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Introduction

If you’re craving a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful snack or meal, these Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos are the perfect choice! Filled with seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of salsa, these taquitos are irresistibly delicious and make for a satisfying treat any time of the day. This recipe is perfect for those following a gluten-free diet, as it uses corn tortillas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these tasty bites without worrying about gluten. The combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices creates a flavorful chicken filling, while the cream cheese and shredded cheese bring the perfect creamy texture. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a quick weeknight meal, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Best of all, they’re easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a go-to recipe for those busy days when you want something homemade and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gluten-Free: These taquitos are made with corn tortillas, making them safe for anyone avoiding gluten.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can have these taquitos ready in no time.
Packed with Flavor: The chicken is seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of crispy tortillas and gooey melted cheese will have you coming back for more.
Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding extra toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa, depending on your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded
Chili powder
Cumin
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne (optional)

For the Taquitos:

Softened cream cheese
Shredded cheddar or marble cheese
Salsa
Avocado oil spray
Small corn tortillas (6-inch)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling for an extra layer of heat.
Cheese Variation: Swap the cheddar or marble cheese for your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a vegan cheese alternative.
Air Fryer Version: For a healthier, less oily option, you can cook the taquitos in an air fryer, which will give them a crispier texture without the need for frying in oil.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying the chicken breasts and pounding them to about ½ inch thick. Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.

Step 2: Make the Taquito Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and salsa. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave them briefly to make them soft and pliable. This will make them easier to roll without cracking.

Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet. Repeat until all the tortillas are filled and rolled.

Step 5: Cook the Taquitos

Spray the taquitos lightly with avocado oil to help them crisp up. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: Be sure not to overfill the tortillas, as it will make rolling them difficult and cause them to break.
Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas work best for rolling, but if you only have store-bought tortillas, make sure to warm them up to prevent cracking.
Crisp Up in the Air Fryer: If you prefer using an air fryer, cook the taquitos at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes for a crispier result with less oil.
Use Leftover Chicken: For even more convenience, use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.

How to Serve

These gluten-free chicken taquitos are great served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh green salad, or some sautéed veggies for a complete meal. They are also fantastic with a side of homemade guacamole or a creamy dip to balance out the heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the taquitos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze taquitos before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, just place the frozen taquitos on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, adding extra time if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the taquitos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave individual taquitos for 30-45 seconds, but they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While this recipe is designed for gluten-free corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas if you’re not following a gluten-free diet. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different.

2. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

3. Can I make these taquitos in the air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer works great for cooking taquitos. Simply spray them with a little oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the chicken filling for added flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I use dairy-free cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese to make this recipe fully dairy-free.

6. Are these taquitos spicy?

The recipe calls for a pinch of cayenne pepper, but it’s optional. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the cayenne altogether.

7. How do I prevent the taquitos from falling apart when rolling?

To prevent cracking, make sure to heat the tortillas before rolling and don’t overstuff them with filling.

8. Can I bake the taquitos without oil?

While oil helps the taquitos crisp up, you can bake them without it. Just be sure to monitor them closely so they don’t dry out.

9. Can I use a different type of salsa?

Yes, you can use any salsa you prefer, such as mild, medium, or hot. A chunky salsa or smooth salsa works equally well in this recipe.

10. How can I make these taquitos even crispier?

For extra crispiness, consider air frying or adding a little extra oil when baking. You can also bake them on a wire rack to ensure they crisp evenly.

Conclusion

These Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful, making them a must-try for anyone looking for a gluten-free snack or meal option. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a weeknight dinner, or just enjoying them on your own, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be enjoying these delicious taquitos in no time!