Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

If you crave a crispy yet creamy handheld dinner that the whole family will devour these baked creamy chicken taquitos do the trick They are irresistible dipped in your favorite sauce and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or party snack

I first threw these together on a busy weeknight when everyone wanted tacos but I only had chicken and tortillas The smell alone brought everyone to the kitchen and by now these are impossible not to crave when the weather gets chilly

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Creaminess is essential and low fat works but avoid fat free for the best texture Choose fresh if possible
• Green salsa: Brings a tangy kick and a slight heat Use one with visible green chile bits for flavor
• Fresh lime juice: Adds a fresh zing never skip it Pick limes that are heavy for their size
• Cumin: Warm earthy flavor that gives depth Always use ground cumin stored in an airtight container
• Chili powder: Adds a touch of smoky spice Opt for a blend without fillers
• Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and savoriness Look for one with just onion in the ingredient list
• Granulated garlic or garlic powder: Boosts savory notes both work but granulated is my favorite
• Chopped cilantro: Brings freshness and color Use bunches with unblemished leaves for the best flavor
• Sliced green onions: Mild onion bite and crunch Use fresh crisp stalks
• Shredded cooked chicken: The star of the recipe Make a rotisserie chicken your weeknight shortcut
• Pepper jack or plain jack cheese: Melts beautifully while adding richness Shred your own for the best melt
• Soft taco size tortillas or your favorite tortillas: Holds everything together Choose fresh pliable ones to prevent cracking
• Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor I love using flakes for an extra punch on top
• Cooking spray or oil: Gets the taquitos golden and crisp Choose olive or avocado oil spray for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Filling:

Soften the cream cheese by microwaving for just long enough to make it easy to stir then mix it with salsa lime juice cumin chili powder onion powder garlic cilantro and green onions Make sure everything is fully incorporated so each bite is flavorful

Mix in Chicken and Cheese:

Add shredded chicken and cheese to the bowl and stir thoroughly until the filling is creamy and evenly mixed You can stash this in the fridge if prepping ahead

Warm and Prep Tortillas:

Use a few tortillas at a time and microwave with damp paper towels until soft and flexible Just twenty to thirty seconds does the trick for corn tortillas For flour tortillas just ensure they are at room temperature

Roll the Taquitos:

Spoon about a quarter cup of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla Keep the filling away from the edges as you roll tightly Place each rolled taquito seam side down on a lined baking sheet making sure they are not crowded

Brush and Season:

Lightly spritz or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or oil Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tops for extra crunch and pop

Bake Until Crisp:

Slide the sheet into a preheated oven and bake at high temperature until the edges go golden brown and crispy This usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes Keep an eye out for little bits of filling bubbling out

Cool and Serve:

Let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter Use a spoon to tuck any runaway filling back inside

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Pepper jack cheese is my secret weapon I just love the hit of warmth it sneaks in Every time I made these with my sister we laughed about how we ended up barely getting seconds because the kids would devour the whole pan before we even sat down

Storage Tips

Stash leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge and they will stay tasty for up to three days For easy reheating use an air fryer toaster oven or hot oven for the best crispiness and avoid microwaving unless you do not care if they turn out a little soft For longer storage freeze taquitos after rolling but before baking then bake from frozen whenever you need a quick dinner

Ingredient Substitutions

No cooked chicken on hand Swap in leftover turkey or even pulled pork instead For a vegetarian version try with canned black beans and corn and keep the cheese and salsa right in there If you want more heat pick a spicy salsa or add minced jalapeño to the filling

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with sour cream guacamole or a crave-worthy lime cilantro sauce I love them with a pile of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on the side They pair perfectly with soup or a light salad for a balanced dinner

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Cultural Context

Taquitos meaning little tacos have roots in the Mexican border region but became wildly popular in Southern California Baking instead of frying makes this a lighter spin and a complete classic in home kitchens everywhere

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent tortillas from cracking while rolling?

Warm tortillas in the microwave, wrapped in damp paper towels, for 20-30 seconds to make them soft and flexible for rolling.

→ Can I make taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead. Store in the fridge or freeze before baking for convenience.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?

Sour cream, guacamole, or lime-cilantro dressing complement the flavors and add creaminess.

→ How do I make these taquitos crispier?

Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil before baking and bake until golden brown and crisp.

→ Is there a way to make these in an air fryer?

Yes, cook taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, checking for crispness starting at 6-8 minutes.

→ Can I freeze the taquitos before baking?

Absolutely. Roll, brush with oil, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F until golden and hot.