Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos! Whether you’re planning a Super Bowl party, a casual get-together with friends, or simply looking for a fun weeknight meal, these crispy rolled tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and the vibrant, zesty kick of Cowboy Caviar, this appetizer delivers a unique flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for more. Forget complicated recipes; these flavorful taquitos offer a simple yet spectacular way to impress your guests and satisfy cravings.
These taquitos transcend the ordinary game day snack; they’re a true celebration of bold, Tex-Mex inspired flavors created with surprisingly simple ingredients. The star ingredient, Cowboy Caviar, features a delightful blend of beans, corn, peppers, and onions, offering a distinctive twist on a classic party favorite. Not only are they perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or any casual gathering, but they are also incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets. Their satisfying crunch and burst of fresh flavor make them an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Crispy Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos: Your Ultimate Party Appetizer
These Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos are designed to be an absolute crowd-pleaser, marrying comfort food with vibrant, exciting flavors. The secret to their incredible taste lies in the harmonious combination of creamy cream cheese, savory shredded chicken, and the dynamic, fresh notes of Cowboy Caviar. This trio creates a filling that’s both rich and refreshing, encased in a perfectly crispy tortilla shell. The best part? They are remarkably simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for home cooks looking to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, their versatility means you can easily customize them to suit your unique taste preferences or dietary needs.
If you find yourself falling in love with these delightful taquitos, you might also enjoy exploring other Tex-Mex inspired recipes such as Five Bean & Cheese Enchiladas, a creamy and flavorful Avocado Chicken Salad Dip, or the ever-popular Double Decker Baked Tacos! These options provide fantastic variations for your next meal or party spread.
This post is proudly sponsored by Paisley Farm. All opinions expressed, and my deep appreciation for their high-quality products, are entirely my own.
Unveiling Cowboy Caviar: A Southwestern Delight
For those new to this culinary gem, Cowboy Caviar is a cherished Southwestern relish that has become a vibrant staple in Texas cuisine and beyond. It’s renowned for its fresh, bright, and slightly zesty flavor profile that adds an incredible dimension to any dish. Paisley Farm Foods makes enjoying this delicious condiment incredibly convenient, offering it in generously sized 24-ounce jars. Their version features a superb blend of wholesome ingredients including whole kernel corn, hearty pinto beans, robust black beans, crisp onions, and vibrant red peppers, all steeped in a tangy vinaigrette.
While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction between Cowboy Caviar and its cousin, Texas Caviar. Typically, Cowboy Caviar prominently features a variety of beans alongside the corn and peppers, all bound together by that distinctive zesty vinaigrette dressing. Texas Caviar, on the other hand, tends to place a stronger emphasis on corn and peppers. Regardless of the name, rest assured there’s no actual “caviar” involved in this dish—just a wholesome, flavorful, and hearty mix that proves incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic as a standalone dip with tortilla chips, a lively addition to salads, a flavorful side dish, or, as demonstrated here, the secret ingredient that elevates these spectacular chicken taquitos.
Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos
Crafting these delectable taquitos requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building their incredible flavor and texture. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with helpful substitution suggestions to tailor the recipe to your preferences. For a comprehensive list of quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Veggie Cream Cheese: This adds a delightful creaminess and a subtle savory depth to the filling. If you prefer, regular cream cheese works perfectly, or you can opt for a dairy-free alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
- Sour Cream: Contributes a tangy note and helps create a smooth, rich consistency for the filling. For a lighter touch or added protein, Greek yogurt makes an excellent replacement.
- Cumin: This warm, earthy spice is essential for imparting that classic Southwestern flavor, adding depth and complexity to the chicken mixture.
- Cooked Chicken: The cornerstone of our filling! Efficiency is key here—utilize readily available rotisserie chicken for ease, prepare grilled chicken ahead of time, or simply use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Shredding it finely ensures it blends beautifully with the other ingredients. You can also substitute cooked turkey for a different protein option.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, savory element that binds the filling together beautifully. For an adventurous kick, consider using pepper jack cheese. Dairy-free cheese alternatives are also a viable option.
- Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar: This is truly the star ingredient, transforming the taquitos with its unique texture, vibrant color, and bold, zesty flavor. Its blend of beans, corn, and peppers is irreplaceable for this specific recipe.
- Corn Tortillas: The vessel for our delicious filling! Corn tortillas are traditionally used for taquitos, providing that authentic flavor and crispy texture when baked or fried. Look for gluten-free certified options if required.
- Fresh Cilantro: An optional but highly recommended addition. Fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish with its distinctive, aromatic flavor, adding a touch of freshness that complements the other ingredients.
- Optional Toppings: Enhance your taquito experience with a variety of toppings! Consider diced avocado for creaminess, fresh diced tomatoes for a burst of acidity, extra sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an added kick.
Crafting Your Taquitos: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these flavorful Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos is an incredibly straightforward process, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring this crowd-pleasing appetizer to life.
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). A hot oven is crucial for achieving that desired crispy exterior without overcooking the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the veggie cream cheese, sour cream, and cumin. Beat these ingredients together by hand (or with an electric mixer on low speed) until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated. Next, gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, carefully fold in the Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar and season the entire mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re using fresh cilantro, stir it in now for an added burst of freshness.
To ensure your corn tortillas are pliable and easy to roll without cracking, warm each one individually. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each corn tortilla for approximately 15 seconds per side, or until it becomes soft and flexible. You can also achieve this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30-60 seconds.
Once the tortillas are ready, divide the taquito filling evenly among them. Place a line of the filling from edge to edge down the center of each tortilla. Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is snugly encased. The tighter you roll, the better the taquito will hold its shape during baking.
Lightly brush the outsides of the rolled tortillas with olive oil. This step is key to achieving that desirable golden-brown and extra crispy exterior. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, which allows for even baking.
Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, baking until their outsides are wonderfully crunchy and have developed a beautiful light golden-brown hue. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Once baked to perfection, serve your crispy chicken and cowboy caviar taquitos immediately, garnished with your favorite optional toppings. Enjoy the warm, savory, and zesty flavors that make these taquitos an unforgettable treat!
While baking offers a healthier option, you can also achieve an extra crispy texture by frying or air frying them. Regardless of your cooking method, these taquitos promise to be utterly delicious! For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To maintain their delicious crispiness, reheat them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.
Loved This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If these Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos have captured your heart (and your taste buds!), don’t let this fantastic recipe get lost in the digital shuffle! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. This way, you’ll always have it handy for your next party, game day, or any time a craving for crispy, flavorful taquitos strikes!
Discover the Quality of Paisley Farm Foods
Since its inception in 1945, Paisley Farm has been steadfastly committed to bringing the freshest, most flavorful vegetable and bean products directly from the farm to American tables. Founded by the visionary J.W. Paisley, the company’s core philosophy revolves around creating convenient, high-quality foods using only the freshest ingredients and the most exciting flavor combinations available. This dedication to authentic taste and superior quality has been a hallmark of Paisley Farm for four generations. They continue to offer an impressive array of products that effortlessly transform everyday appetizers, side dishes, and dips into vibrant, delicious offerings. Just as they did decades ago, Paisley Farm products consistently evoke that satisfying “Mmm” response from today’s families, making mealtime both easy and enjoyable.
Explore More Delicious Paisley Farm Products
Paisley Farm boasts an impressive selection of delicious “straight from the jar” products that are perfect for both quick meals and elaborate recipes. Beyond their renowned Cowboy Caviar, I’ve had the pleasure of featuring countless recipes utilizing their versatile Five Bean Salad and both their unique Hot Brussels Sprouts and refreshing Dilled Brussels Sprouts. Their product line also includes classic favorites like Sweet Pickled Beets and exciting new additions such as the Balsamic Beet & Onion Salad. Whether you’re in search of a quick and easy side dish that simply requires opening a jar, or you’re aiming to infuse some serious flavor into one of your culinary creations, Paisley Farm offers exceptional options that are truly worth exploring!
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
Don’t hesitate to unleash your culinary creativity with this taquito recipe! It’s wonderfully adaptable, allowing for numerous substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and ingredients you might have on hand. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:
- Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken, consider using savory pulled pork or rich shredded beef for a different flavor dimension. For a vegetarian option, a blend of mashed black beans and seasoned corn can create a hearty and delicious filling.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with various types of cheese! Beyond cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend would work beautifully. For those with dairy sensitivities, readily available dairy-free alternatives will still provide that satisfying melt.
- Spice it Up: Elevate the flavor profile with additional spices. A pinch of chili powder can add a smoky depth, while a dash of smoked paprika will enhance the Southwestern essence. A touch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño can introduce a welcome heat.
- Tortilla Alternatives: While corn tortillas offer a classic crispy texture, if you prefer a softer, chewier taquito, swap them out for flour tortillas. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly.
- Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Air Fryer Method: For an effortlessly crispy result, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taquitos in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap, and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
- Deep Frying: For the ultimate crispy experience, heat about 1-1.5 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the taquitos in small batches for a few seconds on each side, turning frequently to prevent burning, until uniformly golden and crunchy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taquitos
Got questions about making, storing, or serving these delightful taquitos? Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:
- Can I prepare these taquitos in advance? Absolutely! These taquitos are excellent for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble and roll them, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- How long do cooked taquitos stay fresh? Once baked, these taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For optimal texture and flavor, it’s best to enjoy them within this timeframe.
- Can I freeze taquitos? Yes, taquitos freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking.
- To freeze unbaked taquitos: Arrange the rolled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- To freeze baked taquitos: Allow the cooked taquitos to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Taquitos Every Time
Achieving the perfect batch of crispy, flavorful taquitos is easy with these simple tips and tricks:
- Always Warm Your Tortillas: This is arguably the most crucial step! Warming corn tortillas, either in a dry skillet or briefly in the microwave, makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking and breaking when you roll them. Cold, dry corn tortillas will almost certainly split.
- Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to load up on the delicious filling, overfilling your tortillas can lead to them bursting open during baking or frying. Aim for a moderate, even line of filling down the center.
- Brush with Oil for Maximum Crispiness: Lightly brushing the outside of the rolled taquitos with olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) before baking is key. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and satisfyingly crispy texture that everyone loves.
- Serve Immediately: For the absolute best texture, especially the crispiness, serve your taquitos hot out of the oven or air fryer. As they cool, the tortillas can start to soften.
- Experiment with Rolling: Practice makes perfect! Aim for a tight, uniform roll. You can secure them with a toothpick if needed, though often placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet is enough to keep them together.
More Delicious Recipes to Love with Paisley Farm
Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar is a versatile ingredient that elevates many dishes beyond just these taquitos! Check out these other yummy recipes that creatively use their Cowboy Caviar: a comforting Crock Pot White Chicken Chili with Cowboy Caviar, a vibrant Mexican Street Corn Salad, and a fresh Southwest Cobb Salad.
Don’t stop there! I’ve also shared some of my personal favorite recipes that skillfully incorporate other fantastic Paisley Farm products. Be sure to try my creamy Dilled Brussels Sprouts Dip, the crispy Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts, a refreshing Mexican Four Bean Salad, the incredibly popular Hot Taco Five Bean Dip (pictured above, a true crowd-pleaser!), and my comforting Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes Au Gratin. Each recipe showcases the convenience and quality that Paisley Farm brings to your kitchen.
You can easily find Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar and other delicious products on their website, as well as at major retailers like Meijer and Publix stores.
For even more inspiring recipes, product information, and store locations, be sure to visit the official Paisley Farm Foods website. Stay connected and discover delicious recipes year-round by following Paisley Farm on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
These Chicken and Cowboy Caviar Taquitos are more than just a recipe; they are your ticket to a flavor-packed, undeniably crowd-pleasing appetizer experience. Easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free (with corn tortillas), and bursting with delicious Tex-Mex flavors, they are truly perfect for any game day celebration, lively party, or even a fun and easy family meal. Get ready to impress your guests and delight your family with this simple yet spectacular dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Print Recipe
Baked Chicken & Cowboy Caviar Taquitos
Packed with flavor and super easy to make, these crispy rolled tacos combine tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of Cowboy Caviar for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Course: Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine: American/ Mexican
Keyword: chicken, cowboy caviar, Paisley Farm, Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar, rolled tacos, taquitos
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 333 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
- 4 ounces veggie cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup Paisley Farm Cowboy Caviar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 corn tortillas
- fresh cilantro to taste (optional)
- Avocado, diced tomatoes, sour cream, hot sauce – optional toppings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and cumin together by hand until smooth. Mix in shredded chicken and then the shredded cheese. Fold in Texas Caviar and salt and pepper to taste. Add in fresh cilantro if desired.
- Warm each corn tortilla in a skillet for about 15 seconds on each side to make them more pliable and easy to work with.
- Divide the filling evenly between the corn tortillas, placing it in a line from edge to edge, and roll up.
- Brush the outsides of the tortillas lightly with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the outside of the taquitos are crunchy and start to brown lightly.
- Serve garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
To fry the taquitos instead of baking them, add about 1-1.5 inches of oil to a large skillet and heat it on medium-high. When the oil is hot, fry the taquitos in small batches for a few seconds on each side, turning so they don’t burn. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra grease before serving.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
To Store and Reheat these taquitos: Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 531IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 1mg