Crispy, golden perfection—just like the ones we fell in love with at our favorite food truck. One bite, and we’re back in Florida.

Food is more than sustenance; it's a warm embrace, a comforting memory, and a shared experience that nourishes the soul.

Florida was a haven for food lovers, especially when it came to tacos. Everywhere you turned, there was a taqueria with sizzling meats, fresh tortillas, and flavors that transported you straight to the streets of Mexico. But for me, nothing compared to the taquitos from a small food truck tucked away in the corner of a bustling parking lot.

Every month, like clockwork, my spouse and I would find ourselves at that food truck, eager for the crispy, golden perfection that awaited us. The taquitos were simple but exquisite—crispy corn tortillas wrapped tightly around tender, flavorful fillings, served with a tangy avocado-lime sauce that balanced every bite. We’d sit on the curb, sharing stories and savoring every crunchy, savory bite under the glow of string lights. It became more than just a meal; it was our little ritual, a moment of pure, simple joy.

Now, living far from that beloved food truck, I found myself missing those nights and those taquitos more than ever. So, I took to my kitchen, determined to recreate them. After a few attempts, I found a version that brought me right back—slow-roasted chicken, creamy refried black beans, and a bright, zesty dipping sauce to tie it all together.

As I plated them up, I called my spouse to the kitchen. One bite, and we exchanged a knowing smile. It wasn’t just the taste—it was the memory, the tradition, the love woven into every crisp bite.

Chicken Taquitos with Avocado-Lime Dipping Sauce

Yields: 12 Taquitos Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Taquitos:

2 cups shredded slow-roasted chicken
1 cup refried black beans
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
1/2 medium chopped onion
salt and papper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Oil for frying

For the Avocado-Lime Sauce:

1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

Sauté onions in medium sauce pan
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, sautéed onions, refried black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cheese (if using). Stir until well combined.

Prepare the Taquitos:

Heat the corn tortillas on a dry skillet for about 10 seconds per side to make them pliable.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the taquitos seam-side down first, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp (about 2-3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce:

Blend all sauce ingredients together until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if necessary.

Serve the taquitos hot with the avocado-lime dipping sauce on the side.

Taquitos, Togetherness, and a Taste of Home