Chicken Lindo Taquitos are the perfect fusion of Mexican flavors, bringing a burst of spice and delight to your taste buds. These delightful rolled tacos are not just a treat for your palate but also a fun dish to make with family or friends. This guide will take you through the simple yet effective steps to create Chicken Lindo Taquitos in the comfort of your home, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Chicken Lindo Taquitos
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1⁄2 cup salsa verde
- 1⁄2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taquitos Assembly:
- 10-12 small corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Toothpicks (optional for securing)
- Toppings (optional):
- Cream, sour cream, or Mexican crema
- Guacamole or avocado slices
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños
- Pico de Gallo or salsa
Preparing the Chicken Filling
Start by mixing the shredded chicken with salsa verde, cheese, cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the mixture is well combined for a homogenous filling:
- If using leftover rotisserie chicken, shred it finely to avoid chunks in your taquitos.
- Adjust the heat level by choosing a spicier salsa verde or adding more chili powder if you prefer a kick.
- Mix just before you start assembling to keep the filling moist.
🔔 Note: You can adjust the spiciness of your filling based on your heat preference. Opt for a mild salsa verde if you're not a fan of spicy foods.
Assembling the Taquitos
Warm your tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for easier handling:
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on one side of a tortilla.
- Roll it up tightly, and if the tortilla doesn't want to hold its shape, use a toothpick to secure.
- Place the rolled taquito seam side down to keep it from unrolling.
Cooking the Taquitos
To cook your taquitos, you have two options:
Frying
Heat 1⁄2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C):
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the taquitos seam side down and cook until golden brown, around 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown evenly.
- Place the cooked taquitos on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C):
- Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly spray or brush the taquitos with oil for a crisp texture.
- Bake until crispy and golden, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🔔 Note: Baking taquitos makes them healthier than frying but might not yield the same crispy texture. However, they still retain a nice crunch when done correctly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your taquitos with an array of toppings to enhance the flavors:
- Offer a variety of salsas like salsa verde, pico de gallo, or hot sauce for added heat.
- Include Mexican crema, sour cream, or a homemade creamy avocado sauce for richness.
- A side of refried beans or Spanish rice complements the meal nicely.
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| Guacamole | Mexican Crema |
In summary, making Chicken Lindo Taquitos at home is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. From selecting fresh ingredients to assembling and cooking, each step ensures that you end up with flavorful, crunchy treats. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a fun meal to prepare, these taquitos bring a piece of Mexican cuisine right to your table.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
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Yes, you can use flour tortillas for taquitos, but keep in mind they won’t hold up to frying as well as corn tortillas. If you fry them, they might absorb more oil and become soggy.
How do I keep my taquitos from unrolling?
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Using toothpicks to secure the tortillas can help, but you can also ensure the seam side is down when frying or baking, which helps the tortilla stay in place as it crisps up.
Are there healthier options for cooking taquitos?
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Absolutely! Baking the taquitos instead of frying reduces the oil content, making them a healthier choice. You can also opt for air frying to get that crispy texture with less oil.
What can I serve with Chicken Lindo Taquitos?
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You can serve taquitos with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or Mexican rice. They’re versatile and can be paired with sides like beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
