A Meal that the Whole Family will Enjoy – Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos.
Having hard time to find a recipe that everyone absolutely loves? Look no further, everyone will go crazy over the heaping piles of homemade Crock-Pot Chicken Taquitos served for dinner. This recipe is perfect for kids. It’s perfect for parents.
It’s awesome for parties. And it’s really, really easy to make, using only 5 ingredients and water… (Find more details and variations just below the recipe)
- 2 Uncooked chicken breasts (you can use turkey if as an alternative)
- 1 Packet taco seasoning
- 7 oz Cream cheese, cubes
- ¼ CUP Water
- 1½ CUPS Shredded cheddar cheese
- Taco-sized flour tortillas
- Place chicken breasts in a 2-3 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, add cream cheese cubes, and water.
- Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low, or for 4-6 hours on high.
- Unplug the Crock-Pot. With two forks, shred the chicken in the Crock-Pot, add cheddar cheese, and stir to evenly coat the chicken.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Then spoon shredded chicken into the center of the flour tortillas.
- Roll tightly, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray generously with olive oil spray.
- Cook in preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp.
Via GetinMyBelly Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
The Secret to Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Table of Contents
- The Secret to Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
- Elevate Your Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos with Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
What Are Taquitos?
Taquitos are a delightful Mexican dish made with small tortillas filled with flavorful ingredients like meat, cheese, and more. These delectable treats are then rolled up and either fried or baked to perfection.
Why Are Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos So Good?
Slow cooker chicken taquitos are truly exceptional for several reasons. Firstly, they offer an effortless cooking process with simple ingredients. The slow cooker method allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Secondly, the addition of taco seasoning infuses the chicken with a burst of mouthwatering flavors. Lastly, the melted cheddar cheese adds a delightful gooey texture, enhancing the overall taste.
What Are the Ingredients You Need to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?
To create these mouthwatering slow cooker chicken taquitos, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and then pour in the water. Allow the chicken to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until it’s fully cooked through.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked, use two forks to shred it. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a deliciously cheesy mixture.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Take the corn tortillas and lay them out on a flat surface. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly to ensure the filling stays intact.
Step 4: Bake the Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking sheet with oil, then place the rolled-up taquitos on the sheet. Bake the taquitos for 10-12 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your slow cooker chicken taquitos are perfectly baked, serve them with your favorite toppings. Popular options include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro. Savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Tip 1: Use High-Quality Ingredients
Ensure you use high-quality ingredients to achieve the best-tasting slow cooker chicken taquitos. Opt for fresh, not frozen, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Select a taco seasoning you genuinely enjoy, and don’t skimp on using sharp and flavorful shredded cheddar cheese.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Chicken
To maintain the succulence of the chicken, avoid overcooking it. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked but still tender and juicy. Overcooking can result in dry and tough taquitos, which we want to avoid at all costs.
Tip 3: Roll the Taquitos Tightly
When assembling the taquitos, ensure you roll them tightly to prevent the filling from falling out during baking. If necessary, you can use a toothpick to secure the ends of the taquitos for extra stability.
Tip 4: Don’t Overbake the Taquitos
To preserve the softness and flavors, avoid overbaking the taquitos. Bake them until they achieve a lovely golden brown color and are heated through, but not to the point of becoming dry and tough.
Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Variation 1: Use Different Fillings
Get creative with your slow cooker chicken taquitos by experimenting with various fillings. Some delicious options include ground beef, pork, shredded chicken, black beans, rice, cheese, and a variety of vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Variation 2: Use Different Toppings
Complement the taste of your taquitos with a wide range of toppings. Try different salsas, sour cream variations, guacamole recipes, and even sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for added zest.
Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll explore exciting ways to serve and present these delightful slow cooker chicken taquitos. The adventure continues!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
To begin crafting your delightful slow cooker chicken taquitos, follow these easy steps:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Generously sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, ensuring all parts are coated.
- Pour the water into the slow cooker, allowing the flavorful mixture to seep into the chicken.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has reached its succulent state, it’s time to proceed with the next phase:
- Use two forks to carefully shred the tender chicken, ensuring the pieces are of the desired size.
- Now comes the indulgent part – stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a luscious, cheesy blend with the seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
With the main elements ready, it’s time to assemble the tantalizing taquitos:
- Lay out the corn tortillas on a flat surface, preparing them for the delightful filling.
- Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese mixture onto each tortilla, ensuring an even distribution.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly, securing the delectable filling within. Take care to avoid any spillage during the rolling process.
Step 4: Bake the Taquitos
The final phase is where the magic truly happens. Get your oven ready and follow these instructions:
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature for baking.
- Grease a baking sheet with oil to prevent the taquitos from sticking during baking.
- Place the rolled-up taquitos on the greased baking sheet, arranging them evenly for uniform baking.
- Allow the taquitos to bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. Remove them from the oven once they achieve a delightful golden brown color and are heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived – it’s time to savor your mouthwatering slow cooker chicken taquitos:
- Present the beautifully baked taquitos on a serving plate, creating an enticing display.
- Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Serve the taquitos with your favorite toppings, such as zesty salsa, creamy sour cream, rich guacamole, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.
- As you take that first delicious bite, relish the explosion of flavors, the tender chicken, gooey cheese, and the tantalizing combination of seasonings. Enjoy your scrumptious creation to the fullest!
With these simple yet flavorful instructions, you can now indulge in the best slow cooker chicken taquitos you’ve ever tasted!
Keep reading to discover some valuable tips for making the best slow cooker chicken taquitos, ensuring you can consistently impress your family and friends with this delectable dish.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Creating the best slow cooker chicken taquitos is a delightful journey that involves skillful preparation and attention to detail. To help you achieve perfection, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
Use High-Quality Ingredients
The foundation of any exceptional dish lies in the ingredients used. When making slow cooker chicken taquitos, opt for the finest ingredients available to elevate the flavors to new heights. Here’s how to ensure top-notch quality:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Select fresh and unfrozen chicken breasts, as they retain more moisture and flavor.
- Quality taco seasoning: Choose a taco seasoning that aligns with your taste preferences. High-quality seasonings can make a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Sharp and flavorful shredded cheddar cheese: Opt for cheddar cheese that stands out with its robust taste, enriching the taquitos’ cheesy goodness.
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
As with any poultry dish, overcooking the chicken can lead to dry and tough results. To maintain the juiciness and tenderness of the chicken, follow these steps:
- Cook the chicken until done: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, reaching a safe internal temperature, while still maintaining its moist texture.
- Monitor cooking time: Depending on your slow cooker, the chicken may take between 6 to 8 hours to cook on low heat. Keep a watchful eye on the progress to prevent overcooking.
Roll the Taquitos Tightly
To prevent the delectable filling from spilling out during baking, it’s crucial to roll the taquitos tightly. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Evenly distribute the filling: Spoon an equal amount of the chicken and cheese mixture onto each tortilla to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Roll with care: Gently but firmly roll up the tortillas, taking care to encase the filling entirely without leaving gaps.
- Secure with a toothpick: For added assurance, use toothpicks to hold the taquitos together. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Don’t Overbake the Taquitos
The ideal slow cooker chicken taquitos are perfectly baked, striking a balance between a golden-brown exterior and a moist interior. Follow these guidelines to achieve the perfect bake:
- Monitor baking time: Keep a close eye on the taquitos as they bake. Baking for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should be sufficient to achieve the desired texture.
- Test for doneness: If unsure, you can test one taquito to check if it’s heated through and adequately baked before removing the entire batch from the oven.
With these expert tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a slow cooker chicken taquitos connoisseur. Experiment with these suggestions and create your signature version of this delightful Mexican dish.
Keep reading for some exciting variations that will take your slow cooker chicken taquitos to a whole new level of taste and enjoyment!
Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
As with any beloved dish, experimenting with various flavors and ingredients opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Let’s explore some exciting variations that will take your slow cooker chicken taquitos to new heights of taste and enjoyment.
Use Different Fillings
One of the joys of slow cooker chicken taquitos is the versatility of fillings you can use. Here are some mouthwatering options to spark your creativity:
- Ground Beef: Create a delightful twist with seasoned ground beef, bringing a rich and hearty flavor to your taquitos.
- Pork: Shredded pork offers a tender and succulent alternative to chicken, complementing the tortillas and cheese perfectly.
- Shredded Chicken: For a different chicken experience, try using shredded chicken seasoned with different spices to add a unique flair.
- Black Beans: For a vegetarian option, use seasoned black beans as the main filling, creating a protein-packed and delicious alternative.
- Rice: Add a filling of seasoned rice to your taquitos for an added texture and heartiness.
- Cheese: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a more robust cheesy taste.
- Vegetables: Embrace your love for veggies and try a medley of sautéed vegetables, providing a delightful crunch and freshness to the taquitos.
Use Different Toppings
While the fillings bring excitement to the taquitos, the toppings add the finishing touch of flavor. Here are some scrumptious toppings to elevate your taquito experience:
- Fresh Pico de Gallo: The combination of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice adds a refreshing burst of flavors to your taquitos.
- Creamy Avocado Sauce: Mash ripe avocados with lime juice and a dash of salt to create a creamy and tangy sauce that complements the taquitos beautifully.
- Cilantro Lime Crema: Whip up a zesty crema by blending sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro, offering a tangy and creamy twist.
- Fresh Guacamole: Opt for a classic guacamole recipe that combines ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings.
- Pickled Jalapenos: For a spicy kick, add some pickled jalapeno slices to your taquitos.
- Sour Cream: The creamy richness of sour cream balances the flavors of the taquitos wonderfully.
- Shredded Lettuce: A bed of shredded lettuce adds a fresh and crunchy element to your taquitos.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Q: Can I make slow cooker chicken taquitos ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the taquitos, bake, and enjoy.
Q: Can I freeze slow cooker chicken taquitos? A: Yes, freezing slow cooker chicken taquitos is a great option for convenient meals. Once the taquitos are fully baked, let them cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? A: While corn tortillas are traditionally used, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that flour tortillas may result in a slightly different texture and taste.
With these exciting variations and tips, you have the tools to create a wide array of slow cooker chicken taquitos to suit your preferences and impress your guests. Get creative and enjoy the culinary adventure!
Keep reading for the final section, where we will explore some fantastic serving ideas and presentation tips to elevate your slow cooker chicken taquitos to a gourmet level.
Elevate Your Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos with Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
Welcome to the final section of our journey to creating the best slow cooker chicken taquitos! We’ve explored the secrets behind making these delectable treats, learned valuable tips for perfection, and discovered exciting variations to suit every palate. Now, let’s take things up a notch by exploring some fantastic serving ideas and presentation tips.
Serving Ideas
The joy of slow cooker chicken taquitos extends beyond the kitchen to the dining table. Here are some captivating serving ideas that will enhance your taquito experience:
- Fiesta Platter: Arrange your freshly baked taquitos on a vibrant platter, garnished with colorful ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges. This creates an inviting and festive presentation.
- Mini Taquito Bar: Set up a mini taquito bar with various fillings and toppings, allowing guests to customize their taquitos to their liking. This interactive setup adds an element of fun to any gathering.
- Pair with Mexican Rice: Serve your taquitos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice, enhancing the overall Mexican culinary experience.
- Refreshing Side Salad: Accompany the taquitos with a refreshing side salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad with a zesty lime dressing, to balance the richness of the taquitos.
- Mexican Street Corn: Elevate your taquitos with a side of elote, Mexican street corn, grilled to perfection and slathered with crema, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
- Chilled Beverages: Offer refreshing drinks, such as agua frescas, fruit-infused water, or chilled horchata, to complement the taquitos and quench everyone’s thirst.
Presentation Tips
The visual appeal of a dish can greatly enhance its overall enjoyment. Here are some presentation tips to make your slow cooker chicken taquitos a feast for the eyes:
- Colorful Ingredients: Utilize colorful ingredients like vibrant salsas, fresh herbs, and diced vegetables to create an eye-catching display.
- Symmetry and Alignment: Arrange the taquitos symmetrically on the serving platter to create an organized and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Garnish with Love: Sprinkle some love into your dish by adding artistic garnishes, such as cilantro leaves or finely sliced radishes, to provide an elegant touch.
- Serve in Style: Use stylish serving trays or Mexican-themed ceramic dishes to enhance the overall presentation and embrace the culinary culture.
- Play with Height: Add varying heights to your serving table by using elevated stands or small pedestals to give your taquitos an elevated and eye-catching display.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now embarked on a flavorful journey to master the art of making the best slow cooker chicken taquitos. From understanding the essential ingredients to perfecting the cooking process and exploring exciting variations, you’ve learned all the secrets to create mouthwatering taquitos that will impress your friends and family.
Remember to use high-quality ingredients, cook the chicken with care, and roll the taquitos tightly for the best results. And don’t forget to get creative with different fillings and toppings to cater to various tastes and preferences.
Now that you have all the tools and tips you need, it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity and enjoy the delicious world of slow cooker chicken taquitos!
Thank you for joining us on this culinary adventure, and we hope you’ll continue exploring and experimenting with new recipes and flavors. Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and culinary tips.
Happy cooking!
Recap of All 5 Sections:
- Introduction: Unveiling the secrets to making the best slow cooker chicken taquitos.
- Instructions: Step-by-step guide on how to make tender and flavorful slow cooker chicken taquitos.
- Tips: Valuable tips for achieving perfection, from using high-quality ingredients to avoiding common pitfalls.
- Variations: Exciting variations on slow cooker chicken taquitos with different fillings and toppings.
- Serving Ideas & Presentation: Elevating your taquitos with captivating serving ideas and presentation tips.
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