Description
These Crispy Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos combine tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and aromatic spices, rolled in warm flour tortillas and cooked until golden and crispy. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, they can be prepared by frying, baking, or air frying to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
Taquitos
- 12 small flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Garnishes
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: 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 all ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth and evenly seasoned.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable and prevent tearing. You can microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-30 seconds, or heat them individually in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep warm under a clean kitchen towel.
- Assemble Taquitos: 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 wooden toothpick if desired. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cook Taquitos (Choose Your Method):
- Shallow Frying Method: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully place 3-4 taquitos, seam-side down first, into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Remove toothpicks. Repeat with remaining taquitos.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray each assembled taquito with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Arrange in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Air Frying Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush your assembled taquitos with cooking oil. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos immediately with your favorite accompaniments. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes if desired. Delicious with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, choose small flour tortillas to achieve crispy taquitos.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, oven sheet, or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute the Mexican cheese blend with a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese if desired.
- Remove toothpicks before serving to avoid choking hazards.
- Adjust spices to your preference for heat and flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Chicken taquitos, creamy chicken snacks, crispy taquitos, cream cheese chicken, Mexican appetizers, fried taquitos, baked taquitos, air fryer taquitos
