Oh, let me tell you about the joy of snacking on cheesy chicken taquitos! These little bundles of happiness are not only ooey-gooey delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Trust me, once you start making these cheesy chicken taquitos, they’ll quickly become your go-to appetizer for parties or those cozy movie nights at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a platter full of crispy, cheesy goodness in no time. I mean, who can resist the crunch of a perfectly fried taquito filled with warm chicken and melted cheese? Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging on your own, these taquitos are always a hit!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – I love using rotisserie chicken for this; it saves time and adds great flavor!
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar or a Mexican blend works wonders here, giving that melty goodness.
- 1/2 cup salsa – Pick your favorite kind! Mild, medium, or spicy, it’s all good.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This adds a lovely depth of flavor, trust me!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – A little sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing the taste.
- 12 small tortillas – Corn or flour, whichever you prefer! Just make sure they’re pliable.
- Oil for frying – You’ll need enough to cover the bottom of your pan for that perfect crisp.
How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these delicious cheesy chicken taquitos! It’s easier than you might think, I promise. First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give everything a good mix; you want that cheesy goodness evenly distributed.
Next, let’s warm those tortillas! I usually toss them in a skillet on low heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them nice and pliable, so they won’t crack when you roll them up. Now, take a tortilla, and place a spoonful of the chicken mixture right in the center. Don’t be shy! Roll it up tight—just like you’re wrapping a gift. It’s important to keep them snug so the filling doesn’t spill out while frying.
Now, heat up some oil in a pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom, but not too much—you don’t want your taquitos to swim! Fry them in small batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oops! Remember to keep an eye on them; nobody likes burnt taquitos! Once they’re done, place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. And just like that, your cheesy chicken taquitos are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have these cheesy chicken taquitos ready in no time!
- Easy Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients on hand, making it a breeze to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty salsa creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together, game day, or just a cozy night in, these taquitos are always a hit!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients! Add jalapeños for heat, or swap out the chicken for beef or veggies!
- Fun to Eat: Crispy, handheld, and oh-so-satisfying, they’re the perfect finger food for snacking.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow taquito enthusiasts, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cheesy chicken taquitos turn out absolutely perfect every time!
- Ingredient Variations: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap out the chicken for shredded beef, beans, or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped green chilies or jalapeños to kick up the heat!
- Frying Techniques: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding your taquitos. If it’s too cool, they’ll soak up the oil and become greasy instead of crispy. A good test? Drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Rolling Tips: When rolling your taquitos, don’t overfill them! It’s tempting to pack them full of that delicious filling, but too much will make them difficult to roll and could cause them to burst while frying. A couple of tablespoons is usually just right!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these taquitos with a variety of dips to really wow your guests! I love pairing them with sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh pico de gallo. You can even drizzle some hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Make Ahead: If you want to prep in advance, feel free to assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just fry them up when you’re ready to enjoy! You can also freeze them before frying for a quick snack later on.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a cheesy chicken taquito master in no time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each cheesy chicken taquito, so you know exactly what you’re munching on. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary a bit depending on what you use.
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
These cheesy chicken taquitos pack a flavorful punch while still being relatively light, making them a fantastic snack option. Enjoy them guilt-free, but as always, moderation is key! Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about cheesy chicken taquitos? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, baking is a great choice. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy. They may not be quite as crispy as the fried version, but they’re still delicious!
What dips pair well with taquitos?
Oh, where do I start? I love serving cheesy chicken taquitos with a variety of dips! Sour cream is a classic choice, adding a creamy contrast to the crispy taquitos. Guacamole is another favorite—who doesn’t love that creamy avocado goodness? For a fresh twist, try pico de gallo or a zesty salsa. And if you’re feeling spicy, a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of jalapeño dip can really amp up the flavor!
Can I freeze the taquitos?
Yes, you can totally freeze cheesy chicken taquitos! After assembling them, lay them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just fry them directly from the freezer—no need to thaw! Just keep in mind they may need an extra minute or two in the oil.
How can I make these taquitos spicier?
If you love a kick, there are plenty of ways to spice up your cheesy chicken taquitos! You can mix in some diced jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken filling. You could even use a spicier salsa or top them with a spicy crema before serving. The options are endless!
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! In fact, I highly recommend it for a quick and easy flavor boost. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds that deliciously seasoned flavor without any extra work. Just shred it up and mix it with your other ingredients!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if you’re ready to make these cheesy chicken taquitos! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of cheesy chicken taquitos and now you have some leftovers—what a win! Storing them properly is key to keeping that crispy texture and cheesy goodness intact. First things first, let them cool completely before storing. You don’t want to trap steam in the container, as that can make your taquitos soggy.
Once they’re cooled, place your cheesy chicken taquitos in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to stash them for longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to arrange the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze them first. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Just label them so you remember what you’ve got stashed away!
Now, when it comes time to reheat, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, but they won’t have that great crunch. If you do go the microwave route, consider giving them a quick toast in a skillet afterward for a minute or two to crisp them up. No one likes a soggy taquito, right? Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: 7 Steps to Crispy Delight
- 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