Gluten Free Chicken Taquitos

Y’all, there’s just something about a crispy, savory taquito that hits the spot. I remember when my little Sarah was going through this picky-eater phase, and I was pulling my hair out trying to get her to eat anything! One day, I whipped up a batch of these gluten free chicken taquitos, and she devoured them! Now, they’re a regular on our dinner rotation. I’ve made this recipe countless times in my Texas kitchen, tweaking it until it was just perfect. This recipe is a winner, y’all. Get ready for some happy faces around your dinner table!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy momma, I know that dinner has to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, something the whole family will enjoy. That’s why I love these gluten free chicken taquitos!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Approved: Even my pickiest eater loves them! The crispy texture and mild flavor are a hit with kids of all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble these ahead of time and bake them later, making meal prepping a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 package (6-inch) gluten free corn tortillas
• Cooking spray

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! The quality of your ingredients impacts the taste of your taquitos. I always recommend using the best you can afford. The chicken is the star of the show, so I like to poach or bake it for maximum tenderness. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time!

For tortillas, I use the 6-inch corn tortillas. Be careful choosing your brand, some gluten free tortillas are less pliable. If you can’t find gluten free corn tortillas, you can substitute with almond flour tortillas. Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend, to add some spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. I love the smell of sauteed onions in my Texas kitchen!
2. Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings. Add the shredded chicken, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. This mixture should be creamy and flavorful.
4. Step 4: Warm the Tortillas. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the gluten free corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds to make them more pliable. This step is crucial to prevent them from cracking when you roll them. After testing this several times, I learned that microwaving them too long makes them tough.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Taquitos. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
6. Step 6: Bake the Taquitos. Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them; oven times may vary.
7. Step 7: Cool and Serve. Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives them a chance to crisp up even more. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Storage & Meal Prep

These gluten free chicken taquitos are perfect for meal prepping! To store them, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy. If you’re reheating from frozen, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the things I love about these taquitos is how versatile they are! Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a kick.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or pinto beans.
• Different Protein: Try using shredded pork or ground beef instead of chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

How do I know when the taquitos are done?

The taquitos are done when they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the filling should be 165°F (74°C).

Can I use different fillings?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Some other great options include ground beef, shredded pork, black beans, or even leftover taco meat.

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?

The key to preventing the tortillas from cracking is to warm them up before rolling. Microwaving them with a damp paper towel makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, these taquitos are very kid-friendly! The mild flavor and crispy texture are a hit with kids of all ages. You can also customize the filling to suit their tastes.

Serving Suggestions

These gluten free chicken taquitos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty toppings! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded lettuce

These gluten free chicken taquitos are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home, a shortcut to a satisfying meal, and a way to bring your family together. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to add your own Texas twist! And please, come back and share your creations in the comments below. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other family favorites on FamiliesRecipes.com, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest recipes and tips!

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