Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried taquito. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun main dish, Classic Taquitos deliver crispy perfection with every bite. Filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken mixture, these taquitos are sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering.
PrintClassic Taquitos
🌮✨ Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—Classic Taquitos are the perfect bite-sized snack! 😋 Filled with seasoned chicken (or your favorite filling) and fried to perfection, these crunchy delights are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Dip, crunch, enjoy! 😍🔥
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- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Taquito Filling:
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (this can be leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or use a Mexican blend of cheese)
- ½ cup salsa, store-bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Taquito Wrapping:
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas (or you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred)
For the Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Pico de Gallo
Instructions
1. Heat the Oil
- Begin by filling a saucepan with about ½ inch of oil and heating it over medium heat.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check when the oil reaches 350°F. This temperature is perfect for frying taquitos to crispy perfection.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until smooth and well-combined.
3. Fill and Roll the Taquitos
- Once the oil is ready, take your corn tortillas and place a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Spread the filling out evenly, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form the taquito.
- Using tongs, carefully place each taquito seam-side down in the hot oil.
4. Fry the Taquitos
- Fry the taquitos in batches, cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, transfer the taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the taquitos are fried, serve them warm with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and Pico de Gallo.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Be sure to add just enough filling to each tortilla—too much filling can make it difficult to roll them tightly.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that each taquito fries evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
- Use Room Temperature Tortillas: To prevent the tortillas from cracking while rolling, make sure they’re at room temperature. If they’re too stiff, heat them briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet to soften them.
- Get the Oil Temperature Right: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F ensures the taquitos are crispy without absorbing too much oil. If the temperature is too low, they’ll become soggy.
- Avoid Overcooking: The taquitos should only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make taquitos from scratch, share tips for achieving the perfect crunch, and explore tasty toppings to take your taquitos to the next level.
Why You’ll Love These Taquitos
These taquitos are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and flavorful. Here’s why you should make them:
- Crispy and Golden: Frying these taquitos results in a golden-brown, crispy exterior that’s perfectly crunchy.
- Flavorful Filling: The creamy chicken mixture with spinach, cheese, and salsa packs a punch of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Customizable: You can add different fillings or toppings to make the taquitos your own.
- Great for Parties: Serve these as an appetizer or party snack, and watch them disappear quickly!
Ingredients for Classic Taquitos
To make your own batch of delicious taquitos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Taquito Filling:
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (this can be leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or use a Mexican blend of cheese)
- ½ cup salsa, store-bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Taquito Wrapping:
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas (or you can substitute flour tortillas if preferred)
For the Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Pico de Gallo
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Classic Taquitos
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these tasty taquitos.
1. Heat the Oil
- Begin by filling a saucepan with about ½ inch of oil and heating it over medium heat.
- Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check when the oil reaches 350°F. This temperature is perfect for frying taquitos to crispy perfection.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until smooth and well-combined.
3. Fill and Roll the Taquitos
- Once the oil is ready, take your corn tortillas and place a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Spread the filling out evenly, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form the taquito.
- Using tongs, carefully place each taquito seam-side down in the hot oil.
4. Fry the Taquitos
- Fry the taquitos in batches, cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, transfer the taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the taquitos are fried, serve them warm with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and Pico de Gallo.
Tips for Perfect Taquitos
Here are some tips to ensure your taquitos turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Be sure to add just enough filling to each tortilla—too much filling can make it difficult to roll them tightly.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that each taquito fries evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
- Use Room Temperature Tortillas: To prevent the tortillas from cracking while rolling, make sure they’re at room temperature. If they’re too stiff, heat them briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet to soften them.
- Get the Oil Temperature Right: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F ensures the taquitos are crispy without absorbing too much oil. If the temperature is too low, they’ll become soggy.
- Avoid Overcooking: The taquitos should only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Health Benefits of Classic Taquitos
While taquitos are often considered a comfort food, they can still provide some nutritional benefits, especially when made with wholesome ingredients:
- Shredded chicken offers a lean source of protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
- Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and adds a boost of fiber to the dish.
- Cheese provides calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscles.
- Salsa and sour cream offer antioxidants and probiotics, contributing to overall health.
Variations of Classic Taquitos
While the original version of these taquitos is delicious, there are many variations you can try based on your tastes and dietary preferences:
1. Beef Taquitos
Substitute the chicken for ground beef, shredded beef, or even steak for a hearty, flavorful variation.
2. Vegetarian Taquitos
Omit the chicken and load the taquitos with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and more spinach or other vegetables. You can also add extra cheese to make it more filling.
3. Spicy Taquitos
For an extra kick, add jalapeños or chopped green chilies to the filling. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the taquitos or mix it into the sour cream.
4. Sweet and Savory Taquitos
Add a small amount of pineapple or mango to the filling for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken. You could also make a sweet chili dipping sauce to go with the taquitos.
Serving Suggestions for Classic Taquitos
Classic Taquitos can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion:
- Party Appetizers: Serve the taquitos with an assortment of dips such as guacamole, cheese dip, or salsa.
- Family Dinner: Pair the taquitos with a simple salad or sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or corn on the cob.
- Game Day Snack: Serve them alongside nachos, buffalo wings, and mozzarella sticks for a fun, shareable spread.
Conclusion
These Classic Taquitos are the perfect addition to your recipe collection. With their crispy, golden exterior and creamy, flavorful filling, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or a party snack, these taquitos are quick to make and always a crowd favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and sides, and get ready to indulge in a deliciously crispy treat!