Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican favorite that I absolutely adore. These crispy, golden rolls are not only packed with flavor but also offer a creamy texture that makes every bite a joy. Originating from the vibrant streets of Mexico, taquitos have become a beloved dish in many households, and for good reason! The combination of tender chicken and rich cream cheese creates a mouthwatering filling that is both satisfying and comforting.
What I love most about cream cheese chicken taquitos is their versatility. They can be served as a quick snack, a party appetizer, or even a main dish, making them perfect for any occasion. The convenience of preparing these taquitos ahead of time and popping them in the oven when guests arrive is a game-changer. Plus, the crispy exterior paired with the creamy filling is a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 10-12 small flour tortillas
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream and guacamole (for serving)
Preparing the Filling
First things first, let’s get our filling ready. This is the heart of our taquitos, and I promise it’s super easy to whip up!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and softened cream cheese. I like to use a fork to mix them together until they are well combined and creamy.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly blended. You want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
- Once the filling is ready, give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more salsa or a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Preparing the Tortillas
Now that our filling is ready, it’s time to prepare the tortillas. This step is crucial to ensure that our taquitos roll up nicely without cracking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the flour tortillas for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This will make them pliable and easier to roll. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds if you prefer.
- Once warmed, remove the tortillas from the skillet and place them on a clean surface. Make sure to keep them covered with a kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
Assembling the Taquitos
Now comes the fun part—assembling our taquitos! This is where you can get creative.
- Take one tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, starting from the side closest to you. Tuck in the sides as you roll to keep the filling secure. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet.
- Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling until everything is rolled up. You should have about 10-12 taquitos, depending on how much filling you use in each one.
Cooking the Taquitos
Now that our taquitos are assembled, it’s time to cook them! You can either fry or bake them, depending on your preference.
Frying Method
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully place 3-4 taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make them soggy.
- Fry the taquitos for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently.
- Once cooked, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining taquitos.
Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Conclusion:
In summary, these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snack game or impress guests at their next gathering. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the perfect blend of spices wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, or even add a twist by incorporating different ingredients such as black beans, corn, or jalapeños for an extra kick. I encourage you to give this recipe a shot and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in, a party, or just because, I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share your experience! I would love to hear how your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos turned out and any unique variations you tried. Happy cooking! Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
Description
These Chicken Taquitos are crispy on the outside and filled with a creamy blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas, they make a perfect appetizer or snack, bursting with flavor and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy them fried or baked, served with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 10–12 small flour tortillas
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream and guacamole (for serving)
Instructions
Recipe Description:
These delicious Chicken Taquitos are filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, they make for a fantastic appetizer or snack!
Full Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 10-12 small flour tortillas
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream and guacamole (for serving)
Full Instructions:
Preparing the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and softened cream cheese. Use a fork to mix until well combined and creamy.
- Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salsa or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
Preparing the Tortillas
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the flour tortillas for about 10-15 seconds on each side to make them pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the tortillas from the skillet and place them on a clean surface, keeping them covered with a kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
Assembling the Taquitos
- Take one tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese filling in the center. Avoid overfilling.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are rolled up, yielding about 10-12 taquitos.
Cooking the Taquitos
You can either fry or bake the taquitos based on your preference.
Frying Method
- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Carefully place 3-4 taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently.
- Remove cooked taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining taquitos.
Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with cooking oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Notes:
– Feel free to customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
– Serve with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15-20 minutes (frying or baking)
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Yield:
10-12 taquitos
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
