Crispy Taquitos Recipe: Fiesta Flavors in Every Bite

Sizzling and golden, these homemade beef taquitos recipe deliver a crispy explosion of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

Mexican street food inspiration meets easy cooking techniques in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Every bite promises a perfect crunch and savory filling that makes snack time extraordinary.

Corn tortillas wrapped around seasoned ground beef create a handheld delight that disappears faster than you can plate them.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up these irresistible taquitos in under 30 minutes.

The combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior makes this recipe a guaranteed winner for any gathering or casual dinner.

Let’s find out this delectable treat and experience a burst of authentic Mexican-inspired goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need to Make Flavorful Taquitos

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Provides hearty protein and main flavor foundation for taquitos, choose tender, well-seasoned chicken for best results.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients together, use softened cheese for smooth mixing.

• Colby Jack Cheese, Mexican Blend Cheese: Delivers melty texture and sharp tang, select freshly shredded cheese for optimal meltability.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces subtle green nutrients and fresh dimension, chop finely to distribute evenly.
• Salsa: Brings zesty moisture and southwestern kick, homemade or store-bought work perfectly.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tangy creaminess and cooling contrast, select full-fat version for richer taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning to elevate overall taste profile, adjust according to personal preference.

• Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas: Serves as crispy wrapper, warm slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: Enables perfect golden-brown frying, maintain consistent temperature for even cooking.

• Shredded Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and lightness.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Provides juicy, bright accent.
• Additional Sour Cream: Offers extra cooling element.
• Pico de Gallo: Introduces fresh, zesty salsa topping.

Helpful Gear for Making Taquitos at Home

• Large saucepan: Perfect for heating oil to the right temperature for frying.
• Thermometer: Helps ensure oil reaches exactly 350°F for crispy taquitos.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining chicken and cheese filling.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing taquitos from hot oil.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping spinach and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Roll and Bake Taquitos Without the Fuss

• Flavor Fusion The secret to mouthwatering taquitos is blending creamy chicken, tangy cheese, and fresh spinach into a delectable filling that will make taste buds dance.
• Tortilla Transformation Lay out soft tortillas and lovingly spoon the zesty chicken mixture near one edge, rolling them into tight, compact cylinders that promise crispy deliciousness.
• Oil Bath Carefully lower the rolled taquitos into sizzling hot oil, letting them transform into golden, crunchy treasures that crackle with excitement.
• Crispy Perfection Watch as each taquito turns a beautiful amber color, signaling they're ready to be rescued from the oil and placed on a paper towel to shed excess grease.
• Garnish Celebration Dress up these golden treats with vibrant toppings like fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of cool sour cream to create a fiesta on your plate.

Best Pairings for Serving Taquitos at Meals

• Flavor Fiesta Platter: Create a colorful spread by arranging taquitos on a large wooden board with vibrant garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and multiple dipping sauces such as guacamole, salsa verde, and spicy chipotle cream.
• Mexican Movie Night Companion: Serve these crispy taquitos as the ultimate finger food during game nights or movie marathons, paired with ice-cold Mexican beer or zesty margaritas for a complete entertainment experience.
• Brunch Twist Delight: Transform these taquitos into a brunch centerpiece by topping them with a sunny-side-up egg, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of green salsa for a morning meal that packs serious flavor punch.
• Quick Dinner Champion: Pack these taquitos in lunch boxes or serve as a speedy weeknight dinner option with a quick side salad and quick-pickled vegetables for added crunch and freshness.

Smart Storage for Taquitos That Still Taste Fresh

• Batch Prep Magic: Whip up a large batch of taquitos and freeze uncooked rolls for quick future meals. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Refrigerator Revival: Leftover taquitos stay delicious when stored in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness, avoiding soggy texture from microwave warming.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Shred chicken in advance and mix filling a day before cooking. Store chicken mixture in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation and enhance flavor melding.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Create a DIY taquito station during gatherings. Prep fillings and components beforehand, allowing guests to assemble and fry their own custom taquitos for interactive dining fun.

Tips to Get Crispier, Juicier Taquitos

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or queso fresco to add unique flavor profiles to your taquitos.
• Use corn tortillas for authentic Mexican taste or flour tortillas for a softer texture. Always warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian-friendly alternatives that keep the dish exciting.
• Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to increase heat intensity. For milder versions, use mild salsa and reduce spicy ingredients.

Crunchy Taquitos Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Mexican street-style Taquitos promise a crispy, flavor-packed journey through authentic cuisine. Rolled corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat offer a delightful crunch you’ll savor with zesty salsa and creamy accompaniments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (710 ml) shredded cooked chicken
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.33 cup (80 ml) sour cream
• 12 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) salsa (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Pico de Gallo

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Instructions

1. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350°F, maintaining an even temperature for perfect frying conditions.
2. Filling Creation: Combine rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, spinach, Colby Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients until thoroughly integrated.
3. Seasoning: Incorporate kosher salt and black pepper, mixing to distribute flavors evenly throughout the filling mixture.
4. Tortilla Preparation: Warm corn tortillas to increase pliability, then carefully spread chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla.
5. Rolling Technique: Tightly roll tortillas, ensuring a compact filling and sealed edges to prevent oil penetration during cooking.
6. Frying Process: Carefully lower taquitos seam-side down into hot oil, maintaining consistent temperature for uniform golden-brown coloration.
7. Draining and Serving: Expertly remove taquitos using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, and garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, or Pico de Gallo before serving immediately.

Notes

Prevent Tortilla Splitting: Warm corn tortillas briefly on a skillet or in the microwave to enhance flexibility and reduce cracking during rolling.

Oil Temperature Precision: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature, ensuring perfectly crispy taquitos without burning.

Sealing Technique: Press rolled taquito edges gently and secure with a toothpick if needed to prevent filling from leaking during frying.

Excess Oil Drainage: Let taquitos rest on paper towels at a slight angle to help excess oil drain completely, maintaining optimal crispiness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg