Taquitos

Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Craving a crispy, cheesy snack that’s perfect for any meal or party? These homemade Taquitos are filled with tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and Colby Jack cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla and fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just making a fun weeknight dinner, these taquitos are sure to be a hit. Top them with your favorite fixings, like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and Pico de Gallo, for an extra burst of flavor!

Ingredients

• 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 or flour tortillas

Toppings (optional):

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Oil

• In a large saucepan, heat ½ inch of vegetable or canola oil over medium heat. Use a thermometer to bring the oil to 350°F, the ideal temperature for frying.

2. Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded Colby Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until everything is evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Taquitos

• Once the oil is heated, take one tortilla and place a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center. Spread the filling slightly but don’t overfill.
• Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is secure, and use tongs to place the taquito seam-side down in the hot oil.

4. Fry the Taquitos

• Fry each taquito for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and carefully flip them with tongs.
• Once done, transfer the taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

5. Serve

• Serve the taquitos warm, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, or Pico de Gallo.

Tips for Perfect Taquitos

• Keep them rolled tight: Make sure to roll the taquitos tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while frying.
• Use a thermometer: For best results, monitor the oil temperature with a thermometer. If the oil is too hot, the taquitos will burn before fully cooking; too cold, and they’ll turn out greasy.
• Corn or flour tortillas? Either works great, but corn tortillas are more traditional and crispier when fried.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 260 kcal per taquito
• Servings: 12 taquitos

Taquitos are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to your liking. They’re perfect for serving as appetizers, party snacks, or even as a main course. Pair them with a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping, and enjoy the crunchy, cheesy goodness of these homemade taquitos!

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