Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos

Introduction:

Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dish, offering a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and zesty chicken filling. These taquitos are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a hit with both adults and kids alike. In this article, we’ll explore the irresistible appeal of baked cream cheese chicken taquitos, share a simple recipe for you to try at home, and provide tips for serving and enjoying this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup salsa (plus extra for dipping)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 small flour or corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Make the filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the taquitos:

Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them easier to roll.

Place a spoonful of the chicken and cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it out in a line along the center.

Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling to form taquitos. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the taquitos:

Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil for extra crispiness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve:

Remove the baked cream cheese chicken taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Serve warm with extra salsa for dipping.

Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.

6. Enjoy!

These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are perfect for parties, game days, or as a tasty snack any time. Enjoy their crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful filling!

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice over the taquitos before serving to add freshness and vibrant flavor.
2. Offer Dipping Sauces: Serve the taquitos with an array of dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chipotle mayo for added variety and flavor.
3. Serve with Side Dishes: Accompany the taquitos with classic Mexican side dishes like Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
4. Make it a Party: Arrange the taquitos on a platter and create a DIY taquito bar with assorted toppings and sauces, allowing guests to customize their taquitos according to their preferences.
5. Keep Warm: If serving the taquitos at a party or gathering, keep them warm in a slow cooker set on low heat or in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover baked cream cheese chicken taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat the taquitos, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
3. Freezing: If you have a large batch of taquitos or want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them for later use. Place the cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen taquitos can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
4. Reheating from Frozen: When ready to enjoy frozen taquitos, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake them from frozen for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
5. Portion Control: If freezing the taquitos, portion them into smaller quantities before freezing, so you can thaw and reheat only what you need at a time, minimizing food waste.

FAQs:

1. How long do I bake cream cheese chicken taquitos? Bake the cream cheese chicken taquitos in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
2. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe? Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. However, keep in mind that corn tortillas may be more prone to cracking when rolled. To prevent cracking, warm the corn tortillas slightly before rolling them with the filling.
3. Are cream cheese chicken taquitos spicy? The level of spiciness in cream cheese chicken taquitos depends on the type and amount of salsa or spices you use. Adjust the amount of chili powder or salsa according to your preference to control the spiciness level.
4. Can I make cream cheese chicken taquitos ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the cream cheese chicken taquitos ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover the taquitos tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator.
5. Can I freeze leftover cream cheese chicken taquitos? Yes, leftover cream cheese chicken taquitos can be frozen for future enjoyment. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the taquitos to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage. Reheat frozen taquitos in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With their irresistible combination of creamy filling, zesty chicken, and crispy tortillas, these taquitos are perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Try this simple recipe at home and get ready to indulge in a flavorful fiesta of Mexican-inspired goodness.