Easy, Budget-Friendly, and Tasty Chicken Cream Cheese Taquitos
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked and ready to shred.
- 1 (8oz) Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a bit of a workout, you can mix it straight from the fridge!
- 2-3 Cups of Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese: Feel free to add more if you’re a cheese lover. Any shredded cheese of your choice will work too.
- Tortilla Wraps: Choose according to your preference—keto-friendly, low-carb, or regular. Egg roll wraps work as well.
- Spices of Your Choice: Options include chili pepper flakes, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, etc. Be cautious with adding salt since the rotisserie chicken and cheese are already quite flavorful.
Prep:
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken.
- Shred the meat using your hands or forks. You can separate the white and dark meat if desired, or mix them together.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese.
- Add the shredded cheese and your chosen spices. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Taquitos:
- Lay a tortilla wrap flat on your workspace.
- Spoon enough of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. There’s no need for any binder, as it will hold its shape well.
- Chill or Cook Immediately:
- Optionally, place the rolled taquitos in the fridge for a few minutes to help them set.
- Alternatively, you can cook them right away using your preferred method.
Cooking Methods:
- Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F.
- Spray the taquitos with cooking oil for a crispy finish.
- Cook the taquitos, turning them occasionally, until they are evenly browned. This should take just a few minutes as the filling is already cooked.
- Skillet/Pan Fry:
- Heat some cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the taquitos until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels if desired.
- Oven-Baked:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and top with salsa verde and extra cheese if desired.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taquitos are heated through. Note that these won’t be as crispy as the air-fried or pan-fried versions.
Freezing:
- To freeze, place the assembled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen taquitos to a freezer bag or airtight container.
- When ready to eat, cook the frozen taquitos directly from the freezer using any of the above methods. No need to thaw!
Enjoy your easy, budget-friendly, and delicious chicken cream cheese taquitos!