Taquitos Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that crave-worthy crunch of taquitos from your favorite Mexican spot, you’re in for a treat. This Taquitos Recipe wraps up everything you love—a creamy, cheesy chicken filling tucked into crisp tortillas—right in your own kitchen. With vibrant flavors, irresistible textures, and plenty of customizable options, these homemade taquitos are guaranteed to become a regular hit whether you’re hosting a party, making a weeknight dinner, or just looking for the ultimate comfort food snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, staple ingredients come together with big flavor in this Taquitos Recipe. Each item on the list plays a special role, contributing either richness, tang, or that essential snap with every bite.

• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying: This oil holds a high smoke point, ensuring your taquitos crisp up perfectly without burning.
• Shredded cooked chicken (3 cups): The hearty base of the filling—use rotisserie for a time-saver or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor.
• Cream cheese (6 ounces, softened): Brings that creamy, melty texture that makes every bite dreamy.
• Baby spinach (1½ cups, stems removed and chopped): Adds a burst of color and a sneaky dose of veggies that melds seamlessly into the filling.
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese or Mexican blend (1½ cups): Provides gooey, melty, golden goodness that’s hard to resist.
• Salsa (½ cup, store-bought or homemade): Gives your taquitos a lively, zesty lift—choose your preferred mild or spicy variety for a personal twist.
• Sour cream (⅓ cup): Balances the richness of the cheeses while adding a fresh tang and moisture to the filling.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the filling just right so every bite pops.
• Corn tortillas (12 of the 6-inch size) or flour tortillas: The canvas that holds everything together—corn for classic flavor and crunch, or flour for softer, larger rolls.
• Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, Pico de Gallo (for serving): Perfect toppings to add color, freshness, and even more flavor at the table.

How to Make Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Pour about half an inch of vegetable or canola oil into a sturdy saucepan or high-sided skillet, then set it over medium heat. Give it a few minutes to reach 350 degrees F—using a thermometer is the easiest way to get it just right. This is the secret to achieving that deeply golden, perfectly crunchy exterior waiting in every Taquitos Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly blended into a harmonious, creamy mixture. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—taste as you go and dial it in to your liking. This filling should be rich, savory, and just cheesy enough to hold the taquitos together.

Step 3: Roll and Fry the Taquitos

Once your oil is shimmering and hot, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a few tablespoons of the chicken and cheese filling down the center of a tortilla. Gently roll the tortilla as tightly as possible—keep those fillings snug. Using tongs, place each taquito seam-side down in the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches to ensure even browning. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deliciously golden and crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Repeat with Remaining Tortillas

Continue filling, rolling, and frying until you’ve used up all 12 tortillas and that irresistible filling. The rhythm of assembling and frying is almost therapeutic, and before long, you’ll have a platter stacked with fresh, hot taquitos. The hardest part might be keeping your hands off until you’re ready to serve!

Step 5: Serve Up and Enjoy

Serve your Taquitos Recipe warm, straight off the paper towels, with your favorite toppings on the side. Whether you’re passing them around at a gathering or sitting down for dinner, the real joy is seeing these golden rolls disappear fast.

How to Serve Taquitos Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your taquitos with bright, crunchy, and cooling garnishes. Shredded lettuce offers a fresh bite, juicy chopped tomatoes add extra color, sour cream lends a creamy contrast, and Pico de Gallo brings a zesty burst. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle on a little extra cheese or chopped cilantro—these small touches make each serving feel festive and satisfying.

Side Dishes

This Taquitos Recipe pairs well with simple, classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh black bean and corn salad. Want something lighter? Try mango salsa or a crisp cabbage slaw. The point is to balance the rich, cheesy taquitos with sides that offer a mix of flavors and textures for a memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, stand the taquitos upright in a tall glass or arrange them in a colorful basket lined with parchment. Cut them in half on the diagonal for playful bite-size portions. Serve a trio of dipping sauces—spicy salsa roja, cool crema, and tangy guacamole—for a DIY dipping station. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra taquitos? Lucky you! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep their signature crunch, skip covering them before they’re fully cooled to avoid trapped steam.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Taquitos Recipe for later enjoyment. Arrange cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, and you can reheat straight from frozen—it’s a lifesaver for quick lunches and snack attacks.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-fried crunch, reheat taquitos in a 400-degree F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make them soggy. For smaller batches, an air fryer works beautifully too.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Definitely! Flour tortillas work beautifully if you prefer a softer bite or if you want larger, heartier taquitos. They’re also a little easier to roll without breaking.

How do I keep my tortillas from cracking when rolling?

Warm your tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20-30 seconds, or lightly toast them on a skillet for several seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and less likely to tear as you roll.

Can I bake these taquitos instead of frying?

Absolutely! Arrange your rolled taquitos on a greased baking sheet, mist with a little oil, and bake at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. You’ll get a slightly lighter result but all the flavor.

What other fillings can I use in this Taquitos Recipe?

There are endless variations! Try shredded beef, pulled pork, black beans and cheese, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a vegetarian twist. Get creative with your favorite leftovers!

Is this Taquitos Recipe spicy?

It’s generally mild, but the salsa you choose will set the tone. For more kick, use a spicy salsa or add some chopped jalapeños to the filling. For a milder version, opt for mild salsa and hold the peppers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Taquitos Recipe as I am to share it with you. Every batch is an adventure of flavor, crunch, and color—perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Don’t wait for a special occasion; this is comfort food that begs to be enjoyed anytime. Give it a try, and let your kitchen be filled with the aroma (and joy) of homemade taquitos!

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