Baked and Fried Chicken Taquitos with Cheddar, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Recipe

If you are craving a dish that brings together crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one bite, this Baked and Fried Chicken Taquitos with Cheddar, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. With tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a touch of fresh spinach rolled tightly into tortillas, these taquitos offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are impossible to resist. Whether you prefer baking for a lighter touch or frying for extra crunch, this recipe adapts beautifully to both methods, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in just over half an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role from the creamy binding of cream cheese to the zesty punch from the spices—combining to create taquitos that are deliciously complex but straightforward to prepare.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, adding both flavor and convenience.
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened: This provides a smooth, rich base that helps bind the filling together.
• 1/4 cup salsa: Your favorite kind adds a bright, tangy kick that lifts the whole dish.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang for balance.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, giving every bite a cheesy goodness.
• 1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped: Fresh spinach brightens the filling and adds a lovely pop of color.
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin: Brings earthy warmth to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: A gentle hint of smoky heat to elevate the dish.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, these seasonings are essential to balance the flavors.
• 15-20 corn or flour tortillas: Choose corn for a traditional flair or flour for a softer bite.
• Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce: Perfect for serving and adding more layers of flavor.

How to Make Baked and Fried Chicken Taquitos with Cheddar, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, salsa, and sour cream in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped spinach, and your spices—cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so every bit of chicken gets coated in that flavorful, cheesy goodness. Don’t be shy to taste and tweak the seasoning here; getting the filling just right is key to amazing taquitos.

Step 2: Warm the tortillas

To make rolling easier and prevent cracking, warm your tortillas. If using corn tortillas, heat a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat and cook each side for about 15 to 30 seconds until they’re soft and pliable. Keep them covered with foil to stay warm and flexible while you assemble the taquitos.

Step 3: Roll the taquitos

Now the fun part: spoon a generous line of filling along each tortilla, then roll tightly from one end to the other. If needed, secure the taquitos with toothpicks to keep them from unraveling during cooking. This tight roll guarantees a perfect crispy exterior with all that melty goodness tucked inside.

Step 4: Choose your cooking method

For baked taquitos, arrange them on a baking tray preheated to 425°F, spray or brush lightly with oil, and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the tortillas are golden and crispy. Alternatively, for fried taquitos, heat oil in a skillet until it sizzles on contact, then fry the taquitos in small batches, turning to get all sides beautifully golden. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.

How to Serve Baked and Fried Chicken Taquitos with Cheddar, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Serving these taquitos with fresh sides makes all the difference. Dollops of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa not only offer complementary flavors but also add cool, creamy, and zesty notes that balance the crispy, cheesy taquitos perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can elevate the dish even more, adding brightness with every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your taquitos with simple sides such as a fresh Mexican street corn salad, a vibrant cabbage slaw, or a light black bean salad. These add refreshing textures and colors to your meal, keeping it well rounded and satisfying without overwhelming the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these taquitos upright in a tall glass or in little taco holders so everyone can grab one easily. You could also slice the rolled taquitos into bite-sized pinwheels for appetizers, or arrange them on a colorful platter with all your favorite dips and garnishes for a festive party spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any taquitos left (though they rarely stick around), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy finish instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Freezing

You can prep and roll the taquitos in advance, then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, when cravings hit, you pop them straight into the oven or fryer from frozen—no thawing required!

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover taquitos on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for around 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. An air fryer also works beautifully to refresh the crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize these taquitos to your taste.

Are corn or flour tortillas better for this recipe?

Both work great, but corn tortillas give you a more authentic, traditional flavor, while flour tortillas tend to be easier to roll and softer. Choose based on your preference!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even roasted vegetables for a tasty vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.

Is it okay to bake instead of fry?

Definitely. Baking at a high temperature makes the taquitos crispy without the extra oil, making it a healthier option while still delivering that satisfying crunch.

How do I keep the taquitos from unrolling while cooking?

Rolling them tightly and securing with toothpicks if needed is key. Also, placing them seam side down on your baking sheet or in the pan helps keep them sealed during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked and Fried Chicken Taquitos with Cheddar, Spinach, and Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple to make, adaptable to your taste, and guaranteed to please crowds big or small. Whether you’re baking or frying, these taquitos bring warmth, comfort, and endless flavor to your table. Try making them for your next meal and watch how fast they disappear!

Print