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Three baked enchiladas topped with melted cheese are being drizzled with a creamy yellow sauce, served on a plate with a floral border.

Chicken Taquitos: Smoky Chipotle and Green Chile

5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • For the chicken:
  • 2-3 lb chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination
  • 1-2 small cans diced green chiles
  • 1-2 tsp chipotle powder OR 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp chicken base or Better Than Bouillon
  • 1/4-1/2 cup pickled jalapeño juice
  • 1/2 cup butter, optional
  • 1/2-1 cup chicken broth, as needed

Instructions

  • Cook the chicken:
  • Add the chicken to your crockpot along with the green chiles, chipotle, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chicken base, and jalapeño juice. Add the butter if using and enough chicken broth to keep everything moist. It won’t take much!
  • Slow cook: Cook until the chicken is completely tender and easily pulls apart. Depending on your crockpot and chicken pieces, this will generally take 4-6 hours on LOW or 2½-4 hours on HIGH. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
  • Shred it: Remove the chicken and shred it really well. Return it to some of the cooking juices and toss it together. Don’t drown it-you want flavorful, juicy chicken without a wet filling.
  • Build the taquitos: Warm the tortillas briefly so they’re flexible. Add a layer of shredded chicken and your desired amount of cheese.
  • Roll: Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on a baking sheet or in your air fryer.
  • Get them CRISPY: Lightly spray or brush the outside with oil. Oven: Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning if needed, until golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. Air fryer: Air fry at 375-400°F for about 8-12 minutes, checking toward the end, until crispy and golden.
  • PILE ON THE GOOD STUFF: Top with jalapeños, shredded cheese, tomatoes, cheese sauce, sour cream, green chiles, or whatever makes your heart happy.