Description

Baked chicken taquitos are a flavorful, crispy alternative to traditional fried taquitos. Filled with a savory mixture of seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, pepperjack cheese, and spices, these taquitos are rolled in soft tortillas and baked to golden perfection. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or main dish, especially when served with a trio of dips like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. The baking method not only reduces the fat content but also keeps the taquitos light and crispy, perfect for enjoying guilt-free.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup salsa (red or green)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
2 small scallions, diced
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup pepperjack cheese, shredded
12 6-inch flour tortillas (see note below for corn tortillas)
Cooking spray
Kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures the taquitos bake evenly and become crispy without burning.
Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, minced garlic, cilantro or parsley, and diced scallions until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Fold in the shredded chicken and pepperjack cheese until everything is evenly coated.
Soften the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas by microwaving them between two slightly damp paper towels for about 10 seconds, or by heating them individually on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This makes them pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
Assemble the Taquitos:
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom, ensuring the filling is securely wrapped, and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the Taquitos:
Lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt. This helps achieve a crispy, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are crisp and golden brown.
Serve:
Serve the baked chicken taquitos hot with your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

If using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, warm them as described to prevent cracking when rolling. Corn tortillas add a slightly nutty flavor and are gluten-free, making them a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.