## A Flavorful Journey with Homemade Chicken Taquitos
Exploring the goodness of homemade food, here we present the delightful recipe of Chicken Taquitos. This Mexican turned American classic can easily become your next favorite family meal. This recipe is just one awesome way to make them, and we look forward to sharing the equally fantastic buffalo chicken version of it soon!
**Total Preparation and Cooking Time:** 35 minutes
## Why Make This Recipe
Because, why not? Homemade Chicken Taquitos are the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and texture. Not only are they easy to make, but also customizable according to your taste preferences. The crispy exterior, filled with juicy shredded chicken, is surely a combination that convinces all to fall in love with it.
## How to Make Homemade Chicken Taquitos
## Ingredients:
– 2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper as per taste
– 12 small corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil spray
## Directions:
1. Set your oven at 400°F (200°C) for preheating. Grease a baking sheet light and put it aside.
2. Take a bowl and mix together shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, along with salt and pepper. Ensure everything gets evenly distributed.
3. Warm the tortillas either in a microwave or a skillet till they’re pliable enough to avoid any tearing.
4. Stuff about 2 tablespoons of filling in each tortilla, roll them tight, and then place onto the baking sheet with the seam side down.
5. Spray each rolled taquito lightly with the vegetable oil spray to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Bake these for 15-20 minutes or until they take a golden brown color.
6. Serve the taquitos with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
## How to Serve Homemade Chicken Taquitos
Taquitos make excellent standalone snacks served with dip on the side, or they can be part of a complete meal along with rice or salad option. They also serve as fabulous party appetizers.
## How to Store Homemade Chicken Taquitos
Cool the taquitos completely and then store them in airtight containers. They can be refrigerated for up to a week, and if frozen, they’ll last you up to three months.
## Tips to Make Homemade Chicken Taquitos
To get the best taquitos, ensure that you warm the tortillas before filling to avoid any cracks. Bake and don’t fry for a healthier twist. Use a good quality salsa for a strong flavor profile.
## Variations
Instead of shredded chicken, you could use pork, beef, or beans. Also, flavor variations like Buffalo Chicken or salsa verde are great to switch things up.
## FAQs
**Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?**
A: Yes, you can. However, the traditional recipe uses corn tortillas.
**Q: Can these be made ahead of time?**
A: Absolutely. You can prepare these a day in advance, refrigerate them and then just heat it up when ready to serve.
**Q: Can I freeze taquitos?**
A: Yes! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, bake them directly from the freezer, adding couple more minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy your kitchen adventure with these Homemade Chicken Taqutios! Remember, they’re not just food, they’re fun!