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’re on the hunt for an irresistible snack or a satisfying meal with a Mexican-inspired twist, you’ll absolutely love these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. Crispy on the outside and bursting with a creamy, flavorful filling inside, these taquitos bring together tender shredded chicken, smooth cream cheese, zesty salsa, and a perfect blend of spices for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Best of all, they’re baked to golden perfection, making them a lighter yet just-as-tasty alternative to fried snacks. Once you try them, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos will definitely earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the first step to creating magic in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role — from the tender chicken to the creamy cheese and vibrant salsa, every component contributes to that unbeatable taste and satisfying texture you’re craving.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using shredded chicken provides easy-to-eat protein with a meaty base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: This adds a rich creaminess that binds the filling together and keeps it luscious.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and melty goodness that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
¼ cup salsa: Adds a hint of spice and a fresh, tangy punch for balance.
1 tsp garlic powder: Offers a warm, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 tsp onion powder: Boosts the flavor profile subtly and rounds out the spices.
1 tsp cumin: Imparts a smoky, earthy note that screams authenticity.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and sharpens all the flavors.
10 small flour or corn tortillas: Your vessel for holding all that delicious filling; warming them slightly prevents cracking.
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing: Helps achieve that golden and crispy texture on the outside during baking.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature helps the taquitos get that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the insides wonderfully gooey.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a creamy, well-blended mixture. This filling is where all the magic happens — the spices and cheeses blend seamlessly with the chicken for a rich, flavor-packed bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Warm your tortillas slightly to keep them pliable and easy to roll without cracking. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place them seam-side down on the lined baking sheet. Rolling tightly is key here; it keeps the filling sealed inside so each bite is as delightful as the last.

Step 4: Brush and Bake to Golden Perfection

Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray. This step ensures they bake into crispy little cylinders of deliciousness. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid burning but don’t rush – that crispness is worth the wait!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are ready to be served hot and fresh. They pair beautifully with dips and sides, transforming from a simple snack into a full-on flavor celebration.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds creaminess and cool contrasts perfectly against the warm, crispy taquitos. For extra zing, drizzle a little hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving.

Side Dishes

These taquitos shine alongside a light Mexican street corn salad or a crisp mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance richness. Refried beans or Spanish rice also make fantastic hearty companions, rounding out a fulfilling and delicious meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party appetizer, slice the taquitos into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with an assortment of dips like salsa roja, queso dip, and pico de gallo. Another idea is to serve them in little bowls lined with lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held treat that guests will love grabbing again and again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the taquitos crispy, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos freeze remarkably well. Assemble the taquitos, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, just adding an extra five minutes to the baking time – perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through. This method revives their crispiness beautifully, giving you that freshly baked texture without any sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas work wonderfully and add an authentic texture. Just warm them well before rolling to prevent cracks during assembly.

What if I don’t have leftover chicken?

You can easily use rotisserie chicken from the store or quickly cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs to save time and effort.

Can I make these spicy?

Definitely! Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Are Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos healthy?

While they have a rich and creamy filling, baking instead of frying makes them a lighter option. Using lean chicken and serving with fresh sides helps keep the meal balanced.

What dips go best with these taquitos?

Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and queso are classic choices that elevate the eating experience by adding cool or creamy contrasts to the crunchy taquitos.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a homemade, crispy taquito filled with creamy chicken goodness, and Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos hit that sweet spot every time. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner, a game-day snack, or an impressive party appetizer, these taquitos are easy to make, endlessly tasty, and sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite you keep coming back to!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful shredded chicken and spices. Perfect for a quick Mexican-inspired main course or snack, they bake to golden perfection and pair wonderfully with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the taquitos.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until creamy and well blended.
Assemble Taquitos: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep them intact during baking.
Bake: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray on top to help them crisp. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for a delicious meal or snack.

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