Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Chicken Taquitos! These little golden wonders are stuffed with a creamy filling and are just *perfect* for a cozy dinner in or a fun movie night with friends. I remember the first time I made these for a gathering at my friend’s house. They were such a hit that I had to make a second batch because the first one disappeared faster than you could say “more taquitos!”
What’s so special about these taquitos, you ask? Well, first off, they are super simple to whip up, but the flavors are bold and yummy. Plus, they’re versatile—serve them as an appetizer or a full meal, and don’t even get me started on the dipping options! Self-serve salsa, guacamole, and sour cream? Yes, please!
What’s in Chicken Taquitos?
Let’s break down what goes into these tasty little bites:
Cooked, Shredded Chicken: The star of the show! Any leftover chicken works, but I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience.
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich and creamy texture that makes the filling oh-so delicious! Make sure it’s softened so it’s easy to mix.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because cheese. It gives that wonderful, melty goodness that complements the chicken and cream cheese perfectly!
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: These spices are like your best friends in the kitchen! They bring all the flavors together and make each bite bursting with taste.
Salt and Pepper: Always essential for elevating flavors and making everything pop!
Tortillas: Choose between corn or flour; either one will work beautifully to wrap around the filling.
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for frying, as it gives our taquitos that crispy, golden outer layer.
Optional Garnishes: Why stop at just taquitos when you can have all the accompaniments? Think sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. They take your taquito experience to the next level!
Is Chicken Taquitos Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health considerations because it’s always good to know what we’re putting into our bodies!
Shredded Chicken: A solid source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you feeling satisfied.
Cream Cheese: While it adds creaminess, it’s also higher in fat and calories, so I suggest enjoying these in moderation!
Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium and vitamin D but can also be high in saturated fat. So again, balance is key!
Tortillas: Opting for whole-wheat tortillas can provide more fiber than traditional flour ones, which you might consider if you’re looking to up your dietary fiber intake.
In short, these taquitos aren’t an everyday meal if you’re counting every calorie but are suitable for an indulgent treat or a fun gathering!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
– Optional garnishes: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro
*Serves: 4-6 people (depending on how many you can eat!)*
How to Make Chicken Taquitos?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how you do it!
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. I like to leave no clumps—everything should blend together nicely!
2. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This is a game-changer! Warming them makes them pliable and helps prevent any tearing when you roll them up.
3. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, placing the seam-side down on a baking sheet.
4. In a large skillet, heat approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (test a drop of filling; it should sizzle!), carefully add the taquitos in batches. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Mmm, can you smell that?
6. Serve those crispy taquitos warm, alongside your choice of optional garnishes like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. Dive in—enjoy every last bite!
Let’s Roll Out the Taquito Fun!
Now that you’re officially a Chicken Taquito expert, here are a few tips on how to switch things up and make it your own:
– **Add Veggies:** Want to up the nutrition? Toss in some shredded bell peppers or chopped spinach into the filling!
– **Spicy Twist:** If you enjoy a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mix.
– **Baked Option:** Prefer a healthier option? Brush the taquitos lightly with oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until they’re crispy.
I can’t wait for you all to try these Chicken Taquitos! They’re perfect for any occasion, be it a casual dinner with family or a lively get-together with friends. Make sure to let me know how they turn out for you, and feel free to share your variations—I love hearing how you make recipes your own! Happy cooking!
