Name: Green Chile Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 whole roasted poblano peppers, chopped; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; salt and black pepper; 1 jar salsa verde (6 ounces); 0.5 cup fresh chopped cilantro; 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 16-20 whole corn tortillas, warmed; olive oil (for rubbing); 1 cup fresh corn kernels; avocado, limes, yogurt (for serving)

Introduction to Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that fits into your busy schedule? Look no further than green chile chicken taquitos! These crispy bundles of flavor are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a lifesaver for busy professionals.

Why are green chile chicken taquitos a game changer for busy professionals?
With their appealing combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the perfect kick from roasted poblanos, these taquitos are a breeze to prepare. You can whip them up in no time, making them a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or even meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, they reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them for lunch or a quick snack later.

Using ingredients like shredded chicken, cream cheese, and your choice of toppings, you can customize each taquito to suit your cravings. And let’s not forget about the convenience factor—these tasty bites can be made in batches, ready to go whenever hunger strikes! For a complete guide to the recipe, check out this cooking essentials page for tips on sourcing ingredients.

Whether enjoyed solo or shared with friends, green chile chicken taquitos are sure to impress and simplify your culinary routine. So, let’s dive into bringing these delightful taquitos into your kitchen!

Ingredients for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Ready to whip up some scrumptious green chile chicken taquitos? Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish a reality. Gather these ingredients for a delightful cooking experience!

1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use leftovers or store-bought options for convenience.
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: This adds a creamy richness that blends beautifully with the spices.
2 roasted poblano peppers, chopped: These bring a smoky flavor and just the right amount of heat.
1 teaspoon onion powder: A great flavor booster!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For aromatic goodness.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Amp up the zestiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Don’t forget the salsa verde, fresh cilantro, shredded Mexican cheese blend, and warming corn tortillas! Drizzle some olive oil for that perfect bake, and feel free to serve with avocado, lime, or yogurt to elevate your taquitos even further. Ready to dive into the cooking process? Let’s go!

Preparing Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Making green chile chicken taquitos at home is a delightful and rewarding experience. With a few simple steps, you can create a crunchy, flavorful snack or meal in no time. Let’s dive into the preparation process!

Preheat the Oven

The very first step in creating your delicious taquitos is to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your taquitos will have that golden-brown, crispy exterior that everyone craves. While the oven warms up, you can focus on whipping up the filling.

Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of cooked shredded chicken, 2 ounces of cream cheese (make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing), and your chopped roasted poblano peppers. Add in 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder for a burst of flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, stir in 1 jar of salsa verde and ½ cup of fresh chopped cilantro to give your filling that authentic zing. This mix of ingredients is where the magic of your green chile chicken taquitos truly begins!

Warm and Prepare the Tortillas

Next, it's time to work with your corn tortillas. Microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until they’re pliable. This step is crucial to prevent tearing while rolling. Once warmed, lightly rub the tortillas with some olive oil on a baking sheet. This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that desired crispy texture during baking.

Fill and Roll the Taquitos

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling down the center of each tortilla. Gently roll them up tightly, keeping the seam side down on the baking sheet. This technique keeps your filling inside and ensures a compact, crunchy taquito. You can fit 10 to 12 of these beauties on the sheet depending on their size.

Bake Until Crispy

Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake the taquitos for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. The wafting aroma of the chicken and spices will have your taste buds tingling with anticipation.

Add Cheese and Corn for Extra Flavor

For an extra layer of taste, scatter 1 ½ cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend and 1 cup of fresh corn kernels over the baked taquitos. Pop them back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

With these steps, you're just a little while away from savoring your homemade green chile chicken taquitos. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime, or yogurt for a fresh flair. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations on Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Taquitos with Different Proteins

While green chile chicken taquitos are a classic, you can easily switch things up by using different proteins. Consider using shredded beef for a heartier flavor or turkey bacon for a smoky kick. You might even try rotisserie chicken for a quick option that’s packed with flavor. Each protein will add a unique touch and keep your taco nights interesting!

Vegetarian Alternatives

If you prefer a meatless meal, don’t worry! You can make delicious vegetarian green chile chicken taquitos by swapping the chicken for black beans or lentils. Combine them with cream cheese, roasted peppers, and spices for a filling that’s just as satisfying. Adding some roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms can give extra depth. Trust me, your vegetarian friends will thank you!

For more detailed veggie ideas, check out Cooking Light for inspiration.

Cooking tips for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Creating the perfect green chile chicken taquitos is all about balance and technique. Here are some friendly tips to elevate your dish:

Tortilla Technique: Warm tortillas in the microwave to keep them pliable. This prevents them from cracking while rolling—an important step for a great texture!
Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with your filling! Swap in different cheeses or add beans for extra protein and texture.
Baking Tips: Rub the taquitos with olive oil before baking for a crispier finish.
Serving Style: Serve with fresh toppings like diced avocados or lime wedges for a burst of flavor that enhances your green chile chicken taquitos.

Remember, cooking is about having fun, so enjoy the process!

Serving Suggestions for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Serving green chile chicken taquitos is all about enhancing their delicious flavors. Here are some tasty ideas:

Toppings Galore: Consider a variety of toppings, such as fresh avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. These additions bring brightness and balance to the dish.
Salsas and Dips: Pair with your favorite salsas like pico de gallo or additional salsa verde for a spicy kick. A side of guacamole can really elevate the experience!
Fresh Sides: Serve with a vibrant corn salad or some Mexican-style rice for a complete meal. The contrasting flavors and textures will surely impress your guests.

By personalizing your taquito experience, you’ll turn a simple dish into a delightful feast!

Time details for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Preparation time
Get ready for your delicious adventure by spending about 15 minutes prepping your ingredients. This includes shredding the chicken and mixing those vibrant flavors together.

Cooking time
Once your taquitos are assembled, they'll need 22-25 minutes in the oven to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Total time
In just around 40 minutes, you’ll have a delightful plate of green chile chicken taquitos ready to serve, making this a quick and satisfying meal for busy nights!

For more delicious meal ideas, check out this guide on easy weeknight dinners.

Nutritional Information for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Calories

Each serving of these delicious green chile chicken taquitos contains approximately 200 calories. This makes them a satisfying option without being overly indulgent, perfect for a snack or light meal.

Protein

Packed with protein, these taquitos deliver around 15 grams per serving thanks to the shredded chicken and cheese. This is a great way to fuel your day, especially if you have an active lifestyle!

Sodium

On the other hand, keep an eye on the sodium content, which typically hovers around 400 mg per serving. If you're watching your salt intake, consider using low-sodium salsa or seasoning to keep these tasty bites within your dietary needs.

Remember, incorporating colorful veggies and fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro can further enhance both flavor and nutritional value. Enjoy your green chile chicken taquitos worry-free!

FAQs about Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Can I make taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your green chile chicken taquitos in advance. Once you’ve assembled them, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time to ensure they get crispy and heated through.

What can I serve with taquitos?
These delightful taquitos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, refried beans, or Mexican street corn. For dipping, you can't go wrong with guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo for an added burst of flavor!

How can I make gluten-free taquitos?
Making green chile chicken taquitos gluten-free is straightforward! Simply use certified gluten-free corn tortillas instead of regular ones. Many brands are available, such as Mission Corn Tortillas, ensuring delicious results without any gluten concerns. Enjoy those crispy bites worry-free!

Conclusion on Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

In summary, green chile chicken taquitos are a delightful blend of flavors that bring joy to any gathering. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Don’t forget to pair them with fresh toppings like avocado and lime for an added burst of freshness!