Name: Crunchy Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1/2 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level); 1 teaspoon taco seasoning; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 10-12 small flour tortillas; Cooking spray or olive oil; Guacamole; Sour cream; Additional salsa; Diced tomatoes; Sliced jalapeños

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Introduction

Crunchy Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that packs a flavorful punch. Filled with a creamy chicken mixture and baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a satisfying treat.

The image shows four grilled rolled tortillas placed closely side by side on a wooden tray. Each tortilla is golden yellow with dark brown char marks spread over the surface and sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The filling, visible at the open ends, is creamy orange mixed with white shredded chicken. Behind the tortillas, two small white bowls contain chunky green guacamole with bits of red tomato and cilantro. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
10-12 small flour tortillas
Cooking spray or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and chopped cilantro if using. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly starting from one end and place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle some chili powder before baking.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more traditional taste and added texture.
If you prefer a crispier taquito, brush the rolled tortillas with a little olive oil instead of using cooking spray.
Try swapping chicken for shredded beef or beans to create different versions.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy again. Microwaving may cause them to become soggy.

How to Serve

Five rolled, golden-orange taquitos, sprinkled with green chopped cilantro, are lined up closely on a round wooden board. The taquito shell is crispy, slightly burnt in spots, and reveals shredded light-colored chicken filling at the open ends. Next to the taquitos, there are two small white bowls filled with bright green guacamole; one bowl’s guacamole is topped with tiny diced red and white onions and orange bits, and the other bowl’s guacamole is topped with white sour cream and small pieces of red, orange, and purple diced vegetables. The scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked taquitos. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, making this recipe quick and easy.