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Crispy Chicken Taquitos

These crispy chicken taquitos are filled with seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, green chiles, and melted cheese. Bake or air fry them for an easy appetizer, party snack, or family-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 12 taquitos
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken finely shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup thick salsa
  • ¼ cup canned diced green chiles drained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
  • Chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • Salsa sour cream, or guacamole, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Add the softened cream cheese to a medium mixing bowl and stir until smooth.
  3. Add the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until evenly combined.
  4. Warm the tortillas in small batches under a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds, or until flexible.
  5. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of filling near one edge of each tortilla.
  6. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil.
  8. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool for three to five minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Instructions
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F if required by your model.
  2. Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  3. Lightly spray the taquitos with oil.
  4. Air fry for six to nine minutes, turning halfway through if needed, until crisp and golden.

Notes

  • Warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Use thick salsa so the filling does not become watery.
  • Do not add more than two tablespoons of filling to each tortilla.
  • Flour tortillas are easier to roll, while corn tortillas produce a crunchier texture.
  • Cook in batches when using an air fryer.
  • Check that the filling reaches 165°F when reheating frozen taquitos.

Nutrition per Serving

Estimated nutrition for one taquito:
  • Calories: 185
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g