Creamy Chicken Taquitos with Cilantro Lime Sauce

(www.thefarmgirlrecipes.blogspot.com)

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

¼ c. salsa (green or red, your choice)

1 T. fresh lime juice

1 t. chili powder

½ t. cumin

½ t. onion powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 T. chopped cilantro

1-2 green onions, chopped

2 c. shredded cooked chicken (from a can works awesome)

1 c. shredded Mexican cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, monterey jack, etc.)

10-12 6-inch flour tortillas

Cooking spray

Kosher salt

Sauce:

1 pack (1oz) Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix

1 c. mayo

1/2 c. milk

2 T. lime juice

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

1/2 c. roughly chopped cilantro

hot sauce, to taste (optional, I don't add any so my kids will eat it)

1.  Preheat oven to 425˚ F.   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic, cilantro, green onions, chicken and shredded cheese.  Mix thoroughly until well combined.

2.  Briefly heat the tortillas in the microwave to make them soft enough to roll easily, about 20-30 seconds.  Place a tortilla on a work surface.  Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture down the middle of the tortilla.  Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling.  Place seam-side down on baking sheet.  Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, spacing the assembled taquitos evenly on the baking sheet.  Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Don't be tempted to skip this part, it adds a very nice touch.  Bake 15-20 minutes, until crisp and golden brown.  

3.  To make the sauce, put everything in the blender and blend until smooth.  Place in bowl and refrigerate until ready.  Make it several hours ahead of time to allow it to thicken.  Serve with warm taquitos and enjoy!

* These would work great for a freezer meal.  To freeze before baking, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill the assembled taquitos 30-60 minutes.  Transfer to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.  To bake from the freezer, simply add a few additional minutes to the original baking time, until the filling is warmed through.