Description
Crispy, flavorful chicken taquitos filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, spinach, Colby Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream. These rolled tortillas are deep-fried until golden brown and served with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and Pico de Gallo for an irresistible Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup salsa, store-bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taquitos
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (enough for ½ inch depth)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable or canola oil into a pan to a depth of about ½ inch and heat it to 350°F. Allow the oil to return to temperature between batches to ensure even frying.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped baby spinach, shredded Colby Jack cheese or Mexican blend, salsa, and sour cream. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and mix until evenly combined.
- Fill the tortillas: Lay out each 6-inch tortilla and place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling in a line down the center of the tortilla. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
- Fry the taquitos: Using tongs, place each rolled tortilla seam-side down into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried taquitos from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the warm taquitos with your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and Pico de Gallo for a delicious and satisfying meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Fry the taquitos in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure even cooking and browning.
- You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred; both work well.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for perfect frying results.
- Leftover taquitos can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
