Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, extra cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy.
Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-25 seconds, or warm in a dry skillet for 15 seconds per side to make them pliable.
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly from the filled edge, keeping sides tucked in.
Place taquitos seam-side down on prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Lightly brush with oil or spray the tops.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown with slightly darker edges. For extra crispiness, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot right out of the oven.
Notes
Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use flour tortillas for easier rolling and better crisping when baked. Corn tortillas need longer warming time.
Don’t overfill or taquitos will burst during baking. Keep filling to 2-3 tablespoons per tortilla.
Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes for smoothest mixing.
Freeze unbaked taquitos for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes.