Chicken Taquitos (baked or fried)
User Reviews
5
Chicken Taquitos (baked or fried)
Description
Chicken Taquitos are made by mixing shredded chicken with drained salsa, Monterey jack cheese, and taco seasoning. Corn tortillas are softened by warming and then filled with the mixture, rolled tightly, and secured with toothpicks. They can be crisped by frying in hot oil or baked after brushing with oil. The method ensures a crunchy shell with a savory, cheesy, and well-seasoned filling inside.
The draining of salsa liquid from the filling is critical to keep the taquitos crisp after cooking. Frying imparts a deep golden crunch in 3-5 minutes, while baking or air frying offers a less oily but still crisp alternative. The warming of tortillas before filling prevents cracking during rolling.
These taquitos make a savory snack, appetizer, or part of a casual meal. They can be served accompanied by dips like sour cream or guacamole. They can be baked or air fried for a lighter option or traditionally fried for richer flavor and crispiness.
The recipe notes suggest preparing and rolling the taquitos up to a day ahead or freezing them, allowing convenience. Cooking time is slightly adjusted if cooking from frozen. Choosing neutral oil for frying or brushing keeps the flavor balanced. Oil application before baking is advised to achieve crispiness.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salsa
- 3 cups chicken or beef, cooked shredded
- 1 ½ cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 12 (6-inch each) corn tortillas
- ⅓ cup neutral cooking oil for frying or to brush with, generic cooking oil
Instructions
- Place salsa in a fine strainer and let any juices drip away.
- In a bowl, combine chicken, drained salsa, cheese, and taco seasoning.
- Place tortillas on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 40 seconds or until warm.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Secure with a toothpick and place on a baking sheet, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining filling and tortillas.
- Preheat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (350°F).
- Add the taquitos a few at a time, and cook until crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Drain salsa well to avoid soggy filling and crisp up taquitos.
- Taquitos can be prepared and rolled up to 24 hours before cooking or frozen for later use.
- When cooking from frozen, add 2 to 3 minutes to cooking time depending on method.
- For baking, brush or spray taquitos with oil and bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes until crisp.
- To air fry, cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes in a single layer for a crispy texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12taquitos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 142 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 142 | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 190mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 116mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 199IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 131mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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