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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and softened cream cheese. Use a fork to mix until well combined and creamy.
2. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Take one tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese filling in the center. Avoid overfilling.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Carefully place 3-4 taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
3. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently.
4. 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

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Place the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with cooking oil.
3. 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