Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos – Easy Baked Taquitos Recipe with Creamy Chicken Filling

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect dish for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. These crispy, golden taquitos filled with creamy chicken, beans, corn, and seasonings are sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or party. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a main dish, these taquitos check all the boxes. With a simple preparation process and ingredients that come together effortlessly, they offer the ultimate blend of comfort and taste.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to make the perfect Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, providing a step-by-step guide, tips for customizing your recipe, and answers to your frequently asked questions. Get ready to impress your family and guests with these crispy delights!

What Makes Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos So Special?

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The cream cheese gives the taquitos a rich and creamy base, balancing out the spicy and savory elements. The shredded chicken adds protein, while the black beans and corn introduce a satisfying heartiness. The seasonings—such as cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder—infuse each bite with a burst of flavor. The result is a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy in every single bite.

A Brief History of Taquitos

Taquitos, which means “little tacos” in Spanish, are a popular Mexican dish. They are traditionally made by filling tortillas with various meats, vegetables, and cheese, then rolling them up and frying them until crispy. While many versions of taquitos exist, the Cream Cheese Chicken Taquito stands out due to its creamy filling and healthy, flavorful additions like black beans and corn.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Making Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos at home is easier than you might think. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to get started:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for that rich, creamy filling)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (for a mild, zesty flavor)
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (adds fiber and texture)
• 1/2 cup canned corn, drained (sweetness and crunch)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for added depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for that savory base note)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (adds a touch of earthy spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (to balance the flavors)

For the Taquitos:

• 12 corn tortillas (small size, which are the best for taquitos)
• Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil (to help achieve that crispy golden texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential to getting the taquitos crispy and golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Shredded chicken
• Softened cream cheese
• Diced green chiles
• Black beans
• Corn
• Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper

Mix everything together until well combined. The cream cheese should create a smooth, creamy base, binding the ingredients together.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Warming the tortillas before rolling them is crucial to prevent them from cracking or breaking. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This step makes the tortillas pliable and ready to be rolled.

Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos

Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom up, forming a cigar-like shape. Place the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from unrolling while baking.

Step 5: Apply Oil for Crispiness

Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil spray or brush them with olive oil. This helps the taquitos crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Taquitos

Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, paired with dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Why You Should Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

1. Quick and Easy Recipe

This recipe takes just 35 minutes, from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something delicious.

2. Versatile and Customizable

The filling in these taquitos can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. For example, you can swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding cheddar or Monterey Jack to the filling.

3. Crispy and Crunchy Texture

The crispy exterior of the taquitos contrasts perfectly with the creamy, flavorful filling inside. Baking them instead of frying gives them a healthier twist while still delivering that irresistible crunch.

4. Great for Meal Prep

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are perfect for meal prepping. You can make them in advance, freeze them, and bake them when you’re ready to eat. This makes them a convenient and tasty option for busy days.

5. Kid-Friendly

The creamy and mildly spiced filling makes these taquitos a hit with kids. They’ll love the crispy exterior and flavorful filling, and you can serve them with their favorite dipping sauces for added fun.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 taquitos
• Calories: Approximately 200 calories per taquito

These taquitos are a relatively healthy option, especially if you opt for baking them instead of frying. The use of black beans and corn adds fiber and nutrients to the dish, making them a balanced meal.

FAQs About Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

1. Can I make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and roll the taquitos, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re planning to freeze them, place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for longer storage. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them!

2. Can I make these taquitos without cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or a mixture of avocado and Greek yogurt for a creamy base. You may need to adjust the seasonings to get the right balance of flavors.

3. How can I make these taquitos spicier?

To add more heat, you can include jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning to the filling. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spice.

4. What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?

These taquitos are delicious with a variety of dipping sauces. Some great options include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy ranch dip. You can also drizzle them with extra caramelized onion sauce or queso dip for added flavor.

5. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditional for taquitos, you can substitute them with flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly since flour tortillas may cook faster.

Conclusion: Why Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Should Be Your Next Go-To Recipe

These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and crunch. The creamy filling and crispy texture make them irresistible to everyone, from kids to adults. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to deliver. Easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor, these taquitos will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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