Description
These Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crispy Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack, filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cheeses, and flavorful spices all wrapped in corn tortillas and baked to golden perfection. They are easy to prepare and perfect for parties or casual meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 teaspoon chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Tortillas and Baking
- 8–12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt, to taste
Optional for Serving
- Salsa (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the taquitos from sticking and to help them crisp up evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, chile powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and onion powder until smooth. Add minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped scallions, stirring to combine. Fold in the shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the mixture is evenly incorporated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas according to package instructions or briefly microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel until soft and pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
- Roll Taquitos: Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
- Spray and Season: Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little kosher salt to enhance crispiness and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the tortillas are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot taquitos with your choice of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping and added flavor.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent them from cracking and makes rolling easier.
- You can substitute cooked shredded turkey or beef for the chicken if desired.
- For extra crispiness, flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
- If you prefer spicier taquitos, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
