Chicken Taquitos with Avocado Lime Crema

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Avocado Lime Crema:

1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

1/2 cup sour cream

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly:

12 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese

Vegetable oil for frying

For Garnish:

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Radishes, thinly sliced

Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add shredded chicken, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook until the chicken is heated through and coated with the spices.

Stir in chopped cilantro and remove the skillet from heat. Set aside.

2. Make the Avocado Lime Crema:

In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

3. Assemble the Taquitos:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Warm the tortillas briefly to make them pliable. Spoon a portion of the chicken filling onto each tortilla, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and roll tightly.

4. Fry or Bake the Taquitos:

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the taquitos until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.

5. Serve:

Drain the fried taquitos on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve the chicken taquitos warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced radishes. Serve lime wedges on the side.

6. Drizzle with Avocado Lime Crema:

Just before serving, drizzle the prepared Avocado Lime Crema over the taquitos or serve it on the side for dipping.

Present the Chicken Taquitos on a stylish platter, arranged neatly. Consider placing a small bowl of Avocado Lime Crema in the center for communal dipping.

These Michelin-star Chicken Taquitos with Avocado Lime Crema are a fusion of vibrant flavors and textures, making them an elevated and delightful dish for any dining experience. Enjoy!