Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos – Easy Recipe

Craving a delightful twist on a classic Mexican favorite? Look no further than these scrumptious Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cream cheese, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, these taquitos are a surefire way to please the whole family. The best part? They are baked to crispy perfection, cutting down on the mess and the guilt, while still delivering that irresistible crunch we all crave.

Picture this: warm tortillas filled with melty cream cheese and savory chicken, served straight from the oven with all your favorite toppings and dips. These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a time-saver on busy nights. Whether you’re hosting a game night with friends or simply looking for a hassle-free dinner option, these taquitos are guaranteed to vanish off the plate in no time. So roll up your sleeves, get the little ones involved in the rolling fun, and watch as laughter fills the kitchen while these taquitos bake to golden perfection.

With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior, these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a true comfort food delight. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or savored the next day for a quick lunch, these taquitos are a versatile and satisfying dish that will have your family coming back for more. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these irresistible taquitos, and get ready to witness the smiles and happy faces around your dinner table!

Quick Benefits

• Joyfully crunchy texture that pleases both adults and kids
• Can be made in advance and stored for up to four days, maintaining their crispiness
• Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions and customization
• Satisfying and comforting meal option for family dinners or gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos – Easy Recipe Recipe

• Family-friendly and Joyfully Crunchy: Perfect for a family dinner or game night, these taquitos are both comforting and crispy, appealing to all ages.
• Easy to Make and Minimal Mess: With simple ingredients and a baked method, this recipe is hassle-free and keeps cleanup to a minimum.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by using different cheeses, spice levels, or even swapping out the protein for variation.
• Make-ahead and Meal Prep Friendly: The taquitos can be assembled in advance, making them perfect for busy weeknights or preparing for parties.
• Great for Leftovers: Enjoy the taquitos cold the next day for a quick and tasty lunch, maintaining their crunchiness with a simple reheating method.
• Crowd-pleaser: With gooey cheese in every bite and the option to customize with various dips and toppings, these taquitos are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
• Lighter Take on a Classic Dish: By baking instead of frying, these taquitos offer a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor or crunchiness.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos – Easy Recipe

Creamy Chicken Filling

• 56 g shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 25 g chopped green onions or fresh cilantro (optional)
• 280 g cooked shredded chicken
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 113 g cream cheese, softened
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• 60 ml salsa, preferred heat level

Assembly and Baking

• 8 to 10 small flour or corn tortillas, 15 cm size
• Cooking spray or olive oil, for brushing

Serving and Toppings

• Diced tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
• Shredded lettuce, for garnish (optional)
• Guacamole, for dipping
• Extra cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Salsa or fresh pico de gallo, for dipping
• Sour cream, for dipping

Pro Tips for Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos – Easy Recipe

For the perfect batch of baked cream cheese chicken taquitos, consider using either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. To prevent cracking, warm the tortillas before filling. Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor, but feel free to use any cooked shredded chicken you have on hand. Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil before baking to achieve a golden and crispy finish. For an extra crunch, consider finishing them under the broiler. To save time, prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance, then bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. Don’t forget to jazz up your taquitos with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese for a delicious and customizable experience.

To keep your taquitos crispy for up to four days, cool them completely on a wire rack before storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. When reheating, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes to restore their crunch. Avoid using the microwave, as it can soften the taquitos. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different variations like plain Greek yogurt or neufchâtel if you’re out of cream cheese. For a twist, substitute turkey for chicken or opt for Pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick. Corn tortillas make these taquitos gluten-free, but handle them gently when rolling. Whether it’s for a casual dinner or a party, these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your table.

How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos – Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 204°C and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.

Step 2: Soften Tortillas

Microwave tortillas for 20-30 seconds to make them more pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until creamy, then fold in green onions or cilantro if desired.

Step 4: Fill and Roll Taquitos

Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of chicken filling down the center, then roll tightly. Arrange seam-side down on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 5: Brush and Top

Lightly brush or spray each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray, then sprinkle with additional shredded cheese if desired.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping taquitos halfway for even crispiness. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden finish, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow taquitos to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or pico de gallo, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese as desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious baked cream cheese chicken taquitos, it is essential to store them properly to maintain their crispiness. After allowing the taquitos to cool completely on a wire rack, pack them into airtight containers. Storing the taquitos in the fridge will keep them crispy for up to four days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat the taquitos in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. This method of reheating will help restore their crunchiness instead of using the microwave, which can soften them.

To add variety to your taquitos, you can experiment with different ingredients. If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use plain Greek yogurt or neufchâtel for a similar creamy tang. Additionally, you can substitute the chicken with leftover turkey for a holiday twist. For a spicier kick, try using Pepper Jack cheese, or enhance the flavor with a smoky salsa. Remember that handling corn tortillas gently while rolling will keep them gluten-free and intact. Whether serving these taquitos at a party or for dinner, they pair perfectly with sides like Mexican rice and a green salad. The versatility of this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or neufchâtel cheese for a similar creamy tang in the taquitos. Leftover turkey can be used instead of chicken to add a holiday twist to the dish. To increase the spiciness, consider using Pepper Jack cheese or a spicier salsa, or opt for a smoky salsa to add depth of flavor.

Both corn and flour tortillas can be used for this recipe, making it versatile for different dietary preferences. Ensure to warm the tortillas before filling to prevent cracking during rolling. To make the taquitos gluten-free, use corn tortillas, but handle them gently while rolling to avoid tearing. Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil before baking to achieve a crispy texture. If desired, finish them under the broiler for an extra crunch before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are perfect for a fun and delicious meal. Serve them for a game night with friends by slicing them and arranging them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Create a taquito bar with various toppings like jalapeño coins, diced avocado, and lime wedges for a customizable experience. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

For a quick and satisfying lunch the next day, pack the cooled taquitos in airtight containers and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness. Feel free to experiment with different fillings like leftover turkey or different types of cheese for a unique twist. Whether you’re serving them for a party or a cozy dinner at home, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with their gooey cheese and flavorful filling in every bite.

FAQs for Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos – Easy Recipe

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, both corn and flour tortillas work well. Just make sure to warm them before filling to prevent cracking.

Can I use any other type of cooked shredded chicken besides rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken can be used in this recipe.

How can I make the taquitos extra crunchy?

Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil and bake until golden. For extra crunch, finish them under the broiler for a few minutes.

Can I prepare the taquitos in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos ahead of time. Just bake them fresh when you are ready to serve for the best results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful treat that brings families together and adds a touch of joy to any gathering. The creamy chicken filling wrapped in crispy tortillas is a winning combination that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, these taquitos are sure to satisfy.

Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to your liking by trying different variations such as using leftover turkey, adding Pepper Jack cheese for extra spice, or opting for a smoky salsa for a flavor boost. With simple steps and pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these taquitos in no time. So go ahead, embrace the comfort of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos and watch them disappear before your eyes, leaving behind happy faces and satisfied tummies. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!