Description
These crispy baked chicken taquitos are filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, salsa Verde, and spices. Perfectly seasoned and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, they make a delicious and easy appetizer or meal that comes together quickly with minimal prep. Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter yet crisp and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (a Rotisserie chicken works great)
- 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup salsa Verde (green salsa)
- ¼ teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons chopped green onion
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Taquitos
- 12 fajita-size flour tortillas (or 20 corn tortillas)
- Nonstick cooking spray for baking sheet and tops
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, fresh lime juice, salsa Verde, dried minced onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Stir well to incorporate all the spices evenly.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: To the mixture, add chopped cilantro, chopped green onion, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring gently to combine.
- Mix in Chicken: Finally, fold in the cooked shredded chicken and mix well until the filling is evenly combined and creamy.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave until just warm. This step helps make the tortillas more pliable and prevents cracking when rolling.
- Assemble Taquitos: Place about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place the rolled taquito seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them lined side by side.
- Spray for Crispiness: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy texture as they bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade crispy baked chicken taquitos!
Notes
- Using a Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken saves prep time and adds great flavor.
- Warming the tortillas before rolling prevents them from cracking and ensures neat, tight taquitos.
- Spraying the tops before baking helps achieve a crispy finish without frying.
- You can use either flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference; adjust quantities accordingly.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier salsa Verde.
