Description
Delicious, crispy homemade taquitos filled with seasoned meat and cheese, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or main course. These rolled tortillas are baked or fried until golden and can be customized with a variety of fillings for a crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, beef, or pork
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or homemade seasoning blend
- 1/4 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
For the Taquitos
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Oil for frying (about 1 cup, or as needed for the skillet)
To Serve (Optional)
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo or salsa
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken (or meat of choice), shredded cheese, chopped onion, taco seasoning, and salsa. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the cheese is distributed.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a microwave for 20-30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in a skillet, until pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling on the lower third of each warm tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Fry the Taquitos: Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot (about 350°F/175°C), add taquitos seam-side down in batches without overcrowding. Fry 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Alternative Baking Method: For a lighter option, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray, and bake 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Serve hot with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas give a more authentic taste and better crispiness.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with black beans, refried beans, or sautéed vegetables.
- Taquitos freeze well; assemble and freeze before cooking, then bake or fry from frozen.
- If tortillas crack when rolling, microwave them wrapped in a damp towel to soften further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 38mg