Crispy Chicken Taquitos

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 10 small flour tortillas - 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream and salsa (for serving) These ingredients create the perfect blend of flavors. The cooked chicken provides protein. The cheeses add creaminess and taste. The spices give a nice kick. Using flour tortillas ensures a soft, tasty wrap. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Use any cooked meat if you lack chicken. Turkey or beef works well. For cheese, try Monterey Jack or even vegan cheese. Want a lighter option? Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. You can replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free dish. To make these taquitos, gather a few tools: - Large mixing bowl - Fork or spatula for mixing - Deep skillet or frying pan - Tongs for flipping taquitos - Paper towels for draining oil These tools help you create crispy taquitos with ease. Having them ready makes cooking fun and quick! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the filling, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Next, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Then, add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. For flavor, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients until they blend well. The filling should be creamy and flavorful. Now, grab your small flour tortillas. Lay one tortilla flat on your clean surface. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling and place it near one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. This keeps the filling secure. Repeat this step with the rest of the tortillas and filling. You should have about ten rolled taquitos ready to cook. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil reaches about 350°F or 175°C. Carefully add the taquitos to the hot oil in small batches. Don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t cook evenly. Fry each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them halfway through for even cooking. Once they are done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Enjoy your crispy chicken taquitos hot! To get crispy taquitos, use small flour tortillas. They hold the filling well. Roll them tight to keep the filling inside. Fry in hot oil, around 350°F. This temperature gives a nice crunch. Keep the taquitos in batches while frying. Overcrowding makes them soggy. One common mistake is using cold oil. Always heat the oil before frying. Another mistake is not draining excess oil. After frying, place them on paper towels. This step helps keep them crispy. Avoid overfilling the tortillas. Too much filling makes them hard to roll. Use a deep skillet for better frying. This allows the taquitos to float. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for a golden brown color. Use tongs to flip them carefully. This keeps your hands safe from hot oil. Pro Tips Choose the Right Tortillas: For the best texture, use small flour tortillas as they roll easily and crisp up nicely when fried. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the taquitos in batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Keep the Filling Moist: If using leftover chicken, add a little chicken broth or more cream cheese to keep the filling moist and flavorful. Garnish Wisely: Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor, making your taquitos more appealing. {{image_2}} You can change the filling to suit your taste. Try using beef or pork instead of chicken. You could also use beans or veggies for a vegetarian option. Adding spices like cumin can give a nice twist. Cheese lovers might enjoy extra cheese or different types like pepper jack. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! Frying gives the taquitos that crispy texture we all love. But if you want a healthier option, baking works too. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They won’t be as crispy, but they still taste great! Serve your crispy taquitos with fresh toppings. Chopped cilantro adds a nice touch. You can also use sour cream and salsa for dipping. Guacamole is a fantastic addition too. Consider a side of rice or beans to round out the meal. Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy the flavors! After enjoying your crispy chicken taquitos, you might have some left. To store them, let the taquitos cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep them tasty and safe to eat later. To warm up your leftover taquitos, you can use an oven or a skillet. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again. For a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the taquitos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method gives you that crispy texture back. Want to save some taquitos for later? You can freeze them! First, let the cooked taquitos cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for an hour until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat from frozen in the oven or skillet. Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients. This option makes the recipe even simpler. Plus, it keeps the chicken moist and tasty. To make taquitos gluten-free, swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Corn tortillas can be a bit more fragile, so handle them with care. Warm them slightly before rolling to prevent tearing. You can serve taquitos with many sauces. Sour cream is always a favorite. Salsa gives a fresh kick. Guacamole adds creaminess. You might also try a spicy ranch or a chipotle sauce for a twist. Each sauce brings a unique flavor to the taquitos. In this post, I shared how to make taquitos from scratch. We explored the ingredients, tools, and best methods for cooking. I offered tips for crispy results and common mistakes to avoid. You can also try different fillings and cooking methods to suit your taste. Finally, I explained how to store and reheat leftovers. Now, you have the tools to create delicious taquitos at home. Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite way to make this tasty dish!$

Deliciously crispy taquitos filled with shredded chicken and cheese, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 5

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 2 teaspoon onion powder
1 2 teaspoon chili powder
to taste Salt and pepper
10 small flour tortillas
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to serve Sour cream and salsa

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling towards one edge of the tortilla. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a snug taquito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
In a deep skillet, pour in the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
Carefully add the taquitos to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them halfway through.
Once crispy, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Arrange the crispy taquitos on a serving platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.

Keyword chicken, snack, taquitos