Homemade Chicken Taquitos

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by cooking the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and add the chicken broth (or water) to moisten the mixture. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

At this point, stir in the shredded cheese and fresh cilantro (if using). The cheese will melt into the chicken mixture, creating a creamy, flavorful filling for your taquitos. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

To make the tortillas pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolling, you need to warm them up. There are two methods for this:

• Microwave Method: Stack the tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave them for about 30 seconds until warm.
• Skillet Method: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 20-30 seconds per side.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

Once your tortillas are warm and your filling is ready, it’s time to roll the taquitos. Take a warm tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling along one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a compact roll. Secure the taquito with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling while frying.

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Fry the Taquitos

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You want the oil hot enough to fry the taquitos to a crisp, but not so hot that they burn quickly.

Carefully place the rolled taquitos in the hot oil, seam-side down, and fry them in batches. Fry each taquito for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the taquitos are fried and crispy, it’s time to serve! Arrange them on a platter and remove the toothpicks. Serve your taquitos with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for a delicious garnish.

These homemade chicken taquitos are sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering the perfect balance of crunchy texture and savory flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Taquitos

• Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas are traditional for taquitos, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, less crispy texture.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Shredded beef, pork, or even a vegetarian option like mashed potatoes or black beans are fantastic alternatives.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the taquitos instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), brush the rolled taquitos with a bit of oil, and bake them on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.