Chico’s Tacos recipe is a delightful treat for those who enjoy the mouthwatering combination of beef, tomatoes, cheese, and jalapenos in a classic Tex-Mex dish.
The Chico’s Tacos recipe begins with making savory beef flautas, followed by preparing a rich tomato broth and tangy green salsa to complement the dish.
Delight in the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that can only come from creating such a delicious dish for yourself and your loved ones to enjoy.
How to Make Chicos Tacos
Ingredients List
- 1 lb frozen beef taquitos
- 1 large can of whole tomatoes
- 1 large bag of shredded cheese
- 2 cubes of tomato base bouillon
- 2 cubes chicken bouillon
- 1 cup of water
- 4-5 fresh jalapenos, stems removed (keep the seeds for more spice)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- Corn tortillas (for homemade taquitos)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (for homemade taquitos)
- Corn masa (for homemade taquitos)
- Oil for frying
Step-by-step Process
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Combine whole tomatoes, jalapenos, garlic cloves, tomato base bouillon, chicken bouillon, and water in a large pot.
Bring to a boil and allow it to simmer for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Make the beef taquitos (optional)
If you prefer making your own taquitos, prepare the corn tortillas by mixing corn masa with water to form a dough.
Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles.
Cook the lean ground beef in a pan until it’s fully browned.
Place a spoonful of cooked beef onto each corn tortilla, then roll the tortilla tightly to form a taquito.
Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Step 3: Fry the taquitos
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or set to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the frozen or homemade beef taquitos in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble Chico’s Tacos
Place the crispy taquitos in a serving dish.
Pour the warm tomato jalapeno sauce over the taquitos, ensuring they are well-covered.
Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
The heat from the taquitos and sauce will cause the cheese to melt slightly, creating a deliciously gooey texture.
Step 5: Serve
Your Chico’s Tacos are now ready to enjoy!
Serve them with a side of green jalapeno sauce for added spice if desired.
Remember, this classic Mexican dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Side Dishes for Chicos Tacos
When enjoying delicious Chico’s Tacos, having some equally tasty side dishes is essential to elevate your meal.
Here are four options to consider that complement the flavors of Chicos Tacos and satisfy your palate.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a classic side dish to serve with Mexican meat tacos.
They’re made by mashing cooked pinto beans and then frying them with onion, garlic powder, and sometimes a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Pair these with your Chicos Tacos for a delightful and hearty dining experience.
Sour Cream and Salsa
Sour cream brings a cool, creamy touch to the table that contrasts nicely with the heat of Chicos Tacos.
Add a dollop on top of your tacos, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Salsa, whether it’s classic tomato-based or a zesty tomatillo variety, adds freshness and tanginess when combined with the savory tacos.
Mix 4-5 tablespoons of lime juice to give it a citrusy zing.
Tomato and Avocado Salad
This light and refreshing side dish is perfect for balancing the deep-fried goodness of Chicos Tacos.
Combine tomatoes with cubes of avocado, drizzle with lime juice, season it with salt and pepper, and sprinkle some mild cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
With these flavorful side dishes, you’ll elevate your Chicos Tacos dining experience, making it a meal you and your loved ones will enjoy.
Ingredient Substitutes
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
You can replace a cup of water with chicken or vegetable broth to add more flavor to your dish.
This can create a richer and more flavorful sauce for your Chicos Tacos.
Tomato Base Bouillon Substitute
If you can’t find tomato base bouillon, you can substitute tomato paste with vegetable or chicken broth.
This will provide a similar flavor profile and help create the base for your Chicos Tacos sauce.
How to Store Chicos Tacos
When it comes to storing Chicos Tacos, proper preservation methods will ensure they maintain their flavor and texture.
Below are some storage techniques to guide you.
Storing Chicos Tacos in Airtight Containers
Using airtight containers is a great way of storing Chicos Tacos.
These containers prevent air exposure, keeping them fresh for an extended period.
To store them effectively, let the tacos cool before placing them gently in the container.
Make sure to separate each taco using parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
Freezer-safe Container Storage
If you wish to store Chicos Tacos for a longer period, opt for a freezer-safe container.
These containers are designed to withstand low temperatures, protecting the food from freezer burn.
After cooling the tacos, place them inside the freezer-safe container, separating each with parchment paper.
Close the container securely and label it with the date before placing it into the freezer.
Following these storage methods will help preserve Chicos Tacos and maintain their delicious flavor for you to enjoy later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Chico’s Tacos.
Over-frying the beef taquitos
When deep frying beef taquitos, be careful not to overcook them.
Aim for a nice golden brown, which should take 2-3 minutes.
Overcooked taquitos become too hard and lose their flavor.
Not blending ingredients properly.
When preparing your homemade taco recipe, liquefy ingredients like tomatoes, tomatillos, and chili peppers in a blender for a smooth consistency.
This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the sauce.
Storing the sauce incorrectly
After you have prepared your Chico’s Tacos sauce, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before using it.
This helps the flavors meld together and results in a richer taste.
If storing for a longer period, you might consider using freezer-safe containers and freezing the sauce in cubes for easy portioning later on.
