Chicken Taquitos with Queso

These Chicken Taquitos with Queso are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying game day, or simply craving a tasty snack, these taquitos deliver on flavor and crunch. The creamy filling of shredded chicken, cheese, and zesty tomatoes ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness. Plus, they are easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or a fun dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: These taquitos are fried to golden-brown perfection, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of chicken, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes with chilies creates a mouthwatering blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
• Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them alone as a snack or pair them with queso and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family dinners, these taquitos will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up these delicious Chicken Taquitos with Queso, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and straightforward.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Paper towels
• Spoon
• Measuring cups

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining all the ingredients evenly without mess.
• Skillet: A good-quality skillet provides even heat distribution for perfectly crispy taquitos.
• Paper towels: These help drain excess oil from the fried taquitos, ensuring they stay light and crispy.

Ingredients

These chicken taquitos are stuffed with a creamy mix of shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes with chilies. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 10 oz Red Gold Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Assembly

• 8 tortillas (flour or corn)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

How to Make Chicken Taquitos with Queso

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Shredded chicken
2. Cheddar cheese
3. Garlic powder
4. Onion powder
5. Kosher salt
6. Black pepper
7. Diced tomatoes with chilies
8. Room temperature cream cheese

Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2: Roll the Taquitos

Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture onto each tortilla:
1. Place the filling in the center of the tortilla.
2. Roll it up tightly to form a taquito.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet over medium-low heat:
1. Add vegetable oil and allow it to heat up until shimmering.

Step 4: Fry the Taquitos

Once the oil is heated:
1. Carefully add the taquitos to the skillet.
2. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Remove the cooked taquitos from the skillet:
1. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

(Optional) To plate:
1. Add refried beans to the bottom of a bowl.
2. Pour queso on top.
3. Place the taquitos into the queso.
4. Garnish with diced tomatoes and cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Taquitos with Queso!

How to Serve Chicken Taquitos with Queso

Serving chicken taquitos with queso can elevate your dining experience. They are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips to enhance their delicious flavor.

With Fresh Guacamole

• A creamy avocado dip that adds richness and a fresh flavor contrast to the crispy taquitos.

Alongside Salsa Verde

• A tangy green salsa made from tomatillos, perfect for dipping and adding an extra kick.

On a Bed of Lettuce

• Serve the taquitos on a bed of shredded lettuce for a refreshing crunch that complements the dish.

Topped with Sour Cream

• Drizzle sour cream over the taquitos for added creaminess and a cooling effect against the spices.

Garnished with Fresh Cilantro

• Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of fresh flavor that pairs well with the cheese and chicken.

With Refried Beans

• Serve alongside refried beans for a hearty addition that makes this meal even more satisfying.

How to Perfect Chicken Taquitos with Queso

To achieve the best chicken taquitos, follow these helpful tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use Shredded Chicken: Ensure your chicken is finely shredded for easier rolling and better distribution in each taquito.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select high-quality cheddar cheese to enhance the creaminess and flavor of the filling.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Avoid overstuffing your tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll tightly and may cause them to break during frying.
• Heat Oil Properly: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
• Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, place taquitos on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy and reducing greasiness.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your chicken taquitos right after cooking for the best texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Taquitos with Queso

Pairing side dishes with your chicken taquitos enhances the meal’s enjoyment. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and spices; it complements the taquitos beautifully.
2. Corn Salad: A fresh salad made with sweet corn, bell peppers, onions, and lime juice; it adds brightness to your plate.
3. Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with traditional tomato salsa provide an excellent crunchy companion.
4. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring black beans tossed with onions, cilantro, and lime; it provides a nutritious boost.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice; it’s a deliciously messy favorite.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from grated zucchini offer a light yet satisfying side dish that balances out rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chicken taquitos can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting your dish.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling that combines well with the other ingredients.
• Overfilling the Tortillas: Be careful not to add too much filling. About 1/4 cup is ideal; too much can make rolling difficult and lead to breakage.
• Skipping the Heating Step: Always heat your oil before frying. This helps achieve a crispy texture and prevents the taquitos from absorbing too much oil.
• Not Draining Properly: After frying, place the taquitos on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Failing to do this can result in greasy taquitos.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Adding fresh toppings like diced tomatoes or cilantro enhances flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this step!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Taquitos with Queso

• To freeze, place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos with Queso

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. Note that this method may result in a softer texture.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil if needed. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize Chicken Taquitos with Queso?

You can add different ingredients such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and still provide great flavor for your Chicken Taquitos with Queso.

What dipping sauces go well with taquitos?

Salsa, guacamole, or even sour cream are excellent choices for dipping alongside your Chicken Taquitos with Queso.

How do I make these taquitos healthier?

You can use whole wheat tortillas and reduce the amount of cheese or opt for lower-fat cream cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

These Chicken Taquitos with Queso are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients for an added twist!

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