Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
If you’re craving a delightful, crunchy snack or a flavorful meal that fits perfectly into a gluten-free lifestyle, let me introduce you to this Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe. Packed with zesty, fresh ingredients wrapped in crisp cassava flour tortillas, these taquitos bring together tender shredded chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, tangy filling that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a quick, satisfying bite, this recipe is as approachable as it is scrumptious, making every step a joy from start to crispy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients that balance taste, texture, and color beautifully. Each item plays a role in creating those irresistible taquitos that boast both crunch and creaminess.
- 8 Cassava Flour Tortillas: These gluten-free tortillas offer a sturdy, pliable base with a mild flavor, perfect for rolling and frying without cracking.
- 2 Cups Shredded Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken provides hearty protein and acts as the filling’s star ingredient.
- ½ Cup Diced Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color to every bite.
- ⅓ Cup Diced Red Onion: Brings an aromatic sharpness and a bit of bite to balance the creaminess.
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise: Using a good-quality avocado oil mayo like Primal Kitchen keeps the filling rich and creamy without overpowering.
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the mixture with a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness.
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro: This herb adds that signature fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that’s essential in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder: Delivers a warm, smoky heat that lifts the whole filling.
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses a gentle savory depth without being too pungent.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: Balances all flavors perfectly, so don’t skip it!
How to Make Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the shredded chicken with all the fresh vegetables and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. The mayonnaise and lime juice help meld the flavors and create a creamy texture that makes every bite luscious. Be sure to mix everything thoroughly to distribute the chili powder and garlic evenly, so every mouthful bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Warming the cassava flour tortillas is key to making them flexible enough to roll without cracking. Place two tortillas between damp paper towels and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until they become soft and pliable. This simple step prevents frustration and keeps your taquitos perfectly wrapped.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Once the tortillas are warm, spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto each one. Spread it out evenly but leave a small border to make rolling easier. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and press gently to seal the seams. Tightly rolled taquitos will stay intact during cooking, creating that signature shape and crunch.
Step 4: Cook the Taquitos
Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with either avocado or olive oil to keep things healthy and flavorful. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down into the skillet. Cook for about five minutes until the bottom becomes golden and crisp, then carefully flip each one to crisp the other side for another four to five minutes. The result is a wonderfully crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling inside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the taquitos from the skillet and serve them hot. They’re perfect on their own but elevate beautifully when nestled on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce alongside guacamole and your favorite salsa. This finishing touch adds color and complementary flavors, making every bite a fiesta in your mouth.
How to Serve Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your taquitos to the next level. Fresh chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds herbal brightness, while a dollop of tangy sour cream or more avocado oil mayo brings creaminess. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving—that little zing makes a world of difference in cutting through the richness.
Side Dishes
You can turn these taquitos into a full meal by pairing them with simple, fresh sides. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the fried texture beautifully. Mexican street corn salad or refried beans also add hearty, traditional touches without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Create a taquito platter featuring an array of colorful salsas such as mango habanero, roasted tomato, or a mild pineapple salsa. You might also serve taquitos upright in a tall glass or jar for a fun, party-ready display that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the crunchy deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store cooled taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture best for up to three days, making great snacks or quick lunches the next day.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen taquitos will stay good for up to two months, ready to be cooked straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave to maintain crispness. Instead, pop the taquitos in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and crunchy again. This simple method revives their texture and taste, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of cassava flour tortillas?
While corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, they tend to be more delicate and can crack when rolled tightly. Cassava flour tortillas hold up better during cooking and provide the perfect crispy texture for taquitos. However, if you prefer corn tortillas, warming them thoroughly and gently rolling is key.
Is there a dairy-free option for the filling?
Absolutely! The recipe already uses mayonnaise as the creamy ingredient, and many brands like Primal Kitchen offer dairy-free versions made with avocado oil. So this recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use the right mayo, making it friendly for sensitive diets.
Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying?
Yes! Baking taquitos in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, can yield a crispy texture with less oil. Just make sure they’re rolled tightly to prevent filling from escaping.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust it by adding more chili or including a pinch of cayenne if you love heat, or leaving it out entirely for a kid-friendly option.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for these taquitos?
Use cooked chicken breasts or thighs and shred them by hand using two forks for texture, or pulse briefly in a food processor if you prefer finer shreds. Freshly shredded chicken blends better with the other filling ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. The ease of preparation combined with the delicious blend of crunchy, creamy, and zesty notes makes these taquitos nothing short of a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe invites you to savor every bite and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal or snack anytime.
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Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos recipe is a quick and delicious meal featuring cassava flour tortillas filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, bell pepper, red onion, and zesty seasonings. The taquitos are lightly pan-fried until crispy and golden, perfect for a satisfying gluten-free snack or meal.
Ingredients
For the Tortillas
- 8 Cassava Flour Tortillas (Siete Foods or Rise & Puff)
For the Filling
- 2 Cups Shredded Chicken
- ½ Cup Diced Bell Pepper
- ⅓ Cup Diced Red Onion
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayo recommended)
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
- 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ 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 all ingredients are well incorporated.
- 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. This helps to prevent them from tearing when rolling.
- Assemble the taquitos: Spread a large spoonful of the chicken mixture evenly onto each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, pressing gently to secure the roll and prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Cook the taquitos: Preheat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with avocado or olive oil. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Carefully flip each taquito and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the skillet and serve hot. They pair wonderfully over a bed of romaine lettuce, accompanied by guacamole and salsa for dipping.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent them from cracking or breaking.
- Use a sturdy spatula or tongs to carefully flip the taquitos to maintain their shape.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush the taquitos with oil before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the filling with other vegetables or spices according to your preference.
- For a dairy-free option, ensure the mayonnaise used is dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
