Creamy Chicken Taquitos

$To make tasty Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, you need these key items: - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 10 small corn tortillas - Olive oil for brushing You can add fun flavors with these optional items: - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Salsa for dipping - Guacamole for a creamy touch Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I suggest: - A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A skillet for warming tortillas - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper - A pastry brush for olive oil - A spoon for filling tortillas {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to get everything ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, warm 10 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet. Heat them for about 20 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Take a tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the bottom third. Roll it up tightly, starting from the bottom. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a nice golden color. Now, it's time to bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch them closely until they are crispy and golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy your taquitos with salsa or guacamole on the side! To make your taquitos crispy, start by warming the corn tortillas. Heat them in a dry skillet for 20 seconds on each side. This step makes the tortillas flexible and prevents tearing. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil before baking. This oil helps them achieve that golden color and crunch we all love. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. You can easily boost the flavor of your taquitos. Try adding diced jalapeños for some heat. You can also mix in black beans for extra texture and protein. A squeeze of lime juice adds freshness and zest. If you love herbs, add chopped cilantro or green onions to the chicken mixture. These enhancements give your taquitos a unique twist that will impress your guests. For serving, arrange your taquitos on a large platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Place small bowls of salsa and guacamole around the platter. This setup invites everyone to dig in. For a fun touch, add toothpicks to each taquito for easy picking. Enjoy these snacks warm for the best flavor and texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and high-quality cheeses. Fresh ingredients elevate the overall taste of your taquitos. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, corn, or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for added texture and flavor. Keep Tortillas Warm: If you're making a large batch, keep the tortillas warm in a clean kitchen towel while you prepare the filling and roll the taquitos. Perfectly Crispy Taquitos: Make sure to brush the taquitos evenly with olive oil to achieve a perfectly crispy texture as they bake. {{image_2}} You can easily make vegetarian taquitos. Swap out chicken for black beans or lentils. Add some sautéed bell peppers and corn for texture. Mixing in fresh spinach or kale adds nutrients and flavor. Use the same cream cheese to keep that creamy texture. These options are delicious and filling. Cheese plays a big role in flavor. While cheddar is a classic, you can try different cheeses. Cream cheese pairs well with mozzarella for a stretchy texture. For a sharper taste, use pepper jack cheese. If you like a tangy flavor, try goat cheese. Feel free to mix several types for a unique taste. Add some heat to your taquitos! Chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies can spice things up. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. If you love bold flavors, consider adding taco seasoning or smoked paprika. These additions make your taquitos even more exciting and tasty. After enjoying your taquitos, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes for a crunchy finish. To freeze taquitos, first let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about one hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Yes, you can! Try shredded beef or pork. You can also use turkey. Just make sure the meat is cooked and shredded. This way, it mixes well with the cream cheese and spices. Each meat gives a unique taste. So, feel free to explore what you like best! To make taquitos gluten-free, use corn tortillas. They are often gluten-free. Check the label to be sure. Avoid using flour tortillas, as they contain gluten. If you want a crunchy texture, try baking them longer. Gluten-free taquitos can be just as tasty! Warm tortillas in a dry skillet. Heat them on medium for 20 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to roll. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 30 seconds. Both methods work great for keeping tortillas pliable! Making taquitos is fun and easy. We covered essential and optional ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for crispy taquitos and tasty variations. Remember, you can make these your own with different fillings or sides. Store leftovers properly and reheat them for a quick snack. Taquitos bring joy to meals and gatherings. Enjoy trying out these recipes and make them your own!$

Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Delicious and crispy taquitos filled with a creamy chicken mixture.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 10

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
to taste salt and pepper
10 small corn tortillas
for brushing olive oil
for garnish fresh cilantro
for serving salsa or guacamole

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20 seconds on each side to make them pliable.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll them tightly, starting from the bottom and rolling upwards, and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the taquitos lightly with olive oil for a golden finish during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are crispy and golden brown.
Remove from oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Notes

Arrange the taquitos neatly on a serving platter, garnished with additional cilantro. Serve with small bowls of salsa and guacamole for a colorful and inviting presentation.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, Mexican, taquitos