Zesty Crispy Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Rolled and golden, these cream cheese and chicken taquitos deliver a delightful crunch that instantly awakens taste buds.

The perfect blend of shredded chicken and creamy cheese creates an irresistible filling nestled inside crispy tortillas.

Each bite promises a burst of savory goodness that dances across your palate.

Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired cuisine in this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these taquitos work magic as an appetizer or main course.

The combination of melted cheese and tender chicken makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Serve these golden treats and watch as everyone reaches for seconds with pure delight.

How to Prepare Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos at Home

• Fire Up The Oven

Get your kitchen ready by warming the oven to a toasty 425F. Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Create Flavor Blast Mixture

In a big bowl, whip together cream cheese, zesty salsa, tangy lime juice, and a sprinkle of spices until it’s super smooth and creamy.

• Build Your Filling

Toss in shredded chicken, melty cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix everything until it’s completely combined and looks irresistible.

• Roll and Wrap

Spoon the chicken mixture onto tortillas. Roll them up tight like little flavor logs, making sure they’re snug and secure.

• Crisp and Bake

Lightly mist the rolled taquitos with oil. Pop them in the oven and bake until the edges turn golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out these golden beauties and serve immediately. Dive in with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick.

Flavor and Sauce Additions for Taquito Fun

• Spray the taquitos generously with cooking spray before baking to achieve an extra-golden, crunchy exterior that will make every bite irresistibly crisp.
• Assemble taquitos up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for a quick and convenient meal.
• Swap chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian friends to create delicious alternative flavor profiles that suit different dietary needs.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this recipe completely gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable taquitos without worry.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, and add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for those who love an extra kick of spiciness in their dish.

Serve Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos with Sides or Salsa

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange taquitos on a large wooden board with colorful small bowls of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a festive gathering appetizer.
• Fresh Fiesta Feast: Pair taquitos with a crisp side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro to balance the rich, creamy filling.
• Brunch Twist: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and top with a quick pico de gallo for a delicious morning meal that adds a Mexican-inspired kick to breakfast.
• Movie Night Munchies: Cut taquitos into bite-sized pieces and create a fun finger-food spread with various dipping sauces for an easy game day or movie watching snack.

Tips to Keep Taquitos Crispy After Storing

• Cool taquitos completely before refrigerating to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient make-ahead meals lasting up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in oven at 375F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Revive refrigerated or frozen taquitos in oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore original crunchiness, avoiding microwave which can make them soggy.

FAQs

• Can I use corn or flour tortillas for these taquitos?

Both corn and flour tortillas work great. Corn tortillas will give a more traditional texture, while flour tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to crack.

• How can I make these taquitos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the filling, use a hot salsa instead of mild, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture for extra heat.

• Is it possible to prepare these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• Can I freeze these taquitos?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 9

Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos: Ingredient List

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas provide the perfect crispy wrapper for the creamy filling, choose fresh and pliable tortillas for easy rolling.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein adds substance and flavor, use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for maximum juiciness.

• Cream Cheese: Brings rich, smooth texture to the filling, select full-fat version for best consistency.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds melty goodness and extra flavor depth, choose a mild cheddar or Mexican blend.

• Salsa: Introduces zesty moisture and tang, pick fresh or jarred salsa with balanced spice levels.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the entire filling with citrusy freshness, use fresh lime for maximum flavor.
• Green Onions: Provides a mild onion crunch and color, select bright green stalks with firm white bases.

• Cumin: Adds earthy warmth and complexity, use ground cumin for even distribution.
• Chili Powder: Brings subtle heat and traditional Mexican flair, select a quality blend.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses savory undertones, choose a fine, fresh ground variety.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth, freshly ground offers superior flavor.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior, use neutral-flavored spray.

• S.

Tools to Roll and Bake Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all filling ingredients smoothly and ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Baking Sheet: Crucial for evenly baking taquitos and creating a crispy exterior.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy edges and prevents burning.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for precise seasoning measurements.
• Spatula or Mixing Spoon: Perfect for folding and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.

Crispy Cream Cheese And Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos offer a delightful Mexican-inspired snack that blends creamy textures with zesty flavors. Crispy tortillas wrapped around seasoned chicken and smooth cream cheese create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml / 16 fl oz) shredded chicken
• 1 cup (236 ml / 8 fl oz) shredded Mexican or Colby Jack cheese
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 8–10 small flour tortillas
• ⅓ cup (79 ml / 2.7 fl oz) salsa (mild or medium)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil (light brushing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Fire up the oven to 425F (220C), positioning the rack in the center. Lay out a parchment-lined baking sheet and spritz with cooking spray for effortless release.
2. Mixture Creation: In a generous mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the blend transforms into a velvety, uniform mixture.
3. Filling Assembly: Gently fold shredded chicken, cheese, and green onions into the creamy base, ensuring each morsel is perfectly coated and distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Rolling Technique: Distribute the chicken mixture along the bottom third of each tortilla. Tightly roll each taquito, securing the seam underneath, and arrange them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Baking Process: Lightly mist or brush the taquito tops with oil. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, targeting a golden-brown exterior with irresistibly crisp edges.
6. Serving Suggestion: Plate the hot taquitos immediately, accompanied by classic dipping companions like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a vibrant cilantro drizzle to amplify the flavor profile.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Composition: Choose rotisserie or leftover chicken for maximum flavor and convenience, ensuring meat is finely shredded to prevent bulky filling and ensure smooth rolling.

Tortilla Temperature Trick: Warm tortillas slightly before filling to increase flexibility, preventing cracking and making rolling easier without breaking the delicate wrap.

Crispy Surface Strategy: For extra crunch, sprinkle a light layer of grated parmesan or breadcrumbs on taquito exterior before baking, creating a golden, textured finish that enhances overall taste and texture.

Dietary Adaptation Hack: Swap regular tortillas with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower wraps or use gluten-free corn tortillas for individuals with specific dietary requirements while maintaining the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg