Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls

Published by Ilyas, Date :

Delicious spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls ready to be served

Chicken Recipes

Recipe 02316a6156

Easy Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls

Ah, the magic of rolling deliciousness—there’s something almost therapeutic about it, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I attempted to make taquitos. Picture this: a small kitchen, flour flying through the air like a snowstorm, a dubious-looking mixture of chicken and spices bubbling in a bowl, and me, frantically trying to wrap delicate tortillas around an overly ambitious amount of filling. Spoiler alert: I ended up with half a dozen exploded taquitos, slipping and sliding on the pan like they were auditioning for a cooking show gone wrong.

But honestly, those culinary disasters taught me so much. Every failed attempt was a steppingstone towards this delightful and easy weeknight dinner of Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls that I can whip up with my eyes closed (almost). The laughter-filled chaos of those early kitchen escapades connects me to my family meals, from cozy weekends filled with delightful aromas to quick dinners that save us from defaulting to fast food. These taquitos not only remind me of those moments but also make for fun family nights where everyone pitches in, rolling, frying, and munching away as we dive into the deliciousness wrapped in every crispy bite.

As autumn approaches and cozy nights beckon us to huddle together, nothing says comfort like these Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls. It’s the perfect season for bringing out rich flavors and hearty meals that give you that warm, fulfilling hug from the inside. The crackling sound as they sizzle in the oil, the vibrant smell of spices wafting through the kitchen? Pure heaven.

The unique fusion of shredded chicken, luscious shredded cheese, and zesty Hatch green chiles makes these taquitos stand out. You can feel the crunch as you take that first joyous bite, the cheese oozing out, and the kick from the chiles that leaves you wanting more. Trust me when I say, serve these at a gathering or even a family dinner — they’re sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s super easy to whip up for a quick family meal on busy weeknights—perfect when you’re juggling work, kids, and a million other things.
  • The high protein content keeps you feeling full and satisfied! Both kids and adults will love these.
  • Leftovers? Yes, please! These taquitos taste even better the next day—if there are any left, that is!
  • You can get creative with the filling. Don’t have Hatch chiles? No problem! Use whatever peppers you have on hand.
  • They’re budget-friendly! With just a handful of ingredients, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
  • Seriously, they feel like a big comforting hug. You won’t want to stop at just one!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

These Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls embody unique flavors and memories, blending warmth and spice. The Hatch green chiles is unlike any other pepper—their smokiness balances perfectly with the chicken, creating an unforgettable bite. Plus, the process is surprisingly therapeutic; rolling the tortillas transports me back to simpler times spent with family, a bit of gentle chaos and a lot of love in each wrap. Oh, and did I mention the cheese? Because melted cheese can make anything special!

Ingredients

To make these Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls, you truly only need eight main ingredients, and it’s all very approachable. Here’s the rundown:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken: You can either cook your chicken from scratch, use rotisserie chicken for a speedy option, or even use leftover chicken from a previous meal. It’s versatile!
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack): The melty goodness that binds everything together. I personally love Monterey Jack for its creamy texture but choose whatever your family prefers!
  • 1 cup Hatch green chiles, diced: These are the stars of the show! They add that wonderful aroma and flavor. If you can’t find them fresh, feel free to grab a can from the store.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better! Its flavor adds depth to the filling.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: For that mildly sweet and savory taste that melds together perfectly.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin: A touch of warmth and earthiness—this is where the magic happens!
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to make those flavors pop. Don’t skimp on this!
  • 12 corn or flour tortillas: Choose based on what you like—corn for extra crunch, flour for softness.
  • Oil for frying: I typically use vegetable oil, but feel free to substitute it with any cooking oil you prefer.

Now, you might think this isn’t enough ingredients for something so delectable. Trust me, this recipe thrives on simplicity. Just remember: stay away from the “mighty-sized” tortillas. You want the smaller ones to keep those precious fillings inside!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve gotten our ingredients down, it’s time to dive into the fun part: rolling those little parcels of joy!

First off, preheat your frying pan with oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle! As the oil warms, start by mixing all the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl: shredded chicken, cheese, diced Hatch green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Get in there and mix it up with your hands. Don’t be shy—it should feel a little messy, and the scents will start to rise! Oh, the smell!

Next, it’s time to warm up those tortillas. To make them pliable, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds at a time, flipping halfway until they’re warm and manageable. Alternatively, you can warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. The last thing you want is a tortilla that cracks when you roll it—major disaster alert!

Once your tortillas are beautifully warmed, it’s time to assemble the taquitos. Grab a tortilla and spoon a strip of the filling onto the center. Don’t go overboard here; a small amount (about 2 tablespoons) will do the trick. Fold in the sides quite carefully and roll it up tightly like a burrito. As you roll, channel your inner burrito-rolling champion. Don’t let it get away from you!

After securing your filled tortillas, gently place them in the hot oil, seam side down. In a few minutes, they will turn a gorgeous golden brown, developing a crispy texture that’ll make your taste buds dance! Fry them for about 3-5 minutes on each side; listen to the sizzle. It’s music to my ears!

As they achieve the perfect level of golden perfection, gently remove them from the oil, letting the oil drip back into the pan. Place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. When you’re ready, you can serve them up hot, perhaps alongside salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Pairing a rom-com movie with these crispy delights makes for a perfect cozy evening!

Tips for Best Results

Here are a few little nuggets of wisdom I’ve gathered behind my kitchen counter:

  1. Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting to load those tortillas up, but keep it moderate. Too much filling can cause them to burst open in the hot oil.

  2. Temperature matters: Make sure your oil is hot enough; this helps the taquitos crisp up nicely without absorbing too much oil.

  3. Experiment: Feel free to change the flavor profile! Swap out spices or add more herbs for an elevated taste that suits your mood.

  4. Timer is your best friend: If you’re anything like me and lose track of time while cooking, set a timer for 3-5 minutes during frying!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

  • Proteins: You can switch the chicken for beef, turkey, or even high-protein vegetarian options like black beans or chickpeas.

  • Cheese: Go crazy! Use pepper jack for a spicy kick or a vegan cheese for plant-based eating.

  • Peppers: If Hatch chiles aren’t available, consider using jalapeños or green bell peppers for a milder flavor.

  • Tortillas: Corn for crunch or flour for softness—this is purely based on your family’s preference. Gluten-free options like brown rice tortillas work too!

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, diced Hatch green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
  3. Spoon a portion of the filling onto each tortilla and roll it tightly.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Fry the taquitos until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dips.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when we pair these taquitos with a drink! Sparkling lemonade or a refreshing iced tea would be a lovely complement. For sides, consider serving them with a hefty side salad or some guacamole on top—maybe even a little scoop of sour cream. Honestly, any side that adds creaminess will enhance the overall experience.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover taquitos? Yes, please! If you find yourself with any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, which will allow them to regain some crispness. Honestly, microwaving just doesn’t do them justice! I once made that mistake, and let’s just say the results weren’t nearly as yummy as they could have been.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can definitely make these ahead of time. Simply prepare the taquitos, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them before frying. Once they’re solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen—just adjust the frying time a bit! It’s one of my favorite budget-friendly recipes for busy weeks, and honestly, it’s also a lifesaver.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Skipping the tortilla warming step: Not warming them could lead to tears and spills! Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

  2. Overfilling: As mentioned before, it can lead to a mess. Remember, less is more!

  3. Not testing the oil: To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny bit of filling in—it should sizzle right away!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can I use raw chicken mixed in instead of shredded?

    • You can, but make sure to cook it fully before mixing with the other ingredients. Precooked chicken makes the process easier and quicker.
  2. Can these be baked instead of fried?

    • Absolutely! Arrange them on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F until crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. How spicy are the Hatch green chiles?

    • They have a mild to medium heat level. If spice isn’t your thing, you can always reduce the amount or use bell peppers instead.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

  • Frying pan or deep skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs (optional, but helpful for frying!)
  • Paper towels for draining
  • Baking sheet if you choose to bake

Final Thoughts

These Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls truly embody everything I love about cooking. They are easy to prepare, provide comfort, and are packed with flavor. Every roll tells a story and every bite brings back memories of laughter and family gatherings. It’s the kind of dish you want to talk about, to share around the table, to celebrate with.

So, my friends, if you try your hand at making these delightful rolls, I’d love for you to share your version or any fun surprises you added! Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Cook on and let the good times roll!

Recipe a3b6614a90

Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Taquito Rolls

Delicious and easy-to-make taquitos filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and Hatch green chiles, perfect for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) Monterey Jack provides a creamy texture.
  • 1 cup Hatch green chiles, diced Fresh or canned; the star ingredient.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor depth.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds mild sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Provides warmth and earthiness.
  • to taste salt and pepper Season to enhance flavors.

Tortilla and Cooking

  • 12 pieces corn or flour tortillas Choose based on preference.
  • as needed Oil for frying Vegetable oil or any preferred cooking oil.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat a frying pan with oil over medium heat.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, diced Hatch green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or dry skillet until pliable.

Assembling and Cooking

  • Spoon a portion of the filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
  • Place rolled taquitos seam side down into the hot oil.
  • Fry taquitos for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove taquitos from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serving

  • Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Notes

For best results, don't overstuff the tortillas and ensure the oil is hot enough for frying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 15gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
Keyword chicken rolls, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Hatch chiles, taquitos
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tags:

Chicken Taquitos / easy appetizers / Hatch Chili / Mexican cuisine / Spicy Recipes

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