These Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos are the perfect blend of tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in crispy tortillas that create an irresistible snack or meal. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or a cozy family dinner, these taquitos stand out with their rich cheesy filling and delightful crunch. Serve them with fresh toppings for an extra layer of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just ten minutes of prep and cooking time, you can whip these up in no time.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of creamy cheese and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that will satisfy any craving.
- Versatile: Perfect for entertaining or as a quick weeknight meal, they fit any occasion.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like cilantro, lime, and avocado to tailor each bite to your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: These crispy taquitos are a hit with kids and adults alike, making mealtime fun!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing these taquitos a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Towel-lined plate
Why These Tools Matter
- Large deep skillet: Allows you to fry multiple taquitos at once, ensuring even cooking and crispy texture.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your ingredients effortlessly without spills.
- Spatula or tongs: Essential for flipping the taquitos safely while frying.
Ingredients
These Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos feature tender, slow-cooked chicken wrapped in crispy tortillas, filled with a rich, cheesy, and spiced creamy blend.
- 8 oz 12 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (I used a rotisserie)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil (approximately)
- Toppings: fresh cilantro, lime, avocado
How to Make Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos
Place approximately ½ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling to secure it.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Place a large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in enough oil to completely cover the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Fry the Taquitos
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rolled taquitos seam side down in the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown; this should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Remove the taquitos from the skillet and place them on a towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Serve your taquitos hot with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado on top for added flavor. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
How to Serve Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
Serving Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos can elevate your meal experience. From garnishes to dips, there are numerous ways to enhance this dish and impress your guests.
Fresh Garnishes
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice for an extra zing.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the taquitos perfectly.
Dipping Sauces
- Sour Cream: A classic choice that balances the spices in the taquitos.
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole makes a great pairing.
- Salsa Verde: For a tangy kick, try serving with green salsa.
Side Salads
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing side that complements the flavors of the taquitos.
- Simple Green Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette are always a good option.
How to Perfect Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
Perfecting your Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos ensures they are crispy and flavorful every time. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Bold Fillings: Use bold spices and herbs in your chicken mixture for enhanced flavor.
- Proper Tortilla Handling: Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure oil is hot enough before frying for maximum crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: Place cooked taquitos on paper towels to remove any excess oil for a lighter texture.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them fresh from the skillet for the best taste and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
Pairing side dishes with your taquitos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices, this rice dish complements taquitos perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and are a traditional pairing.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with savory salsa are great for snacking.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad brings sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the taquitos.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro add brightness to your plate.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Bold phrase: Using cold cream cheese – Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture. Cold cream cheese can create lumps and affect the texture.
- Bold phrase: Overfilling tortillas – Be careful not to overfill your tortillas with the chicken mixture. This can cause them to burst while frying, leading to a messy outcome.
- Bold phrase: Skipping the oil heating step – Not allowing the oil to heat properly can result in soggy taquitos instead of crispy ones. Always test with a small piece before adding all taquitos.
- Bold phrase: Cooking on too high heat – Cooking on high heat may brown the taquitos too quickly before they are heated through. Medium-low heat is ideal for even cooking.
- Bold phrase: Forgetting toppings – Don’t skip the toppings! Fresh cilantro, lime, and avocado elevate the flavors and add freshness to your taquitos.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
- Bold phrase: Oven – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Bold phrase: Microwave – Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note that they may become soft rather than crispy.
- Bold phrase: Stovetop – Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil, and warm for about 5 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of tortilla for Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos?
You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas provide a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it or chop it into small pieces before mixing.
How can I customize my Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos?
Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, diced bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition!
Are Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These taquitos are fun finger foods that kids typically love. You can adjust the spice level based on your preferences.
Conclusion
Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them easily with various fillings and toppings. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a family meal, these taquitos are sure to please everyone’s taste buds!
Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (makes about 8 taquitos) 1x
Description
Creamy Pulled Chicken Taquitos are a delightful treat that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, cheesy filling, all encased in crispy tortillas. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners, these taquitos are sure to impress with their satisfying crunch and mouthwatering flavors. With just ten minutes of preparation and cooking time, they make an excellent choice for a quick meal. Customize your taquitos with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and avocado for an added burst of flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these creamy chicken taquitos will be a hit at any table!
Ingredients
- 8 oz corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Avocado oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado for topping
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and corn until well mixed.
- Place about ½ cup of the mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom.
- Once hot, add the taquitos seam side down; cook until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes each).
- Transfer to a towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
- Serve hot with fresh toppings of cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
