Irresistibly Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving something cheesy, crunchy, and utterly delicious, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are your new best friend! I promise, you’ll be hooked from the first bite. The creamy, dreamy filling of softened cream cheese, perfectly seasoned chicken, and melty cheddar cheese is a flavor explosion. Wrapped in crispy tortillas and baked to golden perfection, these taquitos offer a fantastic balance of textures – the tender chicken, the smooth cream cheese, and the satisfying crunch of the baked tortilla.

What makes these taquitos truly special is their ease of preparation. Forget deep-frying; we’re baking these beauties for a healthier, less messy, and equally delicious experience. They’re also incredibly versatile. Want a spicier kick? Add some jalapeños! Feeling adventurous? Try different cheeses or even swap out the chicken for shredded pork. The possibilities are endless! These taquitos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or even a fun appetizer for a party. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and the aroma alone will have everyone clamoring for a taste. So, get ready to impress your friends and family (or just treat yourself!) with these incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos.

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, saving you precious time! Otherwise, cook and shred your favorite chicken breast.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This adds a beautiful creaminess to the filling.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is perfect, but feel free to experiment with other types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
• ¼ cup salsa: Your favorite salsa will do! Mild, medium, or hot – the choice is yours.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: A staple spice that adds depth and savory flavor.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory notes and adds a subtle sweetness.
• 1 tsp cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust to your liking for perfect seasoning.
• 12 corn or flour tortillas: Choose your favorite – both work wonderfully!
• Cooking spray: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible taquitos:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Tip: If your cream cheese is still a bit firm, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it further.
3. Assemble the Taquitos: Lay out your tortillas. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Tip: Don’t overfill them, or they might burst during baking.
4. Roll and Bake: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then tightly roll it up from the bottom to create a taquito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Tip: For extra crispy taquitos, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them closely!
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the taquitos cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa.

Tips for Success

To achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful taquitos, here are a few helpful tips:

Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the tortillas can lead to bursting during baking. Aim for 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.

Properly Soften Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese mixes better and creates a smoother filling. Microwave for short bursts if needed.

Even Baking: Arrange the taquitos in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even browning. Avoid overcrowding.

Watch for Browning: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your taquitos to prevent burning. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.

Cool Slightly Before Serving: This allows the filling to set and prevents the taquitos from falling apart when you bite into them.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these taquitos to your taste! Here are some exciting variations:

Spicy Taquitos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.

Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, or a mixture of your favorite vegetables.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

BBQ Flavor: Add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the filling for a smoky, sweet flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked taquitos. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen taquitos, bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Add a few minutes to the baking time if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of tortillas? A: Absolutely! Both corn and flour tortillas work well in this recipe. Experiment to find your favorite.

Q: How long do the baked taquitos last? A: Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for up to 3 days. Frozen unbaked taquitos can last up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Q: What if I don’t have all the spices? A: Don’t worry! While all the spices add to the deliciousness, you can definitely substitute or omit some. A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper will still result in flavorful taquitos.

Q: Can I air fry these instead of baking them? A: Yes! Air frying is a great alternative. Follow your air fryer’s instructions, but expect cooking times to be shorter – around 10-15 minutes, checking frequently for doneness.

The Final Word

These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a game-changer! They’re easy to make, unbelievably delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The creamy filling, crispy exterior, and customizable flavors make them a true crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your pictures – I love seeing your culinary creations!

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