Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breast, or 3 cups shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese, or reduced fat cheddar cheese
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 16 small corn tortillas

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish, add 1/2 cup water, cover and bake until juices run clear when pierced with a fork, about 35-40 minutes. Chicken should have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees when done. Allow to cool slightly, remove skin and shred.
  • Combine all the above ingredients in a medium bowl, except tortillas. In a small skillet (preferably a dry cast iron skillet), on medium heat, warm tortillas on each side until warm, about 20 seconds per side.
  • Spread 3 tablespoons mixture onto the center of each tortillas, roll as tightly as possibly, and place seam side down on parchment lined cookie sheet or non-stick baking dish. Brush tops of each taquito with olive oil or lightly mist with nonstick cooking spray. Bake approximately 15-20 minutes or until taquitos are hot and crisp.
  • If desired, top taquitos with a little additional shredded cheddar and return to oven just until melted. Top with a little plain, low-fat Greek yogurt, Guacamole or salsa.
  • TIP: Spread mixture quickly onto warmed tortilla before it cools. This helps to prevent tortilla from breaking. They likely will have a few cracks as it’s difficult to totally prevent. Another method for heating tortillas, steam them in a double boiler until hot and pliable.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2taquitos | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 199mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | 

Smart Points: 4

Skinny Chicken Taquitos

Introduction:
Skinny Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic Mexican dish, featuring tender shredded chicken, savory cheese, and zesty seasonings wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Baked to crispy perfection, these taquitos are perfect for a satisfying meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded chicken breast)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese (or reduced-fat cheddar cheese)
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 16 small corn tortillas
  • Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish, add 1/2 cup of water, cover, and bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Allow chicken to cool slightly, remove skin if any, and shred the meat.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, taco seasoning, salt to taste, and salsa. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Warm the Tortillas:
    Heat a small skillet over medium heat (preferably a dry cast iron skillet). Warm each tortilla on both sides for about 20 seconds per side until they are warm and pliable. This step ensures the tortillas are easy to roll without cracking.
  4. Assemble the Taquitos:
    Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or non-stick baking dish.
  5. Bake the Taquitos:
    Brush the tops of each taquito with olive oil or lightly mist with nonstick cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the taquitos are hot and crispy.
  6. Optional Cheese Topping:
    For added indulgence, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese over the taquitos during the last few minutes of baking. Return them to the oven just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    Once baked to perfection, remove the taquitos from the oven and serve them hot. Garnish with a dollop of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt, guacamole, or additional salsa for extra flavor.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Preventing Tortilla Breakage: Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking. Keeping them warm helps maintain their flexibility, making them easier to roll.
  • Variation: Customize your taquitos by adding diced jalapeños, black beans, or cilantro to the filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for crispiness.

Nutrition Information:

  • Serving Size: 2 taquitos
  • Calories: 201 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg
  • Sodium: 199 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • SmartPoints: 4

Conclusion:
Skinny Chicken Taquitos offer a guilt-free way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine with fewer calories and SmartPoints. Whether served as a family dinner or party appetizer, these taquitos are sure to be a hit. Embrace the simplicity of baking for a healthier alternative to frying, without sacrificing taste or texture.