Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy, golden taquitos are filled with a mouthwatering blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor. With the option to serve them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or shredded lettuce, these taquitos are sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1½ cups baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
• 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• ½ cup salsa, store-bought or homemade
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)

Toppings:

• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Pico de Gallo

Directions

1. Fill a saucepan with ½ inch of oil and heat over medium heat to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cream cheese, spinach, Colby Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once the oil is hot enough, place a few tablespoons of the chicken/cream cheese mixture in the center of a tortilla and spread it out. Roll the tortilla and use tongs to place it seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and frying until all are done.
5. Serve warm with your choice of toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans or a mix of beans and vegetables for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for some extra heat.
• Baked Taquitos: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the taquitos at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until crispy. You can also reheat in a skillet on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if preferred, but corn tortillas provide that classic crispy texture that makes taquitos so special.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and fry the taquitos.

Can I freeze taquitos?

Yes! After frying, let the taquitos cool, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How can I make taquitos extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not, the taquitos may become greasy instead of crispy.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Feel free to get creative! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These taquitos are easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether served for dinner, as an appetizer, or as a fun party snack, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, get frying, and enjoy these crispy, cheesy, and delicious treats!

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