1 serving Chicken Taquitos has 390 calories. If you're looking for a delicious Mexican dish that's easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, then chicken taquitos are the perfect choice. These crispy tortilla rolls are filled with savory shredded chicken, spices, and cheese, making them the ultimate comfort food.
Not only do chicken taquitos taste great, but they're also relatively healthy. A serving of chicken taquitos contains a good amount of protein and fiber, as well as several vitamins and minerals. Plus, they're low in cholesterol and fat, making them a great option for anyone looking to eat well and stay healthy.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make delicious chicken taquitos at home, from the ingredients you'll need to the best ways to serve and enjoy them.
Introduction to Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are a classic Mexican dish that has gained popularity around the world for their delicious taste and portability. And while they may look and sound complicated, they're actually quite easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills. If you're looking for a quick, delicious meal that's sure to satisfy, give chicken taquitos a try. In Mexico, taquitos are often served as an appetizer or snack, but they're also a great choice for a main course. They can be enjoyed on their own, dipped in salsa or guacamole, or served with rice and beans for a more filling meal. Whether you're eating them at home or on the go, chicken taquitos are a versatile and satisfying dish that everyone is sure to love.
Ingredients of Chicken Taquitos
To make chicken taquitos, you'll need a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. The main components of this recipe are shredded chicken, tortillas, cheese, and spices. Here's a complete list of what you'll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to cook Chicken Taquitos?
Cooking chicken taquitos is easy and fun. Here's a simple recipe you can follow to make delicious chicken taquitos in no time:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them more pliable.
- Place a tablespoon of the chicken mixture on one end of each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the rolled taquitos in the oil seam-side down and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Using tongs, flip the taquitos over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Remove the taquitos from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings.
Nutrition Facts of Chicken Taquitos
Here are the nutrition facts for a serving of chicken taquitos:
- calories: 390
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 17g
Health benefits of Chicken Taquitos
While chicken taquitos aren't exactly a health food, they do offer some nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation. Here are a few of the health benefits of chicken taquitos:
- Good source of protein: Chicken taquitos are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles and tissues.
- Good source of fiber: The tortillas used to make chicken taquitos are often made from corn, which is a good source of fiber.
- Low in cholesterol: Chicken taquitos are relatively low in cholesterol, making them a good option for people who are watching their blood cholesterol levels.
- Contain several vitamins and minerals: Chicken taquitos contain several important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Serving suggestions for Chicken Taquitos
Chicken taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions for chicken taquitos:
- As an appetizer: Chicken taquitos make a great appetizer, especially when served with salsa or guacamole.
- As a main course: You can also serve chicken taquitos as a main course, either on their own or with rice and beans.
- With toppings: Top your chicken taquitos with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, or sour cream.
- In a salad: You can also chop up chicken taquitos and use them as a topping for a taco salad.
Comparison with other Mexican dishes
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, there are plenty of other delicious dishes to choose from. Here's how chicken taquitos stack up against some other popular Mexican foods:
- Tacos: Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine and come in a variety of styles and flavors. While both tacos and taquitos are made with tortillas, tacos are usually larger and filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, beans, cheese, and vegetables.
- Burritos: Burritos are another popular Mexican dish that are similar to tacos and taquitos but are wrapped in a larger tortilla and filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and other ingredients.
- Enchiladas: Enchiladas are tortillas that are filled with meat or cheese, rolled up, and smothered in sauce. While enchiladas are similar to taquitos, they're often served in a casserole-style dish and are much larger.
Variations of Chicken Taquitos
While chicken taquitos are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas for variations on chicken taquitos:
- Vegetarian: If you're vegetarian, you can easily make these taquitos using black beans, corn, and cheese instead of chicken.
- Buffalo chicken: For a spicy twist on this recipe, try using buffalo sauce and blue cheese in place of the chili powder and cheese.
- Baked: If you're looking for a healthier alternative to fried taquitos, you can also bake them in the oven. Simply brush them with a little oil and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
Frequently asked questions about Chicken Taquitos
Q: How long do chicken taquitos stay fresh? A: Chicken taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply heat them in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze chicken taquitos?
Conclusion on Chicken Taquitos
Overall, chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that's perfect for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal. Whether you're eating them as an appetizer or a main course, chicken taquitos are sure to please. And with the many variations and serving options available, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. So why not give chicken taquitos a try today and see just how delicious they can be?
There's nothing like a nice crispy chicken taquito to satisfy your hunger and lift your spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Taquitos
1. How many calories are in a serving of chicken taquitos?
A serving of chicken taquitos contains 390 calories.
2. Are chicken taquitos healthy?
Chicken taquitos can be part of a healthy diet if eaten in moderation, and served with healthy accompaniments such as avocado or a side of vegetables. However, they are typically high in calories, sodium, and fat due to the frying and cheese toppings.
3. How are chicken taquitos made?
Chicken taquitos are made by rolling shredded chicken and cheese in a corn tortilla, then frying until crispy. They are commonly served with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or other dips.
4. Can chicken taquitos be frozen?
Yes, chicken taquitos can be frozen after they are cooked. To reheat, they can be baked in the oven or heated in the microwave.
5. What are some healthier options for topping chicken taquitos?
Some healthier options for topping chicken taquitos include salsa, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro or other herbs, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce. Guacamole or avocado can also be a healthier option in moderation, as they are high in healthy fats.