Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Recipe

Short, engaging hook. This Chicken and Cheese Taquitos recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, these crispy, cheesy rolls are filled with shredded chicken and a creamy cheese blend, making them a hit among both kids and adults. The balance of textures and flavors ensures that every bite is a delightful experience, and the best part? You can whip them up with minimal fuss, thanks to a few shortcuts.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes this recipe special is its incredible simplicity and versatility. Not only does it pack a flavor punch, but it also caters to busy lifestyles with quick prep time. You can serve these taquitos as an appetizer, a main course, or even a fun party snack. Their baked, rather than fried, nature means you can enjoy a healthier twist on a beloved classic without compromising on taste.

"These taquitos became an instant family favorite! The creaminess of the filling and that crispy outer layer is just heavenly." – A happy home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing Chicken and Cheese Taquitos is a straightforward process. It’s all about creating that delicious filling, prepping your tortillas, and then rolling and baking them to crispy perfection. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily you can bring these delicious morsels to the table.

What You’ll Need

• 3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken: Great for using leftover rotisserie chicken!
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: Provides a rich, creamy texture.
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheese Blend: A mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for the perfect melt.
• ¼ cup Diced Green Chiles, drained: Adds a mild, tangy kick.
• ½ cup Finely Chopped Red Onion: For that sweet crunch.
• ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Brightens up the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Cumin: Deep, smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder: Mild heat and savory complexity.
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Essential savory flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the overall taste.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Vital for seasoning.
• 24 Corn Tortillas: The traditional base for taquitos.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Spray: For that perfect crispy finish.

Gather Your Ingredients

Feel free to substitute shredded chicken with canned chicken or even beans for a vegetarian option. Got a different cheese blend on hand? Go ahead and use it!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced chiles, chopped onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Add Chicken: Gently fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds to make them pliable.
5. Assemble Taquitos: On a warm tortilla, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling down the center and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
6. Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with oil for that crispy finish.
7. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.
8. Rest and Serve: Let them cool for a few moments before serving warm with toppings of your choice.

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Best Way to Serve

To elevate your taquito experience, serve them with a side of guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for dipping. A fresh side salad or Mexican street corn can complement the meal beautifully. For gatherings, consider setting up a taco bar where guests can customize their dipping sauces and toppings!

Storage Tips

To keep Chicken and Cheese Taquitos fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re looking to keep them longer, freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them!

Expert Advice

• Warming Tortillas: This step is crucial! Always warm your tortillas to prevent them from cracking when rolling.
• Don’t Overstuff: Ensure you leave space at the ends when filling to avoid spills while baking.
• Cook in Batches: If making a large batch, keep the already rolled taquitos warm in a low-temperature oven until you’re ready to serve.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Substitute cooked beef, beans, or even create a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and bacon. Experiment with different spices or include black olives, corn, or jalapeños for added texture and flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make Chicken and Cheese Taquitos?

This recipe can be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner or a gathering.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes! While corn tortillas provide an authentic taste, flour tortillas will work well too. Just ensure you warm them up before rolling.

How do I reheat leftover taquitos?

To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.

Creating these Chicken and Cheese Taquitos is not only simple but also rewarding. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the joy of sharing them with family and friends!

Chicken and Cheese Taquitos

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Crispy, cheesy rolls filled with shredded chicken and creamy cheese blend, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheese Blend (Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
• ¼ cup Diced Green Chiles, drained
• ½ cup Finely Chopped Red Onion
• ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 24 Corn Tortillas
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced chiles, chopped onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. Gently fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
4. Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds to make them pliable.
5. On a warm tortilla, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling down the center and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
6. Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with oil for that crispy finish.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.
8. Let them cool for a few moments before serving warm with toppings of your choice.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute shredded chicken with canned chicken or beans. Can store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 taquitos
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: taquitos, chicken, cheese, appetizer, Mexican food, baking