Name: Green Chile Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 oz cream cheese (at room temperature); 2 pieces roasted poblano peppers (chopped); 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; to taste salt; to taste black pepper; 1 jar (6 oz) salsa verde; 0.5 cup fresh chopped cilantro; 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 16-20 pieces corn tortillas (warmed); to rub olive oil; 1 cup fresh corn kernels; avocado (for serving); limes (for serving); yogurt (for serving)

Introduction to Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

If you're on the lookout for a quick, delicious meal, green chile chicken taquitos might just become your new best friend. These crispy delights are perfect for busy young professionals who want to enjoy home-cooked goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, you can whip these up in no time, allowing you to satisfy your cravings even on the most hectic days.

Why are homemade taquitos a great option for busy young professionals?

Homemade taquitos not only taste incredible, but they also come with a host of benefits that fit perfectly into a dynamic lifestyle:

Batch Cooking: You can make a larger batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals later on.
Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings to suit your palate.
Nutrient-rich: Packed with protein from the chicken and flavor from salsa verde and roasted poblano peppers, these taquitos are both delicious and nutritious.

Moreover, the combination of creamy and spicy notes in the filling makes each bite a delightful experience. If you're ready to dive into the world of homemade goodness with this recipe, check out resources from thekitchn.com for culinary inspiration. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Crafting flavorful Green Chile Chicken Taquitos is all about using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

Key Ingredients

Cooked shredded chicken: 1 ½ cups (a great way to use leftovers!)
Cream cheese: 2 oz, at room temperature for that creamy texture
Roasted poblano peppers: 2, chopped (for a mild kick!)
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Salsa verde: 1 jar (6 ounces) for a zesty flavor boost
Fresh chopped cilantro: ½ cup, adding freshness and color
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: 1 ½ cups, because what’s a taquito without cheese?
Corn tortillas: 16-20, warmed and ready to be filled
Olive oil: for rubbing on the tortillas
Optional toppings: Fresh corn kernels, avocado, limes, and yogurt for a relish-worthy finish

Feel free to explore fresh corn for a crunch or swap out cilantro for something like green onions if that suits your taste. This combination makes the perfect foundation for your taquitos! For more tips on using roasted vegetables, check out this guide on roasting peppers. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step preparation for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

When it comes to whipping up a delicious dish that feels a bit like a fiesta, Green Chile Chicken Taquitos are a fantastic choice. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also pack a ton of flavor. Follow these simple steps to create a batch that will impress your friends or family!

Gather and prep the ingredients

Before diving in, let's ensure you have everything you need. For our Green Chile Chicken Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:

1 ½ cup cooked shredded chicken
2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 roasted poblano peppers, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 jar (6 ounce) salsa verde
½ cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
16-20 corn tortillas, warmed
Olive oil for rubbing
1 cup fresh corn kernels
Optional toppings: avocado, limes, yogurt

Having everything ready not only speeds up the cooking process but also makes it more enjoyable!

Mix the filling

Now that you're all set with your ingredients, let’s create the flavorful filling. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, chopped poblano peppers, and spices (onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder). Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Once you've mixed in the spices, gently fold in the salsa verde and chopped cilantro. This combination is where the magic happens! The tanginess from the salsa mixed with the creamy texture of the cream cheese creates a delightful filling that you won't be able to resist.

Prepare the tortillas

Soft, pliable tortillas are key to perfectly rolled taquitos. Warm the corn tortillas in your microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You want them warm enough to roll without cracking. While they’re warming, preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by rubbing it lightly with olive oil.

Assemble the taquitos

Here's where the fun begins! Take a warmed tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling down the center. Carefully roll it up tightly, making sure the filling stays in, and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat this process until you've used up all your filling or tortillas, whichever comes first.

Bake to crispy perfection

Once your taquitos are assembled, it’s time to crisp them up! Place them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. After that, sprinkle the shredded cheese and fresh corn on top and pop them back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is nice and melted.

Serve your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos warm alongside avocado, lime wedges, and yogurt for a fresh and delicious touch. Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Variations on Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Spicy Taquitos with Jalapeños

For those who crave a little extra heat, try adding sliced fresh jalapeños to your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos. The spicy crunch pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. You can either integrate them into the chicken mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking. This simple addition gives your taquitos a delightful kick that's sure to spice up your next gathering.

Vegetarian Version with Black Beans

Looking for a meat-free option? Substitute the chicken with black beans for a hearty vegetarian twist on these taquitos. Combine cooked black beans with cream cheese, roasted poblanos, and spices to create a deliciously creamy filling. These vibrant taquitos are not only flavorful but also packed with protein, making them satisfying for everyone at the table. Serve them with a side of guacamole or salsa for an extra zesty touch!

Feel free to explore more variations and make this dish your own! For additional tips, check out this resource on creative taquito fillings.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

We all love a good taquito, right? Here are some tips to ensure your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos turn out perfectly every time.

Prep Your Ingredients

Warm Tortillas: Always warm your corn tortillas before filling. This makes them pliable and helps avoid cracking while rolling.
Shredded Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. It adds flavor and keeps the prep quick.

Baking Perfection

Crispy Texture: For that perfect crunch, make sure to rub the tortillas with olive oil before baking. This adds a delightful crispiness.
Cheese Option: Feel free to mix different cheeses, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for an extra flavor kick.

Enjoying Your Taquitos

Serve your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos with fresh avocado, lime wedges, or a dollop of yogurt for a refreshing contrast. Explore more delicious toppings, like salsa or pico de gallo, to customize the experience! For additional tips, consider checking out this informative guide on how to elevate your taquito game. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

When it comes to enjoying Green Chile Chicken Taquitos, the accompaniments can elevate your meal to the next level. Consider these delicious serving suggestions to enhance the flavor profile:

Fresh Avocado: Creamy avocado or guacamole adds richness and a refreshing contrast.
Crisp Limes: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the dish, giving it a zesty kick.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of yogurt or sour cream balances the spice and adds creaminess.
Salsa Verde: Serve additional salsa verde on the side for those who love extra zest.

Feel free to pair these scrumptious taquitos with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or a fruity mocktail. Enjoy your meal! For a little more inspiration, check out this article on perfect pairings.

Time Breakdown for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Preparation Time

Getting your ingredients ready for these Green Chile Chicken Taquitos will take about 20 minutes. This includes shredding your chicken, chopping the roasted poblano peppers, and mixing everything together for that scrumptious filling.

Cooking Time

The cooking itself will take around 25 minutes. You'll bake the taquitos until they’re golden and crispy, ensuring that perfect crunch everyone loves.

Total Time

In just 45 minutes, you can have these delightful taquitos on your table. They’re not only quick to prepare but also a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends!

If you're looking to add even more flavor or fun sides, consider browsing some Mexican food blogs for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

When indulging in these delicious Green Chile Chicken Taquitos, it’s helpful to know what you're fueling your body with. Let’s break down some key nutritional facts to keep you informed!

Calories

Each serving of Green Chile Chicken Taquitos contains approximately 250 calories. This makes them a great option for a satisfying snack or light meal without overloading your calorie intake.

Protein

Packed with about 15 grams of protein per serving, these taquitos provide a wonderful source of energy and support your muscle health. This is particularly great for those of you who are active and need a protein boost!

Sodium

However, keep in mind that the sodium content can be higher, with around 700 mg per serving. To maintain a balanced diet, consider pairing your taquitos with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro, which can enhance flavor without added salt.

By being informed about these nutritional details, you can enjoy your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos while staying aligned with your health goals. For additional insights, you can check out resources like USDA FoodData Central for more detailed nutrition facts or explore recipes that fit your lifestyle!

FAQs about Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

Can I make taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling for your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos a day in advance. Just keep the filling in the fridge, and when you're ready to serve, warm up the tortillas and assemble them before baking. If you want to freeze them, just roll and store unbaked taquitos in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve as a side with taquitos?

When it comes to sides, think fresh and colorful! A zesty lime and cilantro rice pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the taquitos. You can also whip up a refreshing corn salad or serve them with guacamole and a simple side of Mexican street corn for a true feast. For dipping, a homemade salsa or creamy avocado yogurt works beautifully.

How do I make taquitos extra crunchy?

For that perfect crunch, rub your tortillas with olive oil before baking, as this helps achieve a golden, crispy texture. Consider baking them at a higher temperature and spacing them out on the baking sheet to ensure they get maximum air circulation. For added crunch, you can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before the final baking session!

With these tips, your Green Chile Chicken Taquitos will impress family and friends alike. Check out this page for more delicious serving ideas!

Conclusion on Green Chile Chicken Taquitos

In summary, Green Chile Chicken Taquitos are not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that will impress your friends and family. Perfect for any occasion or cozy night in, these taquitos are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy every bite!