If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine, you’ve likely heard of Chicos Tacos Recipe. This iconic dish, originating from El Paso, Texas, is beloved for its crispy rolled tacos submerged in a savory tomato-based sauce, topped generously with shredded cheese.
Perfect for family dinners or a hearty snack, this recipe captures the authentic flavors of Chicos Tacos in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned chef, this step-by-step guide ensures you can recreate this delightful dish with ease.
Read on to discover how to make the perfect Chicos Tacos recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
My Personal Experience
The first time I tried Chicos Tacos was during a road trip through Texas, and it was love at first bite. The combination of crunchy tacos and the rich, tangy sauce was unforgettable.
Recreating this dish at home brought back fond memories and allowed me to add my personal twist to the recipe.
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Baking dish
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients List
- For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded beef, chicken, or pork
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Diced jalapeños (optional)

Chicos Tacos Recipe – Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1:
To prepare the sauce, blend the tomatoes, garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan, add the broth, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2:
For the tacos, slightly heat the corn tortillas to make them pliable. Place shredded meat in each tortilla, roll them tightly, and secure each with a toothpick.
Heat oil in a skillet and fry the rolled tacos until they’re golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3:
Next, assemble the dish by placing the fried tacos in a baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the tacos, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
Top the dish with shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4:
Finally, garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro and diced jalapeños if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the perfect combination of textures.
Variations
- Substitute shredded beef with seasoned ground beef for a quicker option.
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture.
- Add refried beans to the filling for extra flavor.
- Swap cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic taste.
- Make it vegetarian by using seasoned jackfruit or a black bean filling.
Conclusion
Making Chicos Tacos at home is a rewarding experience that brings the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy a taste of El Paso anytime you want. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the magic of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes, Chicos Tacos can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free corn tortillas and ensuring that all other ingredients, such as broth and spices, are gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the fried tacos and sauce separate. Store the tacos in an airtight container and the sauce in another.
Reheat the tacos in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness, and warm the sauce on the stovetop before combining them.
Can I prepare Chicos Tacos in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Fry the tacos and make the sauce ahead of time.
Store them separately and assemble the dish just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making it from scratch?
While homemade sauce provides an authentic flavor, you can use store-bought tomato-based enchilada sauce as a time-saving alternative.
Add some spices like cumin and chili powder to enhance the flavor.

Chicos Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Baking dish
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups cooked and shredded beef chicken, or pork
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro optional
- Diced jalapeños optional
Instructions
- To prepare the sauce, blend the tomatoes, garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan, add the broth, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the tacos, slightly heat the corn tortillas to make them pliable. Place shredded meat in each tortilla, roll them tightly, and secure each with a toothpick. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the rolled tacos until they’re golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Next, assemble the dish by placing the fried tacos in a baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the tacos, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Top the dish with shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Finally, garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro and diced jalapeños if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the perfect combination of textures.
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