Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite

Ingredients

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, adjust to personal preference
• A generous drizzle of olive oil, about 1 tablespoon
• Finely chopped onion for added flavor
• A plentiful cup of sliced olives for a burst of briny goodness
• Optional: 7 ounces of canned chopped green chiles, drained
• Approximately ¾ cup of water to bring everything together
• A packet of zesty taco seasoning, about 1 ounce
• A generous helping of shredded Mexican cheese blend, around 8 ounces
• 10 soft, 6-inch flour tortillas for wrapping up this delectable filling

Step 1

To begin, lay the chicken evenly in the base of a large saucepan. Fill the pan with cool water until the chicken is submerged by about an inch. Slowly bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and allow the chicken to cook until it is no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear, typically taking 10 to 14 minutes. To ensure it's cooked through, an instant-read thermometer should register at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it cool slightly, and then shred the meat using two forks. Dispose of the poaching liquid.

Step 2

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat some oil and sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, olives, chiles, water, and taco seasoning to the skillet, bringing it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Mix in the Mexican cheese until it melts, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4

Next, heat up the tortillas on a griddle over medium-high heat until they are soft, spending approximately 10 seconds on each side. Once warmed, fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down on the greased baking sheet.

Step 5

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the edges of the tortillas turn golden brown, which usually takes around 30 minutes.