How to Make Crispy and Flavorful Chicken Taquitos at Home (Baked, Not Fried) | Gluten-Free Kid-Friendly Weeknight Dinners

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This is a healthy Mexican recipe that I love. It’s really easy to make especially if you have already shredded chicken in the fridge.

Here’s a meal prep tip: I like to boil chicken breast the day before and shred it. Usually I’ll make chicken soup the first day. Then, I’ll shred the remaining chicken and use it for this recipe. I don’t use much seasoning, just some salt, onion and garlic in the broth. The chicken is pretty plain. The flavor from this recipe comes from the slaw and the salsa.

Note: If you’re short on time, you can buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it.

How to Make Baked Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients (for 4):

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, boiled and shredded*
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ avocado
• 1 lime
• 8-10 small corn tortillas
• Cooking spray

*To boil chicken: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add chicken. Pour water over chicken just to cover and season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium. Let simmer until chicken is cooked through, 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let rest 10 minutes. Shred chicken with two forks and use as desired. 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).(see below for air fryer directions)
2. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable or on the stovetop.
3. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
4. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray, making sure to coat them evenly.
6. Bake the taquitos for 20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and lightly browned.
7. Top with cabbage, avocado and salsa. Squeeze lime over it if desired.

Here’s a recipe for a good slaw and salsa if you want to take it up a notch.

Alternative method using an air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
2. Follow the steps 2-4 above to prepare the taquitos.
3. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
4. Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
5. Cook the taquitos for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and lightly browned.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.