Description
These crispy chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring shredded chicken blended with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and flavorful spices, rolled inside tortillas and baked until golden and crunchy. Perfect for serving with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tortillas and Cooking
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Warm the tortillas: Microwave the tortillas for about 20 seconds to make them soft and pliable, which helps prevent them from cracking when rolled.
- Assemble the taquitos: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto one side of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to help keep them closed.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for crisping.
- Brush or spray with oil: Lightly brush the taquitos with oil or spray them generously with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy exterior.
- Bake until crispy: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy finish, broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and extra shredded cheese.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Adjust the spice level of salsa according to your preference.
- For gluten-free options, use corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free.
- To make ahead, assemble the taquitos and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- If you prefer extra crispy taquitos, air frying is also a great alternative method.
