Creamy Chicken Taquitos are crispy, crunchy, and bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling. These homemade taquitos are made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and seasoned chicken, then baked, air-fried, or fried to perfection. They’re perfect for serving as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish at your next fiesta or casual gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Filling:

  • 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup full-fat sour cream

  • ¼ cup red salsa (your preferred heat level)

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or your favorite cheese)

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• For Assembling:

  • 12 flour tortillas (6-inch)

  • Vegetable oil (for frying, if using this method)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

2. Assemble the Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a vertical strip down the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly, making sure the filling is enclosed.

3. Cook the Taquitos:

   • Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

   • Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

   • Fry: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the taquitos in batches for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

4. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or crema.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 220 per taquito

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

• Sodium: 492mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

Why Choose Creamy Chicken Taquitos?

These taquitos are the perfect snack or appetizer, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures. The filling is made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa creates a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken. The flour tortillas, whether baked, air-fried, or fried, provide a crispy contrast to the creamy filling, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Creamy Chicken Taquitos are incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level with the salsa of your choice and experiment with different cheeses. They’re also easy to prepare in advance, making them perfect for parties or meal prep. Whether you serve them with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa, these taquitos are sure to please a crowd.

The Ingredients That Make It Delicious

The ingredients for these taquitos are simple, but they come together to create a mouthwatering filling. The cream cheese and sour cream make the filling smooth and rich, while the salsa adds a tangy, zesty flavor. The shredded chicken brings protein and heartiness, making these taquitos satisfying enough for a main dish. The shredded cheese, whether you choose a Mexican blend or your favorite cheese, gives the filling a creamy and melty texture that complements the crunch of the taquito shell.

Seasonings like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper give the filling depth and warmth, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. These spices work together to create a flavorful base that’s not too spicy but still has a nice kick.

How to Assemble and Cook Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Assembling and cooking these taquitos is a straightforward process that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a party dish. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:

Prepare the Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of the taquito, and the chicken provides a satisfying, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.

Assemble the Taquitos

Next, take the flour tortillas and place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a vertical strip down the center of each tortilla. Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly, ensuring that the filling stays inside. This step is crucial for making sure that the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking.

Cook the Taquitos

There are three ways you can cook your taquitos: baking, air frying, or frying. Each method has its advantages, so you can choose based on your preferences.

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Baking is the easiest method and results in a crispy exterior with a slightly softer interior.

• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and air fry for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer provides a crispy texture without the need for much oil, making it a healthier option while still delivering that golden brown crunch.

• Frying: For a more traditional approach, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the taquitos in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Frying gives the taquitos the crispiest texture, and the oil enhances the flavor and crunch.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the taquitos are cooked, serve them immediately with your favorite toppings. Classic options include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or crema. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information: A Satisfying Snack

Each creamy chicken taquito is approximately 220 calories, making it a satisfying and moderate snack or appetizer. With 12 grams of protein per taquito, these make for a filling snack that helps keep you energized. The 17 grams of carbohydrates come primarily from the flour tortillas, and the 12 grams of fat are balanced by the cream cheese and oil used in the cooking process.

Although they do have 6 grams of saturated fat (from the cream cheese and cheese), they are still a relatively balanced snack when enjoyed in moderation. The 492 mg of sodium is something to keep in mind, but since these are homemade, you can control the seasoning and reduce the salt content if desired.

Customizing Your Creamy Chicken Taquitos

One of the best things about these taquitos is that they are highly customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas for making them your own:

• Cheese: If you want to add more variety, try using different cheeses, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a gooey filling.

• Spices: Adjust the heat level by using a milder salsa or adding more chili powder or hot sauce to the filling. You can also add fresh jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.

• Add-ins: If you want to make these taquitos heartier, you can add extras like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling. These ingredients will add extra flavor and texture.

• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cream cheese, low-fat sour cream, and whole wheat tortillas to reduce the fat and calories while still enjoying all the flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Taquitos

These taquitos are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a variety of sides and dips to elevate the meal. Consider pairing them with:

• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.

• Refried beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.

• Fresh guacamole or a salsa bar with different flavors for dipping.

• A fresh green salad with a light dressing to balance out the richness of the taquitos.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will become a favorite in your recipe collection. With their crispy exterior, cheesy filling, and customizable flavor, they’re perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you bake, air fry, or fry them, these taquitos deliver on flavor and texture every time. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next fiesta or casual gathering!