IRRESISTIBLE CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN TAQUITOS

Craving a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying bite? Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden-brown tortilla, filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken mixture that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are your answer to a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love, and I promise you’ll be making them again and again!

The Secret’s Out: Creamy, Dreamy Chicken Taquitos

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: these aren’t just *any* taquitos. The addition of cream cheese takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness! It creates a richness and depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a crowd-pleasing meal on the table in a flash. Finding easy dinner recipes using tortillas can be a lifesaver, and these taquitos definitely fit the bill. Forget about complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen – this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Adore These Taquitos

• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos come together in under 30 minutes.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy filling and crispy texture are a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite spices and toppings.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the taquitos ahead of time and bake or fry them when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients That Make Magic

Chicken Mixture:

• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Green Chiles: 4 ounces, diced
• Taco Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Taquitos:

• Corn Tortillas: 10-12 (6-inch size)
• Cooking Oil: For brushing or spraying

Optional Toppings:

• Sour Cream: For serving
• Salsa: For serving
• Guacamole: For serving
• Chopped Cilantro: For serving
• Shredded Lettuce: For serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet (if baking)
• Skillet (if frying)
• Measuring Spoons and Cups

Step-by-Step Instructions To Taquito Perfection

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced green chiles, taco seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

2. Warm the Tortillas:

   This is KEY to preventing the tortillas from cracking! Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until they are pliable. You can also warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side.

3. Assemble the Taquitos:

   Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet (if baking) or a plate (if frying).

4. Bake (or Fry) the Taquitos:

   Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush or spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

   Frying: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the taquitos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   Serve the Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and shredded lettuce.

Troubleshooting Tips for Taquito Triumph

• Tortillas Cracking? Warming the tortillas is absolutely crucial! If they’re still cracking, try warming them for a few more seconds. Also, avoid overfilling the tortillas, as this can also cause them to break.
• Filling Too Dry? Add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or milk to the filling to moisten it up.
• Taquitos Not Crispy Enough? Make sure your oven is hot enough or your oil is at the right temperature. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the taquitos from getting crispy.
• Want to Add More Flavor? Consider adding a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to the chicken filling for an extra kick.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Spicy Taquitos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Black Bean and Corn Taquitos: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a can of drained corn to the chicken filling for a vegetarian twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Use buffalo wing sauce instead of taco seasoning in the chicken filling. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Use BBQ sauce instead of taco seasoning in the chicken filling. Serve with coleslaw for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with some delicious sides. Here are a few of my favorite accompaniments:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the taquitos perfectly.
• Refried Beans: Another classic Mexican side that adds a creamy and satisfying element to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: A simple and delicious side that’s perfect for summer.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A flavorful and refreshing salad that’s packed with corn, cotija cheese, and chili-lime dressing.
• A Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

If you’re looking for other Easy Mexican Dinner Recipes For Two (or more!), consider trying these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. You might also love my recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup, which is so comforting and easy to make! And for a fun twist on tacos, why not try Taco Stuffed Peppers? They’re a delicious and healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos without the tortillas. If you’re in the mood for bowls, my Chicken Enchilada Bowls are always a hit. For another great weeknight meal, try Lime Chicken Tacos. And for a family favorite, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Enchiladas. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, give Birria Tacos a try – they’re unbelievably flavorful! Remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version of these cheesy taquitos. These are the perfect Dinner Recipes Using Tortillas!

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is that they can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the taquitos as directed, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake or fry them, simply follow the instructions as written. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the taquitos are cold.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions

These taquitos are also freezer-friendly, making them a great option for meal prepping. Assemble the taquitos as directed, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake or fry them, simply follow the instructions as written, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

The Cheesy Taquitos Await!

So, there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness in every single bite! This is my go-to Easy Dinner With Cream Cheese, and I am sure it will be yours too! Happy cooking, my friend!