Description
Enjoy crispy, golden homemade taquitos filled with a creamy and flavorful chicken mixture. These bite-sized rolled tortillas are fried to perfection, making a delicious snack or appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (light or dark meat)
- 4 oz cream cheese, diced
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican shredded cheese (or Colby Jack cheese)
- 2 tsp taco seasoning (to taste)
- ½ cup salsa verde (or green enchilada sauce)
Taquitos
- 16 small corn tortillas (6-inch, white or yellow corn)
- Neutral high-heat cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, diced cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa verde, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Warm each corn tortilla for 15-30 seconds per side, just until pliable but not browned. Keep warmed tortillas soft by stacking them in a kitchen towel during assembly.
- Assemble: Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each warmed tortilla, ensuring the filling does not spill over the edges. Roll the tortilla tightly over the filling to form a taquito.
- Heat the oil: Pour neutral high-heat cooking oil into a saucepan or heavy skillet to a depth of ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the taquitos: Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the hot oil using tongs. Hold them down initially to prevent unrolling. Fry 3 to 4 taquitos at a time for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The oil should reach about halfway up the taquitos.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried taquitos from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
- Warming tortillas is key to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps maintain oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for best frying results.
- Serve immediately after frying for optimal crispiness.
- For a lighter version, bake taquitos in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
