Baked Chicken Taquitos

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 12 small corn tortillas - Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing - Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream Gather these ingredients for your baked chicken taquitos. The chicken is your base. It brings protein and flavor. I like using rotisserie chicken for ease. Cream cheese adds creaminess and holds the filling together. Cheddar brings a nice sharp taste. Next, we have the seasonings. Garlic and onion powders give depth. Cumin and chili powder add warmth and a bit of spice. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Corn tortillas are key to making taquitos. They are sturdy yet soft when warmed. A light spray of oil helps achieve that crispy texture. For toppings, get creative! Fresh salsa brings brightness, while guacamole adds creaminess. Sour cream cools down the heat. You can mix and match to your taste. For the complete preparation steps, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy the process! - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper First, I start by preheating my oven. Setting it to 425°F (220°C) ensures that the taquitos will bake evenly. I also line my baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. - Combine chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings - Ensure mixture is smooth and well incorporated Next, I mix the filling. In a large bowl, I combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder and cumin. I stir until everything blends well. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. This is the heart of the taquito, so I make sure it’s well mixed. - Warm tortillas in a damp paper towel - Roll and secure the filling in each tortilla To work with the corn tortillas, I warm them first. I wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This helps them stay soft and flexible. Once warm, I take about two tablespoons of the filling and place it in the center of each tortilla. I roll each one tightly, tucking in the ends to keep the filling secure. - Arrange taquitos on the baking sheet - Spray or brush with oil before baking - Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown Now, I arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on my baking sheet. I make sure they don’t touch each other, allowing for even cooking. To get that perfect crunch, I lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. Then, I pop them in the oven. I bake for about 15-20 minutes. I look for a golden brown color to know they are ready. To get your taquitos crispy, use seasoned oil spray. Just add a pinch of salt or spice to your oil. This gives your taquitos added flavor and a golden crust. Always avoid overcrowding your baking sheet. If they touch, they will steam instead of crisp. Space them out for even cooking. Garnish your taquitos with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This not only looks nice but also adds bright flavors. Serve with a variety of dips. Try fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or cool sour cream. Each dip brings a new taste to your meal. You can prepare the filling in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. This saves time on busy days. You can also freeze raw taquitos for later baking. Just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer. This makes for a quick meal! For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for beef, pork, or even beans. Each option gives a new taste. For a fun twist, add smoky chipotle. This spice brings a deeper flavor that adds warmth and excitement to your taquitos. If you want a kick, try using pepper jack or queso fresco. Both add a nice heat to your dish. If you follow a plant-based diet, vegan cheese is a great choice. It melts nicely and keeps the flavor you love. Don’t stop at just chicken and cheese. You can add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. This makes your meal colorful and tasty. Feel free to change up the spices too. A little cumin or paprika can make a big difference. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. You should eat them within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality. You can freeze taquitos, either cooked or uncooked. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps stop freezer burn, so they stay fresh. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake taquitos at 350°F (175°C) for crispy results. This will keep them crunchy. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave them instead. Just heat them for a minute or two until hot. Enjoy your tasty taquitos! Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details. Corn tortillas are the best choice for taquitos. They have a great flavor and texture. You can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. They are softer and easier to roll. Yes, you can make these taquitos gluten-free. Just use gluten-free tortillas. Make sure to check the seasonings too, as some may have gluten. To stop the tortillas from cracking, warm them in the microwave. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll. You can serve these taquitos with many tasty options. Try salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. A fresh salad also pairs well with them. These dips add flavor and fun to your meal. The prep time for these taquitos is 15 minutes. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. So, the total time is just 35 minutes. You can enjoy them quickly! Baked chicken taquitos are easy and fun to make. You combine chicken, cream cheese, and spices, then wrap them in tortillas. Bake until crispy for a tasty treat. Consider trying different proteins or adding veggies for fun flavors. Store leftovers well for later snacking. These taquitos prove that simple meals can be delicious, quick, and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Get ready to savor the flavors of Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos! These scrumptious bites combine tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant spices, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas and baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or a cozy family meal, these taquitos are easy to make and utterly delicious.

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12 small corn tortillas

Cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil for brushing

Optional toppings: fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or sour cream

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

To make the corn tortillas more manageable, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for approximately 30 seconds or until warm and pliable. This step prevents them from cracking while rolling.

Once the tortillas are warmed, take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture and place it in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly to create a taquito, tucking in the ends to secure the filling.

Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even cooking.

For a golden, crispy texture, lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and have reached your desired level of crispiness.

Once baked, carefully remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving to prevent burns.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the taquitos on a beautiful serving platter, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Accompany with vibrant bowls of salsa, smooth guacamole, and cool sour cream for dipping to elevate the dining experience.