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- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled (substitute with feta or cotija) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed First, let's talk about the chicken. I love using cooked shredded chicken. It makes this recipe fast and easy. I often grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time and adds great flavor. Next is the queso fresco. This cheese adds a nice creaminess to the taquitos. If you can’t find queso fresco, feta or cotija work well too. They both bring similar flavors but may taste slightly different. Black beans are another key ingredient. Rinsing them well before use helps remove extra salt. This step keeps the filling balanced and tasty. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped - Salt and pepper, to taste Now, let’s spice things up! Ground cumin adds warmth. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall flavor. Fresh cilantro gives a bright taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Adjust the seasoning to your taste. - 8-10 small corn tortillas (softened as needed) - 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) For the tortillas, I recommend small corn tortillas. They hold the filling well. If you need a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are perfect. Warming the tortillas is crucial. It makes them soft and easy to roll. I heat them in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step prevents cracking when you roll them up. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, mix your ingredients for a tasty filling. In a large bowl, combine: - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup crumbled queso fresco - 1 cup drained black beans - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything combines. Seasoning is key. It brings out the flavors and makes your taquitos delicious. Next, we need to warm the tortillas. Grab a dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step makes the tortillas soft and easy to roll. Warm tortillas help prevent cracking. Once your tortillas are warm, it's time to assemble. Take one tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of your chicken and bean mix in the center. Roll it tightly and tuck in the sides to seal it well. This rolling technique keeps the filling inside. Make sure to place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a plate. Now, let’s fry the taquitos. Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil into a large frying pan. Heat it over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of tortilla in. If it sizzles, you’re good to go! Carefully add the taquitos seam-side down, but don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip them to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to turn them. When they are crispy, take them out and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve your crispy taquitos hot. Arrange them on a colorful platter. Add bowls of optional toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. It makes for a fun and tasty meal! Garnish with extra cilantro leaves for a fresh touch. To get crisp taquitos, control the oil's temperature. Heat the oil until it shimmers. If it’s too cold, the taquitos will soak up oil and become soggy. Fry in batches to keep them crispy. Overcrowding the pan traps steam. This steam makes the taquitos soft, which we want to avoid. Prep time is key for easy cooking. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for speed. Prepare the filling ahead. You can roll the taquitos and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. If you make them early, just fry them when you're ready. Add spices for more flavor. Try cayenne for heat or paprika for smokiness. Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the taste. Pair your taquitos with sides like guacamole or salsa. A cold drink like limeade complements them well. Pro Tips Use Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas before rolling them prevents cracking and helps them hold the filling better. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the taquitos in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy without steaming. Check Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; if it’s too cool, the taquitos will absorb more oil and become greasy. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like peppers, corn, or different cheeses for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Try shredded beef or pulled pork. Each adds a unique flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, use jackfruit or mushrooms. These ingredients mimic the texture of meat well. Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or chipotle sauce to your filling. These boost the spice level. You can also mix in hot sauce for an extra kick. To enhance the taste, try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar. Each cheese creates a new flavor twist. Dips can elevate your taquitos. Try guacamole, salsa, or sour cream as tasty sides. You can also serve them with a fresh salad to make a meal. Add rice or beans on the side for a complete dish. Get creative; your guests will love the options! After you enjoy your crispy chicken taquitos, store any leftovers properly. For refrigeration, place the taquitos in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container for extra protection. If you want to freeze the taquitos, they can last up to three months. To freeze, lay the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two main options: oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you use a microwave, place the taquitos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30-60 seconds. However, the microwave may make them less crispy. To keep them crunchy, you can also use a skillet. Heat a little oil in a pan and warm the taquitos over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method helps them regain their crispness. Yes, you can use store-bought tortillas. They save time and effort. Pros: - Ready to use, no need to make from scratch. - Available in many sizes and types, like corn or flour. Cons: - They might not have the same fresh taste. - Some may break more easily when rolling. To make taquitos in an air fryer, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. 2. Place the rolled taquitos in a single layer in the basket. 3. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. 4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a crispy outside without all the oil. Here are some tasty dipping sauces for your taquitos: - Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it pairs well with chicken. - Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa adds zest and crunch. - Sour Cream: Cool and tangy, it balances the heat. - Chipotle Sauce: Adds a smoky flavor that brings depth. Yes, you can prep taquitos ahead of time. Here’s how: - Assemble them but do not fry. - Place them on a baking sheet, seam-side down. - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This helps save time for a quick meal later. To freeze taquitos, follow these steps: 1. Assemble and roll the taquitos as usual. 2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. 3. Freeze for about 2 hours until firm. 4. Transfer to a freezer bag and label them. When ready to cook, fry or air fry them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! You’ve learned about the essential ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods for taquitos. We covered filling choices, the importance of seasoning, and the best ways to warm tortillas. Remember to fry them until crispy for the best texture. You can also explore tasty variations, like using different proteins or creative dips. Whether you eat them fresh or store leftovers, these tips will help you enjoy delightful taquitos time and again. Enjoy creating your own delicious taquitos, and don’t hesitate to make them your own!

Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Deliciously crispy taquitos filled with seasoned chicken, black beans, and queso fresco, perfect for a snack or meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional guacamole, salsa, sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, crumbled queso fresco, black beans, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped cilantro. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, and stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Working one at a time, place each corn tortilla in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or just until they become warm and pliable.
  • Take one warmed tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and bean mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to create a secure seal.
  • Continue the rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling, making sure to keep the assembled taquitos seam-side down as you set them aside.
  • In a large frying pan, pour in the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Fry each taquito for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy texture. Turn them over to fry the other side, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Once crispy, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve your crispy taquitos hot and fresh from the frying pan. Offer optional toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

Beautifully arrange the taquitos on a colorful platter, with vibrant bowls of guacamole and salsa for easy access.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, snack, taquitos