Who says weeknight dinners have to be boring? Certainly not us! If you’re looking to inject some excitement into your dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen, we’ve got just the recipe for you. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taquitos are here to turn your ordinary evenings into a fiesta of flavors. Perfect for a cozy family meal, these taquitos are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
To whip up this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Make sure to have these items ready before you start. The combination of spices and cheesy goodness promises to make these taquitos a hit at any table.
Directions and Preparation Method:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s how you make these tantalizing taquitos:
- Season and Cook Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Pour your choice of salsa over the seasoned chicken. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule.
- Shred and Mix: Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker. Add the cheddar cheese and cream cheese to the shredded chicken, mixing until the cheeses are well combined with the chicken. The creamy, cheesy chicken mixture will be the filling of your taquitos.
- Roll and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Soften the corn tortillas by microwaving them for 30 seconds — this makes them easier to roll. Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Spray the tops of the taquitos with a bit more cooking spray to help them turn golden and crispy in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the taquitos hot, accompanied by your favorite dips and garnishes. Whether it’s a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a side of guacamole, these additions will only enhance the flavors of your taquitos.
Nutritional Info:
Each serving of these Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taquitos is approximately 310 kcal. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner.
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
The Magic of Slow Cooking
One of the best aspects of the Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taquitos is the use of a slow cooker to prepare the chicken. Slow cooking is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Flavor Infusion: Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the spices and salsa, making each bite a flavorful experience.
- Tenderness: The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart, which is perfect for shredding and creating the filling for the taquitos.
- Convenience: By using a slow cooker, you can set it in the morning and forget about it until you’re ready to prepare the final steps in the evening. It’s a great way to have dinner practically ready by the time you’re done with your day.
Customization Options
Another fantastic element of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can customize the taquitos to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Protein Variations: While chicken is the protein of choice here, you can easily substitute it with shredded beef or pork. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of beans and quinoa.
- Cheese Choices: If cheddar isn’t your preference or you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, you can experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese can add a spicy depth to the taquitos.
- Tortilla Types: Corn tortillas are traditional, but if you prefer flour tortillas or have them on hand, feel free to use them. Just keep an eye on them in the oven, as cooking times may vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
While these taquitos are a complete meal on their own, you can elevate the dining experience with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:
- Rice and Beans: A side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice with black beans or refried beans can round out the meal.
- Salad: A fresh salad with a lime vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the savory taquitos.
- Dips and Toppings: Don’t forget to set out an array of dips and toppings. Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro are excellent choices that allow everyone to customize their taquitos to their liking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Taquitos offer an exciting, flavorful, and easy solution to the weeknight dinner dilemma. Not only do they provide a delicious way to end the day, but they also bring an opportunity for families to spend quality time together over a meal that everyone will love. With the ability to customize the recipe to your liking and the convenience of slow cooking, these taquitos are sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give them a try and watch them disappear off the plates – they’re that good! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and here’s to many delightful dinners ahead!