Thursday, June 18, 2009

Baked Chicken Taquitos




When my food blogging escapades are over, there is a good possibility that I will owe half of the credit of the recipes to Melanie, over at My Kitchen Cafe. I have tried quite a few of her recipes, and they are all keepers that I plan to make over and over again.

I've already made these twice and my family has thanked me profusely for them. I made mine with flour tortillas instead of corn, only because it was what I already had on hand. I have also realized a love for salsa verde, which is a shining star in these delicious taquitos, and the cream cheese doesn't hurt either, mmmm. To make these a really quick and easy dinner, keep some shredded chicken in your freezer that can be quickly thawed to whip these babies up. I also added some black beans for a little extra fiber. Thanks again Melanie, these are delish!

Baked Chicken Taquitos
Slightly adapted from My Kitchen Cafe

Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green salsa, green taco sauce and red salsa is also good
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 green onion, sliced finely
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup grated monterey jack cheese (use pepperjack if you like a little heat)
1/2 cup black beans
small yellow or white corn or flour tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray

Directions

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix softened cream cheese, green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

Working with a few tortillas at a time, place 3-4 between two damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, until tortillas are soft and pliable and don't crack while rolling. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the lower third of a soft tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges. Then roll it up as tight as you can. (A few of mine wanted to rebel and come unrolled so I stuck a toothpick through them to keep them right and tight.)

Place filled taquitos seam side down on the baking sheet, making sure they don't touch each other. When ready to bake, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and lightly sprinkle some kosher (coarse) salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown. Serve immediately. Taquitos can be dipped in in salsa, sour cream or guac. I laid these in lettuce, tomatoes, olives etc and had a little taquito salad. It was wonderful!

The second time I made these, I pressed them in my handy dandy press. I loved this variation too, crispy and browned, mmmm.

I apologize for being a bit scarce around these parts. I never expected it to get busier in the summer! I will do my best to keep in touch and post regularly, but I probably won't be back to normal until school starts back up. In the meantime, let's wish for some sun so we can all start enjoying this summer!

31 comments:

Jenn said...

I love taquitos. I love that these are baked, too. so much healthier. =)

Creative Classroom Core said...

I love mexican food - this looks like a really tasty recipe! I will have to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!

Love your blog! Will follow! :)

Melody said...

These look awesome! I need to try these soon!

Melanie said...

You are so sweet, Teresa! Thanks for being so nice but seriously your cooking escapades better NOT come to end because I love your blog.

I like the variation of the pressed taquitos - easy and love the "grill" marks.

Melody said...

UPDATE: I just made these for dinner and they were a big hit in my family. I'll need to double it next time because everyone wanted more. Thanks for a fast a delicious dinner!

theUngourmet said...

Oooh! These look good! I might just make them for dinner tonight!

Rebekah said...

I LOVE TAQUITOS!! these look so yummy that I wish I could reach in and grab them!!!

Katy ~ said...

Taquitos are so cute and so delicious it is hard to stop eating them.

Teresa, whenever you post, I shall be here to cheer you on. I love your blog and always look forward to "seeing" you whenever I can.

I'm looking forward to summer too. I think we shall all be a little sporadic as we endeavor to enjoy these long WARM lazy days.

Reeni said...

These look really delicious! Love that you baked them and they look great in the press, too, nice and toasty!

Pam said...

I am loving this recipe - can't wait to try it out. I am sure they taste really good using flour tortillas.

Lara said...

Taquitos are one of those things I've enjoyed many times before, but never made myself. I know my family would gobble these up.

Denise said...

Love, love , love Taquitos. They are on my to do list, and very soon, I might add, after seeing your pics

Erica said...

They look fabulous- love the grill marks. I bet they would be awesome with just extra beans too!

Def give quinoa a try- its kind of nutty...a very different flavor.

I haven't really been eating land meat for...a while now. Personally, I love it and it makes me feel good. I do track my protein intake now though to make sure I'm getting enough

Heather S-G said...

I love taquitos, too. The grill marks looks awesome...I'll take a few :D

Sara said...

I love taquitos, but don't love that they're fried. This is a great healthy alternative!

♥peachkins♥ said...

These looks really healthy and delicious..

This would make a perfect afternoon snack

Coleens Recipes said...

I love the idea of putting them in the panini press...these look fabulous.

Karine said...

Ohhh that looks good!

Emily said...

Oooooooo loving this recipe! I made taquitos the other day but MUST try this recipe next!

Anonymous said...

YUM!! I just started an Italian food blog at

http://alphabetcook.blogspot.com/

Stop on by!

John

Judy said...

Love Mexican, these look good, and easy. Added you to by blogroll today, love your blog.

Netts Nook said...

Wow Teresa did you open your own restaurant. They look perfect.

sara cardon said...

Mmmmm, I need Jonathan to come please wipe the drool off my chin.:)

Debbie said...

Looks absolutely delicious! I will have to try these.

Anonymous said...

Ok, first of all, I sincerely hope your blogging escapades go on forever and ever. I would totally cry if you suddenly stopped!
And second, those chicken taquitos look MAD amazing.

figtree said...

Really enjoy your blogthanks for sharing...Figtreeapps

Cori said...

Yup, I think I'd eat those! OK, I'd definitely eat those. Love your blog!

foodcreate said...

I love Mexican food! This meal look so fantastic, I'm going to give it a try!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe:)

Welcome!
http://foodcreate.com

Julie said...

Those look amazing...now I'm all hungry!

Alissa said...

I'm in love!!!!! I'm soooo making these!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Let me tell you...you can't know how happy I was to read that last paragraph! Thought it was just me and mine!!

Thanks for a nice easy lunch meal for the kids!
~ingrid