It’s a Meal! It’s a Snack! It’s...a Taquito!
Whether you’re in need of a snacky dinner or a heavy snack, homemade chicken taquitos are a crunchy, hearty, cheesy nibble that doesn’t disappoint.
What Is a Taquito?
A taquito is simply a very small taco, corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and cheese, rolled tightly and then baked or (in the case of our chicken taquito recipe) fried to a crisp, golden brown. It’s a super simple concept, and a completely genius little bite. Served with pico de gallo, fresh guacamole, chicken quesadillas and sour cream, homemade taquitos are the perfect thing to serve at your next get-together—just add some spicy margaritas to make the whole spread party-perfect.
How To Make Taquitos
Our fried taquitos recipe comes together in just a few quick steps! The main “work” of homemade taquitos is really just assembly, so if you’ve got kids in your house, it’s a perfect one for them to help out with:
- Toss shredded chicken with taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought) and some mozzarella cheese.
- Roll the taquitos! More on that in a sec.
- Fry the taquitos.
- And finally, best of all, EAT THE TAQUITOS! Slathered in guacamole, pico and sour cream, por favor. Or even dipped in our Seven Layer Dip, yum!
How To Roll Taquitos
Tempting though it may be to jam the tortillas full to bursting with the super delicious seasoned, shredded chicken taquito filling, restraint is your best friend when it comes to rolling a perfect taquito. Sprinkle a scant 1/3 cup of filling into the corn tortilla and wrap the taquito really, really tight. Then, to help it hold together when you fry the taquito, secure the open ends with toothpicks.
How To Fry Taquitos
It probably goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: be super careful when working with hot oil. Work gently, and without distraction, and keep little people far away from the stove when you’re frying. Before you begin to fry the taquitos, test the temperature of the oil by dropping a piece of one of your corn tortillas in the oil—if it immediately sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. Or, check for a temp of 350°F with a deep-frying thermometer. Fry your cheesy chicken taquitos in small batches, so the oil temperature stays constant. Keep fried taquitos warm in a 250°F oven on a baking sheet while you finish the rest of the batch.
Tools You’ll Need:
Other Party-Ready Recipes:
As far as we’re concerned this taquito recipe embodies party-food perfection. Here are a few of our other faves:
- Tangy, gooey, hot spinach artichoke dip is unbeatable.
- Swedish meatballs are little orbs of savory perfection.
- And this easy pico de gallo would be so great paired with these chicken taquitos.
What Did Everyone Think?
Do you love this taquito recipe? Did your friends gobble them up?! We really want to know. Snap a photo of the finished taquitos, and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you share them with. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
