Kid's Taquitos Recipe

Prepare filling

In a medium bowl combine shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp mild taco seasoning, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning very lightly for kids (less spice).

Soften tortillas

If using flour tortillas: wrap 4 tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave 20–25 seconds to make them pliable. If using corn tortillas: warm each briefly in a skillet over medium heat 10–15 seconds per side or steam under a damp towel until flexible to prevent cracking when rolling.

Assemble taquitos

Lay one softened tortilla flat. Place about 3/8 cup (roughly 2–3 tablespoons) of the chicken-cheese filling in a line across the lower third of the tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat with remaining tortillas to make 4 taquitos (this recipe yields 2 servings of two taquitos each).

Prepare baking sheet

Lightly coat the tops of the rolled taquitos with nonstick cooking spray (or brush with a little additional olive oil) to help them brown and crisp in the oven.

Bake

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the taquitos on the middle rack 10–12 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet and bake another 3–5 minutes until edges are golden-brown and tortillas are crisp. Total bake time about 13–17 minutes depending on your oven.

Finish

Remove from oven and let cool 2 minutes. If desired for extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes watching carefully so they do not burn. Transfer to plate and keep warm while you prepare guacamole.

Halve, pit and scoop the avocado into a small bowl. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining (kid-friendly texture).

Add 1/2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp finely chopped seeded tomato, 1 tbsp finely chopped mild onion or scallion, 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch (1/16 tsp) black pepper. Mix gently and taste; adjust salt or lime very slightly if needed.

Transfer guacamole to a small serving dish and serve alongside the warm taquitos. Offer extra lime wedges if desired.