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Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Crispy Chicken Taquitos are a quick and delicious handheld snack or meal featuring tender, seasoned shredded chicken wrapped in golden, crispy tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, these taquitos offer a satisfying crunch without deep frying, making them a lighter yet indulgent Mexican-inspired treat perfect for lunches, dinners, or appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Filling

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend

Tortillas and Cooking

  • 10 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray, if baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, finely chopped green onions, lime juice, and shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and the cheese binds everything together.
  2. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas gently in a dry skillet or microwave until they become soft and pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling the taquitos tightly.
  3. Assemble the Taquitos: Place about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture near one edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides to form a firm cylinder. Secure with a toothpick if needed to keep them from unrolling.
  4. Crisp the Taquitos: For frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook taquitos seam-side down for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. For baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), place taquitos on a baking sheet spaced evenly, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway to brown both sides evenly.
  5. Serve Hot: Once crispy and golden, remove taquitos from the skillet or oven. If fried, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dips and garnishes.

Notes

  • Use warm tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling.
  • Do not overfill the tortillas to avoid bursting during cooking.
  • Use light oil or cooking spray when baking to achieve crispness without excess grease.
  • Space taquitos evenly on the baking sheet for consistent crunch.
  • Make ahead by assembling taquitos and refrigerate before crisping for convenient meal prep.

Nutrition

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