Crispy Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Crispy Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack featuring tender shredded chicken combined with creamy softened cream cheese and a flavorful blend of spices. These taquitos are rolled tightly in small flour tortillas and cooked to golden perfection either by shallow frying, baking, or air frying, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a savory, cheesy filling. They make a perfect party food served with fresh garnishes and dips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 12 small flour tortillas
Cooking
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional Garnishes
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded Mexican cheese blend, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the filling is smooth and evenly seasoned.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable and prevent tearing. You can microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-30 seconds, or heat them individually in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep warm under a clean kitchen towel.
- Assemble Taquitos: Place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line across the center of a warm tortilla, closer to one edge. Roll the tortilla tightly into a compact cylinder. Secure the seam with a wooden toothpick if desired. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Cook Taquitos (Choose Your Method):
- Shallow Frying Method: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully place 3-4 taquitos, seam-side down first, into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Remove toothpicks. Repeat with remaining taquitos.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray each assembled taquito with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Arrange in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Air Frying Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or brush your assembled taquitos with cooking oil. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos immediately with your favorite accompaniments. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes if desired. Delicious with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, shred the chicken finely to ensure a consistent filling texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more chili powder for extra heat if desired.
- If using toothpicks to secure taquitos while frying, remember to remove them before serving.
- You can bake or air fry taquitos as a healthier alternative to frying, both methods yield great crispiness.
- Make sure oil temperature stays steady during frying to avoid greasy taquitos.
- Serve fresh immediately for the crispiest texture, but leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven.
Keywords: Chicken taquitos, crispy taquitos, cream cheese taquitos, Mexican appetizer, fried taquitos, baked taquitos, easy party snacks
