Chicken Taquitos

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Introduction

Turkey Bacon Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and wholesome dish perfect for kickstarting your day. This casserole combines the savory goodness of turkey bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese with a medley of fresh vegetables and a crispy bread base. It’s an ideal option for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for busy mornings. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying way to fuel your day.

I remember the first time I made this for a weekend brunch with friends. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling turkey bacon and baked cheese, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. What I love most about this casserole is how customizable it is—you can mix in your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or even add a hint of spice with jalapeños or red pepper flakes. The crispy bread base soaks up all the delicious flavors, creating a perfect balance of textures in every bite.

This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, too. With just a bit of chopping and layering, you can assemble the casserole the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for an effortless breakfast. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy with your family, Turkey Bacon Breakfast Casserole is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Game day snacks
  • Appetizers for gatherings
  • Meal prepping
  • Taco night

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Taquitos are destined to become your new go-to recipe:

  • Crispy and Crunchy: The rolled tortillas are fried to perfection, giving you a crispy crunch with each bite.
  • Tender Chicken Filling: The seasoned chicken filling is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
  • Easy to Make: These taquitos are simple to assemble and cook, making them great for busy nights or last-minute parties.
  • Customizable: You can add your favorite ingredients like cheese, beans, or veggies to the filling.
  • Great for Dipping: Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to add an extra layer of flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 12 taquitos
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories (per 2 taquitos)
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Chicken Taquitos:

For the Taquitos:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 10-12 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa or guacamole

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken for a quick and easy filling, perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
  • Cheese: Melty cheese adds creaminess and binds the filling together.
  • Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring authentic Mexican flavors to the taquitos.
  • Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose based on your preference for a crispy texture (corn) or a softer, more pliable one (flour).
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Shred the Chicken: If not using rotisserie chicken, cook and shred your chicken breasts or thighs using two forks.
  2. Mix the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, diced onion, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated with the spices.

Assemble the Taquitos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat them in a dry skillet to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
  2. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Spread the filling evenly.
  3. Roll the Tortillas: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling to form a compact cylinder. Secure the edges with a toothpick if necessary.

Fry the Taquitos:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. It should be hot enough that the taquitos sizzle when placed in the pan.
  2. Fry the Taquitos: Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam side down into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Once crispy, remove the taquitos from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve with Dips: Serve the taquitos hot with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.
  2. Garnish (optional): Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

How to Serve

  • As Appetizers: Perfect for serving at parties or as finger food at gatherings.
  • With Rice and Beans: Serve as a main dish with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
  • For Meal Prep: Make a batch and store them in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
  • With Dips: Pair with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a spicy ranch dipping sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Use Leftover Chicken: These taquitos are a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • For Extra Crispiness: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crisp, golden exterior.
  • Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, brush the taquitos with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
  • Spice it Up: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of heat.

Recipe Variations

  1. Beef Taquitos: Use ground beef or shredded beef as the filling.
  2. Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and cheese.
  3. Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: Add extra cheese to the filling for a gooier, cheesier interior.
  4. Spicy Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat.
  5. Sweet and Savory: Add a spoonful of salsa verde or pineapple to the filling for a sweet contrast.
  6. Baked Taquitos: Bake instead of frying for a healthier option.
  7. Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Use buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy filling.
  8. Chicken and Cream Cheese Taquitos: Add cream cheese to the filling for a creamy texture.
  9. BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Swap out the seasonings for barbecue sauce and spices for a smoky twist.
  10. Shredded Pork Taquitos: Use carnitas or pulled pork for a different protein base.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Lay the unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, place frozen taquitos directly on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftover taquitos in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for maximum crispness.

Special Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Tongs for turning taquitos
  • Baking sheet (for baking option)
  • Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

FAQ Section

  1. Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying? Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
  3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour? Yes, but be sure to warm them up first to prevent cracking.
  4. Can I freeze cooked taquitos? Yes, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  5. How can I make the filling spicier? Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun party dish, or a delicious meal, Chicken Taquitos are sure to please. With their crispy, golden exterior and tender, flavorful chicken filling, these taquitos are a crowd-pleasing favorite that never disappoints. Pair them with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra burst of flavor!

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, Chicken Taquitos are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!

I’d love to see how your Chicken Taquitos turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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