Get ready to enjoy a delicious and crispy treat with these homemade taquitos. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun dinner, these taquitos are filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken and cheese, all wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla and fried to golden perfection.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pay special attention to the corn tortillas. Unlike flour tortillas, corn tortillas can be a bit more delicate and may require gentle warming to become pliable. Additionally, make sure you have cumin and chili powder on hand, as these spices are essential for giving the taquitos their distinctive flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Taquitos Recipe
Shredded chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat, providing a hearty and protein-rich filling.
Shredded cheese: A melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, adding a creamy and savory element to the filling.
Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds depth and a slightly smoky flavor to the chicken mixture.
Chili powder: A blend of spices that brings a mild heat and rich flavor to the taquitos.
Corn tortillas: Traditional Mexican tortillas made from corn, which need to be warmed to become pliable for rolling.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the taquitos, giving them a crispy and golden exterior.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your corn tortillas don't crack when rolling, warm them up by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 30 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll tightly around the chicken mixture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
shredded chicken - Substitute with shredded turkey: Shredded turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative.
shredded chicken - Substitute with shredded beef: Shredded beef provides a different but equally delicious taste and texture.
shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled queso fresco: Queso fresco offers a mild flavor and crumbly texture that works well in taquitos.
shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can mimic the earthiness of cumin.
cumin - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala includes cumin among other spices, providing a complex flavor profile.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika offers a milder heat and a similar color to chili powder.
chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a spicier kick, so use it sparingly.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll.
corn tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
vegetable oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil also has a high smoke point and a light, clean taste.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Taquitos
How To Store / Freeze Your Taquitos
Allow the taquitos to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the taquitos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are crispy again.
For freezing, arrange the cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are solid.
Transfer the frozen taquitos to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freeze the taquitos for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
For a quicker option, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the taquitos in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you prefer the stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil and place the taquitos in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.
For microwave reheating, place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
To retain the crispiness, avoid reheating in the microwave as the sole method. Instead, combine methods by microwaving for 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm the inside, then finishing in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the exterior.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cumin, and chili powder.
Microwave: An appliance used to warm the corn tortillas, making them pliable for rolling.
Frying pan: A pan used to heat the vegetable oil and fry the taquitos until they are golden brown and crispy.
Tongs: A utensil used to handle the taquitos while frying and to remove them from the oil.
Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried taquitos.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and vegetable oil accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cumin and chili powder accurately.
Plate: Used to place the taquitos after they have been drained on paper towels.
Knife: Used to shred the chicken if it is not pre-shredded.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to shred the chicken if it is not pre-shredded.
How to Save Time on Making Taquitos
Prepare the filling: Mix the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cumin, and chili powder ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Warm tortillas efficiently: Stack the corn tortillas and microwave them all at once with a damp paper towel to keep them pliable.
Batch frying: Use a large frying pan to fry multiple taquitos at once, reducing overall cooking time.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken.
Quick draining: Place a cooling rack over paper towels to drain multiple taquitos simultaneously.
Homemade Taquitos Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded chicken
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 12 pieces Corn tortillas
- 1 cup Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cumin, and chili powder.
- 2. Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
- 3. Place a small amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly.
- 4. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 5. Fry the taquitos in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 6. Remove the taquitos from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- 7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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