Baked Chicken Taquitos

These were so good!  I'm not sure why I've never made taquitos before but I will definitely be making these again.  Like most kids, my kids love anything they can dip in something else so these were a hit with the kids.  We tried them dipped in guacamole, salsa and ranch dressing.  I didn't have corn tortillas so I used the uncooked flour tortillas from Costco.  I cooked them lightly on each side before wrapping them up with the chicken filling to bake in the oven.  I also did not spray the taquitos with cooking spray or sprinkle them with Kosher salt.  This recipe came from Mel's Kitchen Cafe. 

Baked Chicken Taquitos

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green salsa  (I used Herdez salsa verde.)
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  (I used about 1 teaspoon dried.)
1 green onion, sliced finely, white and green parts to equal about 2 Tablespoons
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup grated monterey jack cheese (I used sharp cheddar.)

small yellow or white corn tortillas (or regular-size flour tortillas)
kosher salt
cooking spray

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.

(You can prepare this step ahead of time and keep the mixture in the fridge.)

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.

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 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.