Chicken Enchilada Taquitos

There’s something magical about the aroma of Chicken Enchilada Taquitos filling the air as we gather in the kitchen. It takes me back to my childhood, where family meals were not just about the food but the laughter and stories shared around the table. I remember the first time I made these taquitos; I was eager to impress my friends for a casual get-together. As I rolled each tortilla with care, I could already envision the smiles on their faces when they took that first crispy bite. The combination of shredded chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese is simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives transforms these taquitos into a delightful treat.

Chicken Enchilada Taquitos Shopping List

When making Chicken Enchilada Taquitos, the ingredients you choose play a significant role in the overall taste and texture. Each component works together harmoniously to create a delightful experience. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken, which pairs beautifully with the rich enchilada sauce and the melty cheddar cheese. Whole wheat tortillas not only add a wholesome touch but also hold everything together perfectly.

• 3 pounds cooked chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, about 1 whole): Perfectly shredded, this is the main filling that brings protein to your taquitos.
• 8 ounces enchilada sauce: This adds a spicy kick and rich flavor that ties the dish together.
• 2 cups marble cheddar cheese: Creamy and delicious, it melts beautifully and adds a cheesy goodness.
• 10 medium whole wheat tortillas: A healthier alternative that gives a nice texture to the taquitos.
• Hot sauce: For those who like it spicy, this is the perfect addition to elevate the flavor.
• Sour cream: A cool and creamy topping that complements the heat of the taquitos.
• Chives: Fresh herbs add a touch of color and flavor, making your taquitos pop.
• Guacamole: This creamy delight is perfect for dipping and adds a nice texture contrast.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Enchilada Taquitos

Making Chicken Enchilada Taquitos is a delightful experience that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. Let’s dive into the steps! Each of these steps is designed to guide you through the process, ensuring your taquitos come out perfectly crispy and delicious.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, shred the cooked chicken breasts. You can also chop them into small pieces if you prefer. This will form the base of your filling, making it easy to roll into the tortillas.
3. Now, it’s time to bring flavor to your filling! Add the enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese into the bowl with the shredded chicken. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated. Look for the cheese to start melting slightly from the warmth of the chicken.
4. Take a whole wheat tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Top it with a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly across the tortilla. Tightly roll up the tortilla, making sure to secure the filling inside. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Once all the taquitos are in the dish, spray them lightly with more cooking spray. Alternatively, you could brush the tops with melted butter for added richness. This step will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
6. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. This is when the tortillas will turn a golden brown and become crispy.
7. If you want even crispier taquitos, you can place them under the broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Once they’re perfectly golden, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
9. Serve your delicious Chicken Enchilada Taquitos with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh chives. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun variations! You can easily adapt the basic recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian taquito.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a mixture of cheeses, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make these taquitos suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the taquitos up to the baking step, freeze them, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
• Different Sauces: Try using different sauces like buffalo or taco sauce if you can’t find enchilada sauce.

What Complements This Chicken Enchilada Taquitos

To elevate your dining experience, consider these complementary dishes and serving suggestions.

• Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the taquitos.
• Rice: Serve with a side of cilantro lime rice for a satisfying meal.
• Guacamole: A generous serving of guacamole adds creaminess and flavor that enhances the dish.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These taquitos are great for parties or potlucks, easily shared and enjoyed by all.
• Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To keep the taquitos crispy, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Enchilada Taquitos are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a favorite for both family dinners and casual gatherings. Their crispy exterior and flavorful filling will have everyone coming back for more. I encourage you to try making these taquitos for your next meal. They’re not only easy to prepare but also satisfyingly delicious, making them a great addition to any table.

Chicken Enchilada Taquitos

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Enchilada Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack, these taquitos are a crowd-pleaser that you won't want to miss!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 10 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds cooked chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, about 1 whole)
• 8 ounces enchilada sauce
• 2 cups marble cheddar cheese
• 10 medium whole wheat tortillas
• hot sauce
• sour cream
• chives
• guacamole

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
• In a medium-sized bowl, shred the cooked chicken breasts. You can also chop them into small pieces if you prefer. This will form the base of your filling, making it easy to roll into the tortillas.
• Now, it’s time to bring flavor to your filling! Add the enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese into the bowl with the shredded chicken. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated. Look for the cheese to start melting slightly from the warmth of the chicken.
• Take a whole wheat tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Top it with a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly across the tortilla. Tightly roll up the tortilla, making sure to secure the filling inside. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
• Once all the taquitos are in the dish, spray them lightly with more cooking spray. Alternatively, you could brush the tops with melted butter for added richness. This step will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. This is when the tortillas will turn a golden brown and become crispy.
• If you want even crispier taquitos, you can place them under the broiler for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
• Once they’re perfectly golden, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
• Serve your delicious Chicken Enchilada Taquitos with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh chives. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Notes

• Tip 1: For making ahead meals, you could prepare these as noted in the instructions up to and including step 4, cover the baking dish and freeze until ready for baking. Thaw out before baking.
• Tip 2: If you can’t find pre-made enchilada sauce, taco sauce or buffalo sauce would be a great substitute.
• Tip 3: Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.

Keyword Chicken Taquitos, Easy Chicken Recipes, Enchilada Taquitos Recipe, Mexican Appetizers

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.