If you love crunchy, flavorful bites, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe. With its quick preparation and use of simple, wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a snack that feels special but requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten-Free Delight: This recipe takes the guesswork out of finding delicious gluten-free meals, guaranteeing taste without sacrifice.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, these taquitos are perfect for a busy evening when time is not on your side.
- Customizable Filling: The flavors blend together beautifully, yet you can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to cater to your taste buds.
- Apps or Mains: These taquitos are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or the star of your meal. Your choice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to the rich, layered flavors from the zingy lime juice to the creamy mayo—all perfectly married in a crunchy taquito shell.
- Cassava Flour Tortillas: Opt for brands like Siete Foods or Rise & Puff for a sturdy yet soft wrap.
- Shredded Chicken: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience.
- Bell Peppers: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Red Onion: Offers a mild zest that lifts the overall flavors.
- Mayo: Choose avocado oil-based mayo for a creamy, health-conscious choice.
- Lime Juice: A burst of acidity that brightens every bite.
- Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add depth and fragrance.
- Chili Powder: Provides just the right amount of heat and warmth.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances aroma and exudes a comforting essence.
- Salt: A foundational seasoning to balance and amplify all other flavors.
Variations
This Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Feel free to tweak the fillings or introduce new spices to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add shredded cheese to the filling for a gooey, irresistible center.
- Mexican Twist: Incorporate black beans and corn into the mixture for more texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based version.
How to Make Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the shredded chicken, diced bell pepper, red onion, mayo, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. Use a stiff spatula to mix everything until well-blended. This step ensures your filling is flavorful and consistent.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Take two tortillas and place them on a damp paper towel. Microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften. This crucial step prevents the tortillas from breaking when you roll them, making the process hassle-free.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly to ensure the filling is secure, and repeat with all tortillas. The tighter you roll, the less chance of spillage during cooking.
Step 4: Cook on Skillet
Preheat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with avocado oil or olive oil. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The result is a crispy, irresistible texture you can’t resist.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Seam-Side Cooking: Always place taquitos seam-side down initially to prevent unrolling while cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the filling sit for 10 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Oil Spritzer: Use an oil spritzer to lightly coat the skillet, ensuring perfect crispiness without excess oil.
- Double Duty Prep: Make a double batch of filling and freeze half for a super quick meal another day.
How to Serve Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance each taquito with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. For those who love a little kick, a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate each bite to divine perfection.
Side Dishes
Pair these gluten-free taquitos with a fresh corn salad or fluffy cilantro lime rice. Alternatively, a side of creamy guacamole and tangy salsa perfectly complements the crispy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the taquitos upright in small glasses with dipping sauces at the bottom for a visually appealing appetizer or serve them over a bed of vibrant lettuce for added color and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They retain their flavor and texture beautifully, making for an easy reheat meal.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked taquitos by wrapping them individually in parchment paper and storing them in a zip-top bag. These can be frozen for up to two months, ready for a last-minute feast.
Reheating
To reheat, place taquitos on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This method ensures they regain their delicious crispness without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the chicken with jackfruit or a vegan protein like tofu, and replace mayo with a vegan alternative.
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What’s the best way to prevent the tortillas from cracking?
Ensuring the tortillas are warmed properly using a damp paper towel when microwaving helps them stay pliable and prevents cracking.
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Is it possible to bake these taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
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Can I use corn tortillas for this recipe?
Corn tortillas are a great substitute but ensure they are gluten-free, as not all corn tortillas meet this requirement.
Final Thoughts
My dear friend, this Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a delightful culinary adventure waiting for you. Dive in, savor the flavors, and share the joy these taquitos bring with your loved ones. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!
Print
Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy gluten-free chicken taquitos recipe features a flavorful shredded chicken mixture wrapped in warm, gluten-free cassava tortillas and golden-browned in a skillet. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these crispy taquitos are packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and are quick to prepare for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
For the Tortillas
- 8 Cassava Flour Tortillas (Siete Foods or Rise & Puff)
For the Filling
- 2 Cups Shredded Chicken
- 1/2 cup Diced Bell Pepper
- 1/3 cup Diced Red Onion
- 1/4 cup Mayo (Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo recommended)
- 3 Tablespoons Lime Juice (fresh squeezed)
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spatula or spoon until well combined.
- Warm the tortillas: Place two tortillas at a time between damp paper towels and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds until warm and pliable to prevent tearing.
- Assemble the taquitos: Spread a large spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each warm tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, pressing gently to secure.
- Cook the taquitos: Preheat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with avocado or olive oil. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from skillet and serve hot, ideally over a bed of romaine lettuce with guacamole and salsa.
Notes
- Ensure tortillas are warmed properly to prevent tearing during rolling.
- Feel free to customize the filling with additional spices or vegetables such as corn or black beans.
- For extra crispiness, you can finish them under a broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito (about 50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
