Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe
DifficultyEasy
Total time30 minutes
Servings9
Crispy & Flavorful: the Ultimate Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Introduction to Homemade Chicken Taquitos
Ever since I can remember, Mexican food has been a staple in my life, bringing warmth, joy, and a burst of flavors to the family table. Among them, homemade chicken taquitos stand out for their simplicity and the sheer delight they bring to any meal. Picture this: crispy, golden brown corn tortillas wrapped around tender, flavorful shredded chicken, all made in the comfort of your own kitchen. The beauty of homemade taquitos lies in their versatility. Whether it's a game day, taco night, or just about any occasion, they fit perfectly, offering a crispy perfection that's hard to resist. Making them is as easy as it gets, from preparing the chicken mixture to rolling them up into that perfect golden brown finish. It's an easy recipe that promises satisfaction in each crunchy bite, truly capturing the essence of homemade Mexican cooking.
Key Takeaways:
- Homemade chicken taquitos are a popular and simple Mexican dish, perfect for any meal.
- They offer versatility and ease of preparation, making them a satisfying choice for home cooks.
- Creating taquitos at home provides a crispy, golden perfection filled with flavorful chicken.
Ingredients Overview
- Main Elements:
- Corn Tortillas: The foundation of our taquitos, providing that perfect crunchy wrap.
- Shredded Chicken: Juicy and flavorful. Feel free to use leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Cheddar Cheese & Pepper Jack Cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness inside each bite. Mix and match based on what tickles your fancy.
- Chili Powder & Garlic Powder: These bring the chicken mixture to life with warmth and depth.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sour Cream & Cream Cheese: Creamy dreamy additions that add a tangy zip on top of your golden-brown taquitos.
- Pico de Gallo & Homemade Salsa: For a splash of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Cilantro Lime Rice & Mexican Rice: Perfect side dishes to turn your taquitos into a full meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, my lovely foodies, let's dive headfirst into whipping up some crispy, golden brown perfection with our easy homemade chicken taquitos recipe. Trust me, with these simple steps, you'll be serving up a Mexican feast that'll make every bite feel like a fiesta in your mouth. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!
- Prep the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix your cooked, shredded chicken with a generous sprinkle of chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt to taste. If you're feeling adventurous, why not throw in some diced green chiles or a dash of lime juice? This is your masterpiece, after all.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be a bit stubborn, so wrap them in a damp paper towel and give them a quick zap in the microwave. You want them warm and pliable - trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Fill and Roll: Lay out your tortillas and spoon that flavorful chicken mixture down the center of each one. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for that extra oomph. Roll them up tight, like little golden treasures waiting to be discovered.
- Choose Your Cooking Adventure: Whether you're team fry, bake, or air-fry, it's time to get those taquitos to crispy perfection. For frying, get that oil hot and cook until golden brown. Baking? Brush with olive oil and pop into a preheated oven until they're just right. Or, if you're using an air fryer, let it work its magic until they're perfectly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange those golden beauties on a plate and serve with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, pico de gallo, and maybe a little homemade salsa on the side? The perfect meal for taco night, game day, or whenever you need a little crunch in your life.
And there you have it, folks! With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you've created a dish that's sure to be a hit with the entire family. Who knew homemade chicken taquitos could be so easy and so incredibly delicious? Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Oh, how I revel in the delight of serving up these crispy, golden brown chicken taquitos, straight from my cozy little kitchen to a table filled with eager smiles. The beauty of these taquitos lies not just in their irresistible crunch, but in the endless array of serving possibilities and the joy of tweaking the recipe to suit every palate.
Imagine, if you will, placing a tray of these savory treats alongside heaping bowls of cilantro lime rice and Mexican rice, their colors vibrant and inviting. For those who fancy a bit of a spicy kick, pepper jack cheese weaves in a tantalizing heat that marries perfectly with the tender chicken. And for the hearty meal lover, a spoonful of refried beans nestled within the taquito brings a comforting richness that's hard to resist. There's something profoundly satisfying about watching friends and family dive in, each bite a testament to the simple joy of cooking and sharing.
As you present this beautiful creation, your loved ones will be drawn in by the irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Krystel’s Cooking
Wrap It Up with Tips and Storage
Wrapping up our crispy chicken taquitos journey, let me share with you some key tricks and tips I've discovered along the way. Just like those nights I spent perfecting my Chocoflan, I've found joy in the trial and error of making these Mexican delights crispy perfection.
- Perfecting Crispiness: One trick that's been a game changer for me is using a damp paper towel around the tortillas before heating them up. This little bit of moisture helps the tortillas become pliable without tearing, making them easier to roll into that perfect shape. It's all about that golden brown crunch, isn't it?
- Efficient Storage: Now, let's talk leftovers. If you're anything like us, you're already thinking about the next time you get to enjoy these crispy chicken taquitos. Stashing them away in an airtight container or a freezer bag ensures they remain as delicious as they were on taco night. When you're ready for round two, a quick trip to the oven or air fryer will bring them back to their crispy glory. Remember, storing them properly means you're never too far from a quick, easy dinner or an impromptu game day snack.
Embracing these steps not only makes the cooking process smoother but ensures every bite is as satisfyingly crunchy as the last. And trust me, once you've got these tips down, there's no going back. Happy cooking, everyone!
Looking for other great party appetizers? Check out my Old Bay Chicken Wing Recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 18 corn tortillas
- vegetable oil enough for frying or 1-2 tablespoons for baking and air frying
- For serving:
- shredded lettuce Mexican crema or sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa
Instructions
- Mix the shredded chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, onion powder, and salt in a large bowl, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm and pliable, flipping halfway through.
- Place a spoonful of shredded chicken and cheese onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure the seams with toothpicks.
- For frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F. Fry taquitos in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place taquitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place taquitos seam side down in a single layer in the basket. Spray with cooking spray and air fry for 5 minutes, flip, spray again, and air fry for 2 more minutes.
- Remove toothpicks and serve with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, and guacamole.
- Notes:
- - Use any cooked shredded chicken, like rotisserie chicken, or make your own.
- - Choose your favorite shredded cheese, such as cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or Chihuahua, for authentic flavor.
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