Description
Sinful Mexican cream cheese and chicken taquitos deliver crispy golden perfection with creamy, zesty filling. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these little rolls promise a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups (473 ml) cooked and shredded chicken
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (236 ml) shredded Mexican or Colby Jack cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) salsa (mild or medium, as preferred)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or a light brushing of olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a sizzling 425F (220C). Strategically line a baking sheet with parchment paper and apply a light mist of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Craft the flavor-packed filling by whisking cream cheese, zesty salsa, tangy lime juice, warm cumin, spicy chili powder, aromatic garlic powder, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
- Introduce shredded chicken, melty cheese, and finely chopped green onions into the creamy mixture, gently folding until each ingredient is thoroughly integrated and evenly distributed.
- Transform tortillas into crispy rolls by carefully spreading the chicken mixture along the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly, ensuring a compact and secure seal, then position each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Enhance the exterior by delicately misting or brushing the taquito tops with cooking spray or oil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and delightfully crisp edges.
- Present the sizzling taquitos immediately, accompanied by classic garnishes like cool sour cream, vibrant salsa, creamy guacamole, or a drizzle of herbaceous cilantro dressing to elevate the dining experience.
Notes
- Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free or low-carb tortillas for dietary restrictions and create a versatile meal option.
- Experiment with different protein alternatives like shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian versions that maintain the same delicious flavor profile.
- Prep and freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick weeknight meals that can be baked directly from frozen with a slight increase in cooking time.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly shred chicken breasts in a stand mixer for a faster and more convenient filling preparation method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg