Name: Crispy Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 12 small flour tortillas; Vegetable oil, for frying; Cilantro; Lime wedges; Diced tomatoes

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

12 small flour tortillas

Vegetable oil, for frying

Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Lime wedges (optional, for garnish)

Diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded Mexican cheese blend, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and evenly seasoned.

Step 2: Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable and prevent tearing. Microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-30 seconds or heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep warm under a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line across the center of a warm tortilla, closer to one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly into a compact cylinder. Secure the seam with a toothpick if desired. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Choose your cooking method:

Shallow Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully place 3-4 taquitos seam-side down into hot oil. Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Remove toothpicks.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray taquitos with oil. Arrange on a greased baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil taquitos and place in a single layer in the basket. Air fry 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve the crispy taquitos immediately, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes if desired. They are delicious with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add diced green chilies or chopped jalapeños to the filling mixture.

Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative, but warm them gently to avoid cracking.

If baking, pressing the taquitos gently after rolling helps keep them tight and prevents unrolling during cooking.

Leftover taquitos can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness instead of microwaving.

FAQs

Can I bake taquitos instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a great healthier alternative. Just brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?

Warm the tortillas well before rolling, either in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or in a dry skillet. This softens them and makes them more pliable, reducing the chance of cracking.