WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are an amazing choice for many reasons. First, they combine flavors that everyone loves, like creamy cheese, spicy salsa, and tender chicken. Second, they are baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option. You can serve these taquitos as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, making them versatile for any occasion. Plus, they are easy to make and fun to assemble, making it a great activity to do with friends and family.
HOW TO MAKE Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients:
- 280 g cooked shredded chicken
- 113 g cream cheese, softened
- 56 g shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 60 ml salsa, preferred heat level
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 25 g chopped green onions or fresh cilantro (optional)
- 8 to 10 small flour or corn tortillas, 15 cm size
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for brushing
- Guacamole, for dipping
- Sour cream, for dipping
- Salsa or fresh pico de gallo, for dipping
- Shredded lettuce, for garnish (optional)
- Diced tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
- Extra cheese, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 204°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This step makes them easier to roll and helps prevent cracking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until you have a creamy mixture. If you are using green onions or cilantro, fold them in at this stage.
- Take one warmed tortilla and place it on your work surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along the center of the tortilla. Roll it tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Set each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Continue this process with the remaining filling and tortillas.
- Lightly brush or spray each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray. If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top.
- Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up evenly. For a golden finish, you can broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Let the taquitos cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Serve them with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or pico de gallo, and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese if you like.
HOW TO SERVE Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Serving Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is simple and enjoyable! They are best served warm, straight from the oven. You can arrange them on a platter and provide different dips such as guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for everyone to enjoy. For added color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro on top. You may also accompany them with a side salad or some fresh veggies to make a complete meal. Enjoy these taquitos as finger food, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
HOW TO STORE Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
If you have leftover taquitos, you can store them easily. Allow the taquitos to cool completely before putting them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in a hot oven for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the unbaked taquitos. Simply prepare them as directed but do not bake them. Instead, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to bake them, you can cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
TIPS TO MAKE Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
- Use Warm Tortillas: Make sure to warm the tortillas before rolling them. This will keep them soft and flexible so they do not crack while you fill and roll them.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add too much filling, but sticking to 2 to 3 tablespoons per taquito is best. This helps avoid spills and makes them easier to roll.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of salsa or spices according to your heat preference. This allows you to customize the dish for everyone’s taste.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are excellent choices, you can try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning a gathering, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the taquitos just before baking them.
VARIATIONS
You can make your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos unique by adding various ingredients. Here are a few fun twists to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for black beans or refried beans, and add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or corn for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or diced green chilies to the filling for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some cream cheese with herbs or flavored cheese spreads to enhance the cheesy flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Try adding some roasted corn and a dash of honey or barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Different Tortillas: For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas. You can also try spinach or tomato-flavored tortillas for added color and taste.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken is a great way to make this recipe faster and more convenient. Just shred the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I freeze the taquitos before baking?
Absolutely! After assembling the taquitos, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for storage. You can bake them straight from frozen whenever you want them.
How do I make them spicy?
If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, spicy salsa, or pepper jack cheese to the filling. You can also serve the taquitos with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick!
What can I serve with the taquitos?
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos go well with a variety of dips like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How long do these taquitos last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 204°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to make them easier to roll.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy.
- If using, fold in the chopped green onions or cilantro at this stage.
- Take one warmed tortilla and place it on your work surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling along the center of the tortilla. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Set each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Continue this process with the remaining filling and tortillas.
- Lightly brush or spray each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping. Optionally, broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end for a golden finish.
- Let the taquitos cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or pico de gallo, and garnish as desired.