Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's also quick to prepare? Look no further! These easy chicken taquitos are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering. This recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown taquitos filled with tender chicken and a vibrant mix of spices, all without sacrificing flavor or ease of preparation. It's a delicious dish perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray
- Your favorite toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chicken breasts: You can boil, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through. Shred the chicken once it's cooled slightly. For a quicker method, try using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors have melded.
Step 2: Assembling the Taquitos
- Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold the tortillas in half to form a half-moon shape, tucking in the sides to prevent filling from spilling out.
Step 3: Baking the Taquitos
- Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Arrange the taquitos seam-down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through for even browning.
Step 4: Serving Your Delicious Taquitos
Serve your warm, crispy chicken taquitos immediately with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce are all excellent choices.
Tips for the Best Chicken Taquitos:
- For extra crispy taquitos, you can lightly brush them with olive oil before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier taquito, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Variations:
- Beef Taquitos: Substitute the chicken with cooked and shredded beef.
- Vegetarian Taquitos: Use black beans, corn, and your favorite veggies instead of meat. Add a sprinkle of your favorite Mexican cheese blend.
- Spicy Taquitos: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per taquito, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Enjoy your homemade chicken taquitos! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or a fun family meal. Let us know in the comments how yours turn out!