Spicy Chipotle Chicken Roll-Ups
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What’s up, Hungry People!
Today I’m sharing a recipe that will have everyone talking at your next party. These chipotle chicken roll-ups are not only delicious, but they’re also super easy to prepare, especially if you do some prepping the night before. In fact, I recently made a batch for my sister’s baby shower, and I was bombarded with requests for the recipe. So, ladies, here it is!
A Flavorful and Affordable Delight
One of the best things about this recipe is that it won’t break the bank. You can easily whip up these roll-ups with readily available ingredients without spending a fortune. Now, let’s talk about the ingredients that give these roll-ups their kick. I used diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, chipotles in adobo sauce, and pepperjack cheese, which brought some heat to the dish. However, don’t worry if you’re not a fan of spicy food. The heat is balanced out by the cream cheese and mild cheddar cheese blend that we’ll mix everything with.
Here’s What You Need
- Chicken breast tenders: Provides the main protein for the roll-ups.
- Flour tortillas: Serves as the wrap for the roll-ups, holding all the ingredients together.
- Cream cheese: Creates a creamy and tangy base for the filling.
- Diced tomato with green chiles (canned): Adds a hint of heat and tanginess to the filling.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned): Provides smoky and spicy flavors to the filling.
- Pepperjack cheese: Adds a mild kick and melty texture to the filling.
- Cheddar cheese: Enhances the cheesiness and richness of the filling.
- Green onion: Adds freshness and a subtle onion flavor to the filling.
- Garlic powder: Provides a savory and aromatic element to the filling.
- Cumin: Adds warmth and earthy flavor to the filling.
- Oil for frying: Used to brown the chicken and prevent sticking in the pan.
Let’s Cook!
First, grab a small pan and quickly brown and boil a few strips of chicken breast. Once it’s cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken. While the chicken cools down, drain the tomatoes and chop the green onions.
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained tomatoes, chopped green onions, and a blend of spices. To ensure the cream cheese blends smoothly, it’s best to have it at room temperature. Avoid microwaving it, as it could make the tortillas soggy.
The Assembly
Now comes the fun part! Take each tortilla and spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges. Sprinkle on the shredded chicken, or if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can leave out the chicken altogether. Trust me, they’re just as delicious!
Once that’s done, simply roll up the tortillas and pop them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a rush, give them at least six hours to let the cream cheese harden.
A Little Extra Touch
I had an extra tortilla leftover from my pack, so I decided to get a bit creative. I melted some cheddar cheese, chopped up the extra green onions, and made a second flavor right on the spot. These roll-ups are incredibly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. They were a hit at the baby shower, leaving everyone raving and asking for more. I know I’ll be making these roll-ups again and again!
Tips for Making Chicken Roll-Ups
- Prep ahead: To save time, you can brown and shred the chicken, chop the green onions, and drain the diced tomatoes in advance.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature makes it easier to mix and ensures a smooth filling.
- Avoid soggy tortillas: Microwave the cream cheese sparingly, as it can make the tortillas soggy. It’s best to use room temperature cream cheese for easy spreading.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even cooked bacon for added flavor and texture.
- Proper rolling technique: Roll the tortillas tightly to prevent them from unraveling. If needed, secure with toothpicks or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before chilling.
- Chill for optimal firmness: Letting the roll-ups chill for at least 6 hours or overnight allows the cream cheese to harden, making them easier to slice and handle.
- Slice evenly: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled roll-ups into even, bite-sized pieces for a neat presentation.
- Serve with dipping sauces: Accompany the roll-ups with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping and added flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Double-check spice levels: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your preference for spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and add more if desired.
That’s it, Hungry People! Get ready to impress your friends and family with these tasty and affordable chipotle chicken roll-ups. Enjoy!
Simple Chipotle Chicken Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken breast tenders
- 8 flour tortillas
- 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 8 oz diced tomato with green chiles (canned) drained
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned)
- ¼ cup pepperjack cheese shredded
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup green onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons oil for frying
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on each side for about 2 minutes per side.
- Cover the chicken with water and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, shred it, and let it cool. (PRO TIP: use a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly).
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, drained diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, shredded cheeses, green onions, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the tortillas, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly across all eight tortillas.
- Tightly roll up the tortillas and chill them for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, slice the chilled tortillas into even, bite-sized rolls, making about 6-8 pieces per tortilla. Serve right away and enjoy!