness.
- Alternatively, for frying, heat oil to medium temperature in a sturdy skillet. Submerge taquitos and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden-brown complexion. Transfer to absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Plate the taquitos alongside complementary dipping sauces such as tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, or cooling sour cream, inviting a dynamic flavor experience.
Notes
- Swap chicken with shredded jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the same crispy texture and spicy flavor profile.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or queso fresco to add extra depth and complexity to the filling.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and ensure they’re warmed slightly to prevent cracking during rolling and cooking.
- Control oil temperature when frying to achieve maximum crispiness without burning, using a kitchen thermometer around 350°F for perfect golden results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for baking) or 5 minutes (for frying)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg