Taquitos
If you’re looking for a delightful meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than taquitos! These crispy, rolled tortillas filled with a savory mixture are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or a fun party appetizer, taquitos are sure to be a hit. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Taquitos are the ultimate comfort food! They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. This recipe features shredded chicken blended with cream cheese, salsa, Greek yogurt, and spices, creating a creamy and delicious filling. Plus, these taquitos are baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for busy nights, these fun little rolls can be made in advance and stored for later, making them a great meal prep option.
What Goes Into Taquitos
To make these delicious taquitos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own!
- 1/3 cup low-fat cream cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling.
- 1/3 cup salsa: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for extra flavor.
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt: Acts as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.
- 3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: For that cheesy goodness!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Gives a hint of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the other spices.
- 12-15 corn tortillas (6-inch): The perfect vehicle for your filling.
- Cooking spray or light olive oil: For crisping the taquitos in the oven.
- Toppings: Such as shredded lettuce, guacamole, or diced tomatoes for serving.
Essential Tools for Success
Before you get started, gather these essential tools:
- Baking sheet: For baking the taquitos evenly.
- Mixing bowl: To combine your filling ingredients.
- Cooking spray or brush: For coating the taquitos before baking.
- Tongs: To easily flip the taquitos while baking.
- Spatula: For transferring the taquitos from the baking sheet.
Cooking Taquitos: The Process
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the steps to create your delicious taquitos!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your taquitos bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, Greek yogurt, ground cumin, Mexican blend cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling the tortillas easier, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds on each side until they are pliable. This step prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent spillage.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each taquito for even cooking.
Step 6: Spray and Bake
Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This will help them achieve a golden-brown color while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with additional salsa, Greek yogurt, shredded lettuce, guacamole, or diced tomatoes on the side for dipping and garnishing.
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best parts about these taquitos is that you likely have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s a quick list to check:
- Cooked chicken: Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- Cream cheese: A staple in many fridges.
- Salsa: Store-bought or homemade, either works!
- Greek yogurt: Perfect for a healthy twist.
- Spices: Most homes have garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder.
- Tortillas: A great pantry item for quick meals.
Pro Perspective
- For extra flavor, consider adding black beans or corn to the filling.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try different cheeses like pepper jack for added spice.
- To make these taquitos vegetarian, replace the chicken with cooked lentils or black beans!
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These taquitos are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to make them ahead of time, freeze the uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Taquitos Q&A
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are traditional for taquitos and provide a great flavor, you can use flour tortillas if that’s what you have on hand. Just be cautious as they may not hold up as well when rolled.
How do I make taquitos crispy without frying?
The key to crispy taquitos is baking them at a high temperature and ensuring they are lightly coated with cooking spray or oil. This will give them that golden, crispy texture without the need for frying.
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure that your fillings, like salsa and spices, are gluten-free as well.
What can I serve with taquitos?
Taquitos are delicious on their own but can be served with a variety of sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget the toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or additional salsa!
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the information, it’s time to bring your kitchen to life with these scrumptious taquitos! They are quick, fun to make, and even more enjoyable to eat. With this recipe, you’ve got a winning dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for a delicious meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your taquitos bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, Greek yogurt, ground cumin, Mexican blend cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- To make rolling the tortillas easier, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds on each side until they are pliable.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to prevent spillage.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each taquito for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
- Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with additional salsa, Greek yogurt, shredded lettuce, guacamole, or diced tomatoes on the side for dipping and garnishing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding black beans or corn to the filling.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try different cheeses like pepper jack for added spice.
- To make these taquitos vegetarian, replace the chicken with cooked lentils or black beans!
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
