Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to truly crispy baked taquitos that taste like they were fried?

There are two main secrets! First, and most importantly, you must brush or spray the outside of your rolled tortillas with a little bit of oil or a nonstick cooking spray. Second, be sure to bake them in a very hot oven (425°F is perfect). The combination of the oil and the high heat is the key that "fries" the outside of the tortilla, making it beautifully golden brown and unbelievably crispy.

Q2: Can I make these taquitos ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, this is a perfect freezer meal! The best method is to assemble the unbaked taquitos completely . Then, you can lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe, resealable bag. When you are ready to eat, you can bake them directly from frozen, just be sure to add about 5-10 extra minutes to the total baking time.

Q3: What is the best way to roll corn tortillas without them cracking and falling apart?

The secret is to warm them and make them pliable before you try to roll them. Cold, stiff corn tortillas are very brittle and will crack immediately. The easiest method is to wrap a stack of them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-60 seconds.

Q4: Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, an air fryer is a fantastic way to make these taquitos! Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) . Place the assembled taquitos in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they are seam-side down. Spray the tops with a little bit of oil and cook for about 6-8 minutes , flipping them halfway through, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy.

Q5: What is the difference between a taquito and a flauta?

They are very similar! The main difference is typically the type of tortilla that is used. A classic taquito (which means "little taco") is almost always made with a small corn tortilla . A flauta (which means "flute") is typically made with a larger flour tortilla .

Crispy & Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos

An easy recipe for crispy, baked chicken taquitos with a creamy and savory filling. This simple dish uses pre-cooked shredded chicken, which is mixed with softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, and a blend of spices like cumin and garlic powder. The creamy filling is then rolled tightly into small flour or corn tortillas. The taquitos are placed seam-side down on a baking sheet and baked in a hot oven until golden brown and crispy, perfect for an appetizer or a quick weeknight meal.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup salsa
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
10 small flour or corn tortillas
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
Sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is creamy and well blended.
Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave to make them more pliable, if needed.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly.
Place each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping.

Notes

This is a very quick and easy recipe, using convenient shortcuts like pre-cooked chicken and jarred salsa.
Baking the taquitos instead of frying them is a simpler and potentially healthier cooking method.
Placing the rolled taquitos seam-side down is a key step that helps them stay rolled up while baking.
This recipe is great for using up leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/creamy-baked-chicken/