Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup salsa; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 10 small flour or corn tortillas; Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing

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If you are looking to wow your friends and family with a tasty, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, you absolutely must try these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. Crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside, these little rolled wonders combine tender shredded chicken with tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a burst of zesty spices. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter but just as delicious way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving some cozy comfort food, these taquitos make dinner feel like a fiesta in every bite.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, from the creamy richness to the smoky spices and crispy tortillas. Here’s everything you will need to make this irresistible dish:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein base that’s tender and perfect for mixing with creamy cheese.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds lush creaminess that binds all the filling ingredients together.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
¼ cup salsa: Offers a fresh, tangy kick with just the right hint of spice.
1 tsp garlic powder: Provides aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
1 tsp cumin: Infuses a warm, earthy undertone that gives these taquitos their signature Mexican flair.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
10 small flour or corn tortillas: The perfect canvas for rolling up the flavorful filling and crisping up in the oven.
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing: Helps create that irresistible golden, crunchy exterior without frying.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This initial step ensures a hot environment for crisping your taquitos evenly without sticking or burning.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy, evenly distributed, and bursting with flavor. This rich filling is what makes these taquitos so satisfyingly tasty.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Take each tortilla and spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese filling onto one end. Roll the tortilla tightly from that end to form a compact taquito. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to help them stay closed during baking.

Step 4: Brush and Bake to Perfection

Lightly brush or spray the tops of each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is the secret to achieving that gorgeous golden and crispy texture in the oven. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the taquitos are browned and crunchy on the outside.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Remove your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos from the oven and serve them immediately. The contrast between the crispy shell and creamy, flavorful inside is an absolute delight that will have everyone reaching for another.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

Enhance your taquitos by topping them with a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole. Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime can add brightness and freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the filling. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco adds an authentic touch and a burst of salty flavor.

Side Dishes

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos pair beautifully with classic sides like Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad tossed with a zesty lime dressing. Chips and salsa or a tangy corn and tomato salad also complement these taquitos to round out your Mexican-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, arrange the taquitos upright in a serving dish with colorful layered dips in the center, turning your appetizer platter into a fun and interactive experience. You can also cut the taquitos into bite-sized pinwheels for a party finger food version, perfect for sharing and snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy them as next-day snacks or quick lunches.

Freezing

These taquitos freeze beautifully! Assemble them ahead of time, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer and simply add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly crisp results.

Reheating

To reheat, place your taquitos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crispy once again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that sought-after crunchy exterior.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Both corn and flour tortillas work well for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. Just be sure to warm corn tortillas slightly beforehand to prevent cracking when you roll them.

Is it possible to make these taquitos gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas to keep this recipe gluten-friendly without sacrificing taste or texture.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Diced jalapeños, black beans, or finely chopped bell peppers work wonderfully and can add extra flavor and heartiness to your taquitos.

How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during baking?

Rolling the taquitos tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet are key tips to keep them closed while baking. Also, giving the tortillas a quick warm-up before filling helps make them more pliable and less prone to cracking.

Can I substitute rotisserie chicken?

Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds rich flavor and saves time without compromising the deliciousness of these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how easy and flavorful these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are, there’s no reason to wait. Whether for a lively party or a simple weeknight dinner, these taquitos bring a perfect blend of creamy and crispy, with just the right amount of spice. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate—you’ll be making them again and again!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired main course. Filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and flavorful spices, then baked until golden and crispy, they make a perfect snack or meal served with your favorite dips.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Assemble Taquitos: Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to hold its shape during baking.
Bake: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping.

Notes

Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
These freeze well! Assemble ahead, freeze, and bake straight from the freezer—just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here!
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in black beans for extra heartiness.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Main course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired