Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados Recipe

Easy Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy chicken and cheese taquitos dorados promise a delightful culinary adventure that reinvents ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Golden-brown rolls packed with savory flavors invite taste buds on a vibrant journey through Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of tender chicken and melted cheese, creating a satisfying crunch that tantalizes the senses.

The recipe combines simple techniques with bold ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Versatile and crowd-pleasing, these taquitos work beautifully as a hearty appetizer or a main course that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Light and crisp exterior contrasts with the rich, warm filling, ensuring a memorable eating experience for friends and family.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress everyone with this mouthwatering dish.

Why You’ll Keep Craving Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados

  • Burst with Flavor Combinations: Packed with savory chicken, bell peppers, and melted cheese, these taquitos deliver a mouthwatering blend of spices and fresh ingredients that dance on your taste buds.
  • Quick and Easy Cooking Method: Prepare the filling in under 15 minutes, roll quickly, and bake for a hassle-free meal that transforms simple ingredients into crispy, golden delights perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a protein-packed appetizer, game day snack, or light dinner with customizable toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream that cater to different preferences and occasions.
  • Healthier Baked Alternative: Skip deep-frying and opt for a lighter baking technique that creates crispy taquitos without excess oil, making this recipe a healthier twist on traditional fried versions.

Ingredients You Need for Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of the filling, choose boneless skinless chicken for easy preparation.
  • Cheese: Adds creamy texture and richness, sharp cheddar or Mexican blend work best.
Tortilla Wrapper:
  • Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas: Provide crispy exterior and support for filling, corn tortillas need warming for better flexibility.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Bell Peppers: Adds sweet vegetable flavor and color, use fresh and vibrant peppers.
  • Onions: Provides aromatic base and depth of flavor, white or yellow onions recommended.
  • Tomatoes: Adds moisture and light acidity to the filling.
  • Chicken Stock: Helps keep chicken moist and adds extra flavor depth.
  • Garlic: Brings intense savory undertone to the dish.
  • Chili Powder: Introduces mild heat and complexity.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and warmth.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps achieve golden crispy exterior.
  • Cooking Spray: Alternative to brushing oil on taquitos.

How to Make Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados at Home

Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Base

  • Heat oil in a medium pan
  • Sauté bell peppers over medium heat for 3 minutes
  • Add onions and cook for additional 3 minutes until translucent

Step 2: Cook Chicken Filling

Add chicken and tomatoes to the pan

Pour in chicken stock

Season with garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper

Cook while stirring constantly until juices evaporate and vegetables are fully cooked

Step 3: Cool and Combine Filling

Transfer mixture to a bowl

Allow filling to cool completely

Mix in cheese thoroughly

Set filling aside

Step 4: Prepare Tortillas

For corn tortillas: Heat between damp paper towels in microwave for 20-30 seconds

For flour tortillas: No heating required

Step 5: Assemble Taquitos

Place 2-3 tablespoons of chicken-cheese mixture in tortilla center

Roll tightly

Position seam side down on plate

Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Brush taquitos with oil on all sides

Lightly oil baking tray

Arrange taquitos in single layer

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

Bake for 10-15 minutes

Flip taquitos midway

Continue baking until golden and crispy

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate taquitos as appetizer or main course

Offer various salsas on side

Customize with preferred toppings

Tips for Crispy Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados Every Time

  • Master the Tortilla Warmup: Gently heat corn tortillas between damp paper towels to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
  • Achieve Perfect Filling Distribution: Use exactly two to three tablespoons of chicken mixture to prevent overstuffing and ensure even cooking.
  • Seal Taquitos Like a Pro: Roll tightly and place seam-side down to prevent unraveling during baking.
  • Crisp Up Evenly: Brush taquitos with oil on all sides and turn once during baking to get uniform golden-brown crunchiness.
  • Temperature Control Trick: Preheat oven to exactly 400°F for optimal browning without burning, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F, spread taquitos on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.

What Pairs Well with Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados

  • Spark Spicy Sangria Pairing: Complement the crispy taquitos with a chilled sangria featuring red wine, chopped oranges, and a dash of spicy jalapeño for a zesty kick that matches the dish's bold flavors.
  • Cool Creamy Dip Delight: Whip up a quick Mexican-style sour cream dip blended with fresh cilantro, lime zest, and a pinch of chili powder to balance the taquitos' crunchiness and add a tangy freshness.
  • Refresh with Citrus Salsa: Create a bright, zingy salsa using diced pineapple, red onions, fresh cilantro, and lime juice to cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken, providing a light and vibrant accompaniment.
  • Elevate with Mexican Street Corn: Serve grilled corn on the cob brushed with mayo, sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice as a perfect side that echoes the taquitos' authentic Mexican street food vibe.

Flavorful Variations of Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados to Try

  • Spicy Southwestern Upgrade: Boost heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and extra chili powder to the chicken mixture for a fiery flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, corn, and diced zucchini for a plant-based version that's equally delicious and nutritious.
  • Mediterranean-Style Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and diced olives into the filling for a unique Mediterranean-inspired taquito experience.
  • Breakfast Remix: Stuff taquitos with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and potatoes, creating a morning-friendly version perfect for weekend brunches.
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Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados Recipe

Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Dorados Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy Mexican chicken and cheese taquitos dorados deliver a flavor explosion from authentic street-style cooking. Golden corn tortillas wrap savory shredded chicken and melted cheese, creating a perfect handheld bite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups shredded chicken
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (Asadero, Oaxaca, or any Mexican blend)
  • 18 corn tortillas

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 small white onion (diced)
  • 1 large tomato (diced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 0.5 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (and more for baking)
  • Chili powder (to taste)
  • Garlic powder (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Sauté bell peppers in a medium pan over medium heat until they soften and become slightly tender.
  2. Incorporate onions into the pan and continue cooking until they turn translucent and release their aromatic flavors.
  3. Add shredded chicken and diced tomatoes, stirring to integrate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Pour chicken stock into the mixture and season with minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
  5. Simmer the filling, stirring continuously until liquid evaporates and vegetables reach a perfect tender consistency.
  6. Transfer the cooked mixture to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
  7. Fold shredded cheese into the cooled chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Warm corn tortillas between damp paper towels in the microwave to enhance flexibility.
  9. Place a precise portion of the chicken-cheese filling in the center of each tortilla.
  10. Roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is secure and the edges are neatly tucked.
  11. Position the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a preparation surface.
  12. Lightly coat the exterior of each taquito with a thin layer of cooking oil to promote even browning.
  13. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer on a generously oiled baking tray.
  14. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the taquitos, rotating once to achieve uniform golden crispness.
  15. Plate the taquitos and accompany with an array of vibrant salsas for an authentic Mexican appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Tortilla Tip: Warm corn tortillas briefly in the microwave to prevent cracking when rolling, ensuring smooth, tight taquitos every time.
  • Filling Prep: Cool the chicken mixture completely before adding cheese to prevent melting and maintain a perfect texture.
  • Sealing Trick: Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking tray to keep them closed during baking and achieve a crispy exterior.
  • Baking Hack: Brush taquitos with oil or cooking spray to promote even browning and create a golden, crunchy shell.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to elevate the flavor and add a creamy, tangy contrast.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare and assemble taquitos in advance, then refrigerate or freeze for a quick and convenient meal later.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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