Craving something crispy, savory, and packed with flavor? Look no further than Chicken Taquitos! These rolled tortillas, filled with seasoned shredded chicken, are fried to golden perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish, chicken taquitos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are the perfect combination of texture and taste. The crispiness of the tortillas paired with the tender and flavorful chicken filling makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can top them with your favorite salsas, guacamole, or sour cream for a fresh burst of flavor. The best part? They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
What are the TAQUITOS?
Taquitos is a Mexican dish made from corn tortilla, which is then loaded with chicken or beef, beans, and cheese. Traditionally, the taquito is then deep-fried until the tortilla is crispy and the filling warms up. You can also make taquitos in the oven.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and helping to develop their flavor.
- Sweet onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño: These provide the aromatic base and add a combination of sweetness (from the onion and bell pepper) and heat (from the jalapeño) to the filling.
- Shredded cooked chicken: The primary protein, making the taquitos hearty and flavorful. It absorbs the spices and salsa for a juicy, seasoned filling.
- Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the chicken filling, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper: These spices add warmth, smokiness, and heat to the filling, creating a bold, well-seasoned flavor typical of Mexican dishes.
- Corn tortillas: The base for rolling the taquitos, providing a slightly crispy, chewy texture when fried or baked.
- Coconut oil: Used to lightly fry the tortillas, giving them a golden, crispy exterior.
- Refried black beans: Adds a creamy, savory layer to the taquitos, balancing the texture and flavor with the seasoned chicken.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides a rich, melty layer inside the taquitos, adding extra flavor and a gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Dips and Salsas: Serve your taquitos with a variety of dipping sauces like tangy salsa, cool sour cream, or spicy queso. Each dip brings out different flavors, making each bite unique.
- Mexican Rice and Beans: Make it a full meal by pairing chicken taquitos with classic sides like Mexican rice and refried beans. It’s a hearty and satisfying combination that will leave everyone full and happy.
- Fresh Pico de Gallo or Guacamole: Add a refreshing touch by serving fresh pico de gallo or guacamole alongside your taquitos. The brightness of the tomatoes and lime juice balances out the richness of the fried taquitos beautifully.
Tips for the Best Chicken Taquitos
- Use Warm Tortillas: To prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll them, heat them up slightly. This makes them more pliable and easier to handle.
- Shred the Chicken Well: For a perfect texture, ensure that your chicken is finely shredded. This helps the filling spread evenly and prevents the taquitos from bursting open during frying.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it may be tempting to load up on filling, keeping the amount moderate ensures that the taquitos stay tightly rolled and crispy when fried.
A Crunchy Bite of Mexican Joy
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a quiet night in, or looking for a simple but delicious weeknight meal, chicken taquitos are the way to go. Their irresistible crispiness combined with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine make them an unforgettable dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring a taste of Mexico into your kitchen and onto your plate!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
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Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 sweet onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 jalapeño finely diced
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 3 ½ cups cooked chicken shredded
- ½ cup salsa medium
- ½ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 16 corn tortillas
- 3-4 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 8 oz. black beans refried
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat put olive oil, diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and crushed garlic. Sauté for four minutes, or till vegetables begin to soften.
- Put shredded chicken, salsa, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. For approximately 4 mins, keep cooking over medium heat.
- When vegetables and chicken are cooking add 1 tablespoon coconut oil to a large saucepan or skillet. Cook 3 corn tortillas over medium heat for about 60 seconds per side, or till they begin to brown slightly. Repeat with remaining corn tortillas and coconut oil. Add corn tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate to drain till ready to use.
- Spread 1 tablespoon refried black beans down the center of each corn tortilla. Next, Put 2-3 tablespoons chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon shredded cheese.
- Roll up the filled corn tortilla as tight as you can and place face-down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Ensure it does not touch any of the other taquitos. Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken filling.
- Once all corn tortillas are filled, bake taquitos in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until edges are slightly browned and crispy.
- Serve baked chicken taquitos with homemade salsa, guacamole, or sour cream and enjoy!
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Chicken Taquitos