Chicken Taco Taquitos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your weeknight dinner, look no further than these Chicken Taco Taquitos. Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, these taquitos are sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, zesty taco seasoning, and gooey cheese all rolled up in flour tortillas, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and you have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

What makes Chicken Taco Taquitos such a great recipe? First, it’s all about the flavors. The combination of tender chicken, savory taco seasoning, and a hint of cilantro creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Secondly, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish alongside a fresh salad. Lastly, they’re easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

What to Buy

To make these Chicken Taco Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• ½ cup refried beans
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 12 6-inch flour tortillas (Old El Paso or your favorite brand)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Gear Checklist

Before you dive into cooking, ensure you have these essentials on hand:

• Large skillet for cooking the chicken
• Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• Brush for buttering the tortillas
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
• Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)

Stepwise Method: Chicken Taco Taquitos

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, corn kernels, refried beans, salsa, cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos

Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one side. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling from spilling out. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Butter

Once all the taquitos are rolled, brush them lightly with melted butter. This will give them that beautiful golden color and crispy texture when baked.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these Chicken Taco Taquitos with your favorite sauces, such as guacamole, sour cream, or more salsa!

Quick Replacement Ideas

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to make some substitutions, consider these alternatives:

• Use ground chicken or turkey instead of diced chicken breasts.
• Swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with black beans or lentils.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version.

Pro Perspective

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in taco seasoning and a splash of lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a deeper crunch, try frying the taquitos in oil instead of baking them.
• Feel free to customize the fillings. Add diced bell peppers, onions, or even jalapeños for added spice.
• These taquitos can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To keep your Chicken Taco Taquitos fresh, consider the following tips:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze taquitos before baking. Seal them well in a freezer bag.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than using the microwave.
• Serve with fresh toppings like diced avocado, sliced radishes, or extra cilantro to brighten the dish.

Quick Q&A

Can I make Chicken Taco Taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

What dipping sauces go well with taquitos?

Taquitos pair perfectly with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or a zesty lime crema. Choose your favorite or mix and match!

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of beans for a vegetarian option.

How do I ensure my taquitos stay crispy?

Make sure to brush the taquitos with melted butter before baking and avoid overcrowding them on the baking sheet to ensure proper air circulation.

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Ready to Cook?

Now that you have the recipe for Chicken Taco Taquitos, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This dish promises to bring joy to your table, whether for a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. With each crispy bite, you’ll be reminded of the vibrant flavors of taco night, making it a meal worth repeating. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with loved ones!