Description

These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in crispy tortillas that can be on your table in just 30 minutes. Inspired by traditional Mexican taquitos but with an American twist, these handheld delights feature a perfect balance of spiced chicken and melty cheese that creates an irresistible appetizer or main dish. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior makes these taquitos a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining
• Uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator
• Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or main course
• Kid-friendly while still packing enough flavor to satisfy adults
• Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces

Ingredients

• Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken saves time – use rotisserie chicken from the store for maximum convenience, or leftover chicken from another meal.
• Cream Cheese: Provides the creamy base for the filling – ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: This pre-mixed blend offers convenience, but you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor without the work of mincing fresh garlic, though fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred.
• Chili Powder: Provides mild heat and rich color – adjust according to your spice preference.
• Cumin: Delivers that distinctive earthy, warm flavor essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors – be sure to taste your filling before assembling.
• Flour Tortillas: Small tortillas work best for taquitos; corn tortillas provide a more authentic taste but require extra care when rolling.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the taquitos to crispy perfection – canola or avocado oil works well too.
• Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and diced tomatoes add brightness, acidity, and color to the finished dish.

Variations

Baked Taquitos

For a healthier alternative, brush the assembled taquitos lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden. This method reduces calories and mess while still achieving a satisfying crunch.

Spicy Taquitos

Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to your filling mixture. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend for an extra spicy kick.

Vegetarian Taquitos

Replace the chicken with a mixture of black beans and corn for a meat-free version. Mash half the beans slightly for texture while keeping some whole, then mix with sautéed corn, diced bell peppers, and all the same seasonings and cheeses.

Air Fryer Taquitos

Utilize your air fryer for a quicker cooking method with less oil. Spray the assembled taquitos with cooking spray, then air fry at 380°F for about 7-8 minutes until crispy, turning halfway through cooking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, ensuring the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Add the shredded Mexican cheese blend, then season with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling has a cohesive, creamy texture.

Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos

Warm your tortillas slightly in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel. This makes them more pliable and prevents cracking during rolling. Place approximately two tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, positioning it slightly off-center in a line. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, securing with toothpicks if they don’t stay closed on their own.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 350°F). Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, using tongs to rotate them until all sides achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove any toothpicks before serving. Arrange your crispy taquitos on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and diced tomatoes. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling
• Don’t overfill the tortillas – about 2 tablespoons of filling per taquito is perfect
• Roll the taquitos as tightly as possible to prevent the filling from leaking during frying
• Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for optimal crispiness without burning
• If your tortillas crack when rolling, try warming them a bit longer or covering them with a damp paper towel in the microwave
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of taco seasoning to your chicken mixture

How to Serve

These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos make a versatile addition to your menu. Serve them as an appetizer for game day or parties, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces such as salsa verde, queso dip, guacamole, or sour cream. For a complete meal, pair the taquitos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. Arrange them on a platter with colorful garnishes like sliced avocado, pickled red onions, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead

The chicken and cheese filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the taquitos completely and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze the assembled uncooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. These can be stored for up to 3 months and cooked directly from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time). Leftover cooked taquitos can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven or air fryer until crispy and heated through.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a more traditional taquito, but they require special handling. Warm them thoroughly first (either in a microwave covered with a damp paper towel or quickly dip in hot oil) to make them pliable enough to roll without cracking. Corn tortillas typically produce a crispier result but can be more challenging to work with.

How can I keep my taquitos from unrolling while frying?

If your taquitos are unrolling during frying, try securing them with toothpicks before frying (just remember to remove them before serving). Alternatively, place them seam-side down first when frying to help “seal” the edge. Making sure your filling isn’t too wet and that you’re not overfilling the tortillas also helps prevent unrolling.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover taquitos?

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover taquitos in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the tortillas soggy rather than crispy.

Can I make these taquitos with other meats besides chicken? (H3)

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shredded beef, pork, or even ground taco meat. Just ensure that any meat you use is fully cooked before mixing with the other filling ingredients. Each meat will bring its own unique flavor to the taquitos.

Conclusion

These 30-minute Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos strike the perfect balance between convenience and incredible flavor, making them an ideal addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests at your next gathering, these crispy, creamy taquitos are sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and zesty spices wrapped in a crispy shell creates a satisfying bite that’s both comforting and exciting. Give this recipe a try – it might just become your new go-to for quick, delicious meals that everyone will request again and again!

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