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Skinny Chicken Taquitos

Lightened-up crispy chicken taquitos made with shredded chicken, salsa, and reduced-fat cheese.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts about 2 breasts (or use 3 cups shredded cooked chicken)
  • 3 cups shredded chicken breast alternate to using whole chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese or reduced-fat cheddar
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 16 small corn tortillas

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish and add 1/2 cup water. Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  • Allow the chicken to cool slightly, remove any skin if present, and shred with two forks or meat claws.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken (use the cooked shredded chicken or the 3 cups option), 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 2 teaspoons taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup salsa. Mix until evenly combined.
  • Warm the corn tortillas in a small dry skillet over medium heat about 20 seconds per side until pliable, or steam briefly until soft.
  • Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each warmed tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush or lightly mist the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes until the taquitos are hot and crisp.
  • If desired, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top and return to the oven just until the cheese melts. Serve with plain low-fat Greek yogurt, guacamole, or additional salsa if desired.

Equipment

  • baking dish or casserole dish
  • Oven
  • Small Skillet
  • parchment paper or nonstick baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • forks or meat claws (for shredding)

Notes

  • Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Warm tortillas before filling to reduce cracking.
  • Press seam-side down to help taquitos stay rolled while baking.
  • Use low-fat cheese to keep the recipe lighter.
  • Steam tortillas as an alternative to skillet warming.