Chicken Taquitos Recipe – A Classic Mexican Appetizer
Embark on a culinary journey to Mexico with this delightful Chicken Taquitos recipe, a perfect appetizer that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With a crispy exterior and a savory chicken filling, these taquitos offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Paired with a fresh tomato salsa, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the steps to create this classic Mexican delight.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4 |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 1/3 cup |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | A small bunch |
| Tabasco Original Hot Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/4 cup |
| Makki Ka Atta (Yellow Corn Meal Flour) | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3/4 cup |
| Water | As required |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken Breasts (cut into strips) | 300 grams |
| Garlic (chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Taco Seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Cheddar Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 15g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Salsa
To start off your Chicken Taquitos recipe, you’ll first want to create a delicious tomato salsa. Begin by cooking the tomatoes in a pressure cooker: take half of the tomatoes, place them into the cooker along with 2 tablespoons of water, and allow them to pressure cook for about 2 whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. After the pressure has released, open the cooker, drain any excess water, and let the tomatoes cool completely.
Once cooled, peel the skin off the tomatoes and chop them finely. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with the finely chopped onions, green chilies, salt, sugar, cumin powder, Tabasco sauce, homemade tomato puree, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix the ingredients well and adjust the seasoning to taste. Set this fresh Mexican salsa aside for later.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Taquito Filling
In a skillet heated over medium heat, add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté it for a few seconds until it releases its aromatic flavors. Next, introduce the chicken strips to the skillet along with 3 tablespoons of the freshly made tomato salsa. Mix well and allow the chicken to cook until it becomes tender, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Once the chicken is almost done, season it with salt and taco seasoning, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. After this, transfer the Chicken Taquito filling to a bowl and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Tortillas
In a separate medium bowl, combine the makki ka atta (yellow corn meal flour), all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water to form a smooth, firm dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, preheat a cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. After resting, divide the dough into 6 to 8 equal-sized balls. Using a rolling pin, dust the dough balls with flour and roll each one out into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Cook each tortilla on the preheated skillet for about 30 seconds on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds until lightly golden. Repeat this process with all the tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit). On a clean working surface, place one tortilla and smear a layer of the tomato salsa over it. Add a generous spoonful of the chicken filling in the center, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese, and add a dash of taco seasoning. Carefully roll the tortilla to encase the filling and secure it with toothpicks to hold the shape.
Repeat this assembly process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Once all the Chicken Taquitos are assembled, place them on a baking tray and flash bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crisp and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Once your Chicken Taquitos are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve them hot, ideally alongside more of the fresh tomato salsa. For a complete meal, pair them with a side of Mexican Vegetarian Bean & Cheese Enchiladas as your main course, and conclude your culinary experience with a Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse for dessert, ensuring that your gathering is a memorable celebration of flavors that your family and friends will enjoy.
With its crispy exterior and savory chicken filling, this Chicken Taquitos recipe is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine, making it a wonderful choice for parties, family gatherings, or simply a fun dinner at home. Enjoy the process of making these delicious treats and savor every bite of your culinary creation!
