Craving a delicious Mexican treat that’s both crispy and satisfying? Look no further than these irresistible Chicken Taquitos! With a golden-brown exterior and a savory filling of tender chicken, melted cheese, and zesty salsa, these taquitos are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will have your friends and family begging for more. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will transform your kitchen into a fiesta!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare the filling by combining shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and salsa in a medium mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Warm the corn tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.
- Place approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, creating a compact cylindrical shape. Secure each taquito with a toothpick if needed to prevent unrolling.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/2 inch depth.
- Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each taquito for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy, rotating to ensure even cooking.
- Remove taquitos from oil using tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream and guacamole. Enjoy immediately for the best crispy texture.
Tips
- Perfectly Shredded Chicken: For the best flavor, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Shred it finely for even distribution in the taquitos.
- Tortilla Warm-Up: Don’t skip warming the corn tortillas! This step makes them pliable and prevents tearing, ensuring your taquitos roll up nicely.
- Fry in Batches: To achieve that perfect crispy texture, fry the taquitos in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
- Oil Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 375°F (190°C). If it’s too hot, the taquitos may burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the taquitos on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and less greasy.
- Customization: Feel free to get creative with your filling! Add black beans, corn, or spices to the chicken mixture for an extra flavor kick.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your taquitos hot and fresh with toppings like sour cream and guacamole. Enjoy the crunch while it lasts!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: mg
