Articles, Cakes, Seafood

Homemade Chicken Taquitos

 

Here’s a recipe for Homemade Chicken Taquitos:

Ingredients:

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (your choice)
  • Flour or corn tortillas
  • Cooking oil, for frying
  • Sour cream and salsa, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Warm Tortillas: Place the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften them and make them pliable for rolling.
  3. Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring the seam side is facing down. Secure the taquito with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling.
  4. Fry the Taquitos: In a skillet, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the taquitos seam side down, in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the taquitos for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Serve the taquitos warm with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
  6. Enjoy: Enjoy your Homemade Chicken Taquitos as a delicious appetizer or main dish!

Variations:

  • Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Substitute buffalo sauce for salsa and add a dash of ranch dressing to the filling mixture for a tangy and spicy twist.
  • BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Use barbecue sauce instead of salsa and add diced onions and cilantro to the filling for a smoky and savory flavor.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans or refried beans for a meat-free version of the taquitos. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and corn for added flavor and texture.

Experiment with different fillings and enjoy your homemade taquitos in various ways!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Homemade Chicken Taquitos even more delightful:

  1. Season the Filling: Add extra flavor to the chicken filling by seasoning it with spices such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences for a flavorful filling.
  2. Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the chicken mixture for a burst of freshness and color. Chopped green onions or diced jalapeños can also add a nice kick to the filling.
  3. Use Quality Tortillas: Opt for high-quality tortillas, whether flour or corn, for the best texture and flavor. Freshly made tortillas from a local bakery or homemade tortillas can elevate the taste of your taquitos.
  4. Prevent Dryness: To prevent the taquitos from becoming dry during frying, make sure the chicken filling is well-moistened with the cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa mixture. Avoid overcooking the taquitos, as this can also lead to dryness.
  5. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor. You can also mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor combination.
  6. Bake Instead of Fry: For a healthier alternative, consider baking the taquitos instead of frying them. Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
  7. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to accompany the taquitos, such as guacamole, salsa verde, chipotle aioli, or creamy cilantro lime sauce. These sauces add extra flavor and complement the taquitos beautifully.
  8. Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook the taquitos. This saves time and makes dinner prep easier, especially on busy weeknights.
  9. Freeze for Later: If you have leftover taquitos or want to make a big batch for later, you can freeze them. Arrange the uncooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  10. Garnish Creatively: Garnish the cooked taquitos with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness and flavor.

With these tips, your Homemade Chicken Taquitos will be even more delicious and satisfying!

Here are some tips to help you achieve taquito perfection:

  1. Properly Shred the Chicken: Ensure the rotisserie chicken is shredded into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that each bite of the taquito has tender, flavorful chicken throughout.
  2. Balance the Cream Cheese: While cream cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the filling, be cautious not to overdo it. Too much cream cheese can overwhelm the filling and make the taquitos too rich. Aim for a balanced ratio of chicken to cream cheese.
  3. Add Moisture: To prevent the filling from becoming dry, incorporate ingredients that add moisture, such as salsa and sour cream. These not only enhance the flavor but also keep the chicken filling juicy and tender.
  4. Choose the Right Tortillas: Use fresh, pliable tortillas for rolling the taquitos. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking. Flour tortillas are more forgiving and easier to roll without cracking.
  5. Roll Tightly: Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling to ensure they hold together during frying. This prevents the filling from leaking out and ensures a uniform shape.
  6. Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the taquitos after rolling. Place them seam side down in the frying pan to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
  7. Fry at the Right Temperature: Heat the oil to the proper temperature before frying the taquitos. The oil should be around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Frying at the right temperature ensures that the taquitos cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
  8. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the taquitos in batches, if necessary, to prevent overcrowding in the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy taquitos.
  9. Drain Excess Oil: After frying, transfer the cooked taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents them from becoming greasy.
  10. Serve Immediately: Homemade Chicken Taquitos are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for maximum enjoyment.

With these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Homemade Chicken Taquitos that are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with flavor!

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Homemade Chicken Taquitos:

  1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
    • Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well for making taquitos. Simply shred or chop the chicken into small pieces and use it as directed in the recipe.
  2. Can I make Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled taquitos for longer storage. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before frying.
  3. Can I bake Chicken Taquitos instead of frying them?
    • Yes, you can bake Chicken Taquitos for a healthier alternative to frying. Place the assembled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. What dipping sauces pair well with Chicken Taquitos?
    • Popular dipping sauces for Chicken Taquitos include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or creamy cilantro lime sauce. Choose your favorite or offer a variety for dipping.
  5. Can I make Chicken Taquitos gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make gluten-free Chicken Taquitos. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the salsa and seasoning, are gluten-free as well.
  6. How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during frying?
    • To prevent the taquitos from unrolling during frying, secure them with toothpicks after rolling. Place the toothpick through the seam side to hold it together while frying. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
  7. Can I customize the filling in Chicken Taquitos?
    • Yes, you can customize the filling in Chicken Taquitos to suit your taste preferences. Try adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to the chicken mixture for variety.
  8. How do I store leftover Chicken Taquitos?
    • Store leftover Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until crispy before serving.
  9. Are Chicken Taquitos suitable for freezing?
    • Yes, you can freeze assembled Chicken Taquitos for later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven until crispy.
  10. Can I make Chicken Taquitos with shredded rotisserie chicken from the store?
    • Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken from the store is a convenient option for making Chicken Taquitos. It adds flavor and saves time on cooking the chicken separately.

These answers should cover most common queries related to Homemade Chicken Taquitos and help you prepare them with confidence!