Creamy Chicken Taquitos
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner, look no further than these Creamy Chicken Taquitos. They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to make, with a creamy filling that packs a flavor punch. Imagine tender shredded chicken combined with creamy cheese and spicy seasonings, all rolled up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family meal, these taquitos will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Creamy Chicken Taquitos are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy filling, made with cream cheese and zesty spices, perfectly complements the crispy exterior of the taquitos. And the best part? They can be prepared in advance and frozen for later, making them a versatile addition to your meal rotation. Serve them with a side of guacamole or sour cream for an extra treat.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup Sabra Southwest salsa
- 3 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/3 cup minced cilantro
- Small flour tortillas, 6-inch
- Spray olive oil
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Baking sheet – for crisping up your taquitos in the oven.
- Mixing bowl – to combine all the delicious filling ingredients.
- Spatula – for easy mixing and spreading.
- Cooking spray – to give your taquitos a golden, crispy finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
Creamy Chicken Taquitos: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced green chiles, Sabra Southwest salsa, diced green onions, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded pepper jack cheese, and minced cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 2: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay a small flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken mixture onto the lower third of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat little package. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 3: Bake the Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with more olive oil to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re out of the oven, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole or sour cream for an added flavor boost.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use shredded cheese varieties like cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Pro Perspective
These Creamy Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. You can tailor the spice levels to suit your taste by adjusting the chili powder or opting for milder salsa. Additionally, they can be made in large batches and frozen before baking; just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when the craving strikes. This way, you always have a quick meal option at your fingertips!
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again. For meal prep, consider making a double batch and freezing them before baking. They make for a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week!
Helpful Q&A
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use shredded chicken breast, thighs, or even canned chicken. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to complement the filling.
How can I ensure my taquitos are crispy?
Spraying the tortillas with olive oil before baking helps them crisp up beautifully. Make sure to bake them on a preheated baking sheet for the best results.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the taquitos in advance and store them uncooked in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with the taquitos?
These Creamy Chicken Taquitos pair wonderfully with guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salsa. A side of Mexican rice or a green salad would also make for a complete meal.
Time to Try It
Now that you have the recipe for these scrumptious Creamy Chicken Taquitos, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a tasty snack, these taquitos are sure to impress. With their creamy filling and crispy exterior, they’re a guaranteed hit. Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced green chiles, Sabra Southwest salsa, diced green onions, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded pepper jack cheese, and minced cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Lay a small flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy chicken mixture onto the lower third of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat little package. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with more olive oil to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once they’re out of the oven, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole or sour cream for an added flavor boost.
Notes
- These taquitos can be frozen before baking for a quick meal later.
- Try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Adjust the spice levels by varying the chili powder or salsa used.
