Chicken taquitos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful spices, all rolled up in a crispy tortilla shell. Perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun family dinner, these homemade taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a delicious snack that’s packed with flavor and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can green chiles, well drained
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 cups finely diced cooked chicken
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 (8-inch) flour or corn tortillas (see notes)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, drained green chiles, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add Cheeses and Chicken:
- Stir in the finely shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and diced cooked chicken into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Heat Tortillas:
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and heat them in the oven until soft and pliable. This will make them easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos:
- Spoon a generous portion of the chicken and cheese filling onto each tortilla, spreading it out evenly along one edge. Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling, forming them into cigar-shaped taquitos. Secure the seam with toothpicks if necessary to prevent them from unraveling.
- Fry Taquitos:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil, working in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the taquitos for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve:
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Remove the toothpicks, if used, before serving. Serve the chicken taquitos hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Tips for Success:
- Tortilla Options: You can use either flour or corn tortillas for this recipe, depending on your preference. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas offer a slightly firmer texture and a more pronounced corn flavor.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with additional ingredients such as diced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced jalapenos for added flavor and heat.
- Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier alternative to frying, you can bake the assembled taquitos in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer Spread: Serve chicken taquitos as part of an appetizer spread alongside other Tex-Mex favorites such as nachos, quesadillas, and stuffed jalapenos for a festive and flavorful snack platter.
- Game Day Snack: Whip up a batch of chicken taquitos for your next game day gathering or tailgate party. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly from the snack table.
- Family Dinner: Make chicken taquitos a fun family dinner option by serving them with rice, beans, and a variety of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro for a build-your-own taco night experience.
Homemade chicken taquitos are a delicious and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior, creamy filling, and flavorful spices, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these tasty taquitos are guaranteed to please. So, gather your ingredients, roll up some tortillas, and fry up a batch of these irresistible chicken taquitos for a memorable culinary experience that everyone will love
