Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! These crunchy, cheesy rolls are not only delicious but also super satisfying to make. I can’t help but smile as I recall the times I’ve whipped these up for game nights with friends or cozy family gatherings. Everyone always goes back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!), and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “taquito!”
What I love the most about these taquitos is how versatile they are. Got some leftover chicken? Perfect! Both soft and crispy, they’re the ideal snack for any occasion. And they come with endless possibilities for dipping—my personal favorite is a homemade guacamole, but I’ve been known to dive into salsa or sour cream as well. So, grab your aprons, and let’s dive into making these delightful rolls!
What’s in Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?
Let’s talk about what goes into these tasty taquitos. Every ingredient has a role to play, and they work together like a well-rehearsed band.
Cooked Chicken: This is the star of our dish! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach your own. Shredded chicken makes for a tender filling that’s packed with flavor.
Cream Cheese: Ah, creamy goodness! Softened cream cheese brings that rich, velvety texture that holds the filling together and adds a wonderful tang.
Shredded Cheese: I like to use cheddar or a Mexican blend for extra flavor. Either works beautifully to melt into our cheesy filling.
Green Onions: These add a nice punch without being too overpowering. I love the crunch and a bit of that fresh onion flavor.
Cilantro: Totally optional, but if you’re a fan, it adds a lovely fresh note to the filling.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These seasonings boost the flavor profile. Honestly, who doesn’t love that garlicky aroma wafting through the kitchen?
Cumin: A dash of cumin adds a warm, earthy element that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings, but they bring everything together. Adjust to your personal taste!
Tortillas: I prefer small corn or flour tortillas. Both work, but I love the slight chewiness of corn tortillas.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil does the trick for frying up those crispy taquitos. Don’t skip this part; it’s where the magic happens!
Is Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about health. Like everything in life, moderation is key! These taquitos are definitely on the indulgent side but can be made a bit healthier without sacrificing taste.
Cream Cheese: While delicious, cream cheese is higher in fat, so consider using a light version if you’re watching your intake, or simply use less when making the filling.
Chicken: Packed with lean protein, shredded chicken adds nutritional value, keeping you full and satisfied.
For a healthier twist, you can **bake** instead of frying, which will cut down on extra oil. Also, feel free to jazz them up with black beans or corn to increase fiber content!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 small corn or flour tortillas
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?
Ready to roll? Here’s how you can make these delicious taquitos at home:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. This is the moment to taste! Adjust the seasoning per your desire.
2. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat while your filling is blending into perfection.
3. To assemble the taquitos, grab a tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle), carefully add the rolled taquitos seam-side down into the skillet (fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the taquitos from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve these beauties hot with your choice of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Bon appétit!
Flavor Remixes and Helpful Hints
Let’s get creative! Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
– **Baked Taquitos:** For a healthier option, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
– **Extra Fillings:** Feel free to add black beans, corn, or even some jalapeños for a spicy kick!
– **Cheese Options:** Try out different types of cheese like pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a milder taste.
– **Dipping Sauce Galore:** Don’t hesitate to whip up a creamy ranch or a spicy yogurt sauce to elevate your dipping game!
So, grab your loved ones and get started on this delicious adventure! I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making (and eating) these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. After you make them, let me know in the comments how it turned out. I’d love to hear what combinations you tried! Happy cooking!
