Chicken Taquitos Recipe – A Classic Mexican Appetizer
Description:
This Chicken Taquitos Recipe brings together the spicy, succulent flavors of seasoned chicken, fresh tomato salsa, and gooey melted cheese, all rolled up in crispy corn tortillas. Baked to golden perfection in the oven, these mini corn tacos, known as taquitos, offer a delicious blend of textures—crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside. This dish makes for an irresistible appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Tomato Salsa:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4, finely chopped |
| Onions | 1/3 cup, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 1, finely chopped |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped |
| Tabasco Original – Hot Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/4 cup |
For the Corn Tortillas:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Makki Ka Atta (Yellow Corn Meal Flour) | 1 cup |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
For the Chicken Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken Breasts | 300 grams, cut into small strips |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, chopped |
| Taco Seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
Other Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Tomato Salsa
- Start by making the tomato salsa. In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, finely chopped onions, and green chillies.
- Add cumin powder (jeera), salt, sugar, and chopped coriander leaves (dhania).
- Pour in the Tabasco Original Hot Sauce and the homemade tomato puree.
- Stir everything together, and your fresh tomato salsa is ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Tortillas
- In a large bowl, mix the Makki Ka Atta (yellow corn meal flour) with the all-purpose flour (maida) and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add water, kneading the mixture until you form a dough that’s firm but pliable.
- Divide the dough into small balls (about 10-12, depending on your desired taquito size).
- Roll each dough ball into a thin disc, resembling a small tortilla.
- Heat a flat pan or griddle over medium heat and cook each tortilla until light golden spots appear on both sides. These should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Set the tortillas aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add the chicken strips and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and browned, around 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and mix well to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay each cooked tortilla flat and spoon a portion of the chicken mixture down the center.
- Add a generous tablespoon of the tomato salsa on top of the chicken and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly to form a taquito, making sure the ends are tucked in to secure the filling.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Taquitos
- Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the taquitos hot, with extra salsa or sour cream for dipping if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Serving Size: 2 Taquitos
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
Tips & Variations:
- Chicken Substitute: You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even a vegetarian filling using beans or vegetables for a different flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the salsa by adding more or less Tabasco sauce, or use a different type of hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is great for its meltiness, you can use a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the taquitos and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer for a quicker meal.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Taquitos – a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion!
