Homemade Mini Chicken and Cheese Taquitos: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
If you’re in search of a fun, easy, and delicious snack or appetizer, look no further than homemade mini chicken and cheese taquitos. These little rolled tacos are a hit at any gathering or a perfect quick meal for the family. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can whip up these tasty bites in no time. Let’s dive into making these delightful mini taquitos.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook some chicken breasts and shred them.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese works perfectly, but feel free to use your favorite.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese: This makes the filling extra creamy and delicious.
- 1/4 cup green onions: Finely chopped.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: For that warm, earthy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12-15 small corn tortillas: These will be the base of your taquitos.
- Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, green onions, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The cream cheese should help bind the ingredients, making it easy to roll the taquitos later.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Before rolling the taquitos, it’s essential to warm the tortillas to prevent them from breaking. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds. This step will make the tortillas pliable and easy to work with.
3. Roll the Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling on the lower third of a tortilla. Don’t overfill, as it may lead to the taquitos opening up during cooking. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Fry the Taquitos: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place a few taquitos seam-side down in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to turn the taquitos for even cooking. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Your mini chicken and cheese taquitos are now ready to serve! They’re best enjoyed hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For a fun presentation, you can arrange them on a platter with a variety of dips and some fresh lime wedges.
Additional Tips:
- Baked Version: If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the taquitos. Simply lay them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush a little oil on top, and bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
- Freezing: These mini taquitos freeze wonderfully. Arrange the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet not touching, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, you can fry or bake straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the filling according to your preferences. Adding some diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or even switching the chicken for shredded beef or pork can add a new twist to your taquitos.
Creating homemade mini chicken and cheese taquitos is a straightforward process that results in a delightful snack everyone will love. Whether for a party, a family dinner, or a quick snack, these taquitos are sure to impress. With this simple recipe, you’re now ready to roll up some deliciousness in no time!