If you love cozy, cheesy, and crispy bites that satisfy every craving, then this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe is going to become your new go-to snack or meal. These taquitos combine tender shredded chicken blended with creamy cheeses and just the right amount of spice, all rolled up in golden tortillas that bake to crispy perfection. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again for game days, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a quick, crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of ingredients that work beautifully together to create incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role—from the creamy base to the melty cheeses, and the spices that bring it all to life.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein foundation that makes these taquitos satisfying and delicious.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, dreamy creaminess that binds the filling perfectly.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild, buttery contrast to the cheddar for balanced cheesiness.
- 1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings moisture, a little zest, and that hint of fresh spice.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth that enhances every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness, a classic Mexican spice that rounds out the filling.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas: The crisp, golden vehicles holding all that cheesy, chicken goodness.
- Olive oil spray (for baking): Ensures the taquitos get that irresistible crispy crust without deep-frying.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting your taquitos wonderfully crisp on the outside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your taquitos won’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy, cheesy filling is what makes this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe truly special.
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave. This makes them flexible, so they roll without cracking or breaking once filled. Soft tortillas are essential for that perfect taquito shape.
Step 4: Roll Up the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Spread it evenly lengthwise, then roll tightly, tucking the filling inside. Aim for snug rolls, with the seam side down when placing them on the baking sheet to keep them from unraveling.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil. This is a simple trick to help them brown and crisp beautifully in the oven without frying in oil.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your taquitos for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them near the end to ensure they don’t over-bake. When out of the oven, they’ll be perfectly crunchy on the outside with that warm, melty, cheesy chicken filling inside.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your golden taquitos warm, and get ready to delight in every crunchy, cheesy bite. They’re fantastic with classic dips like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole to add even more layers of flavor.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can really elevate your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe to something special. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice offers zesty balance to the creamy cheese filling. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for that perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair beautifully with light, fresh sides to complement their richness. Consider a crisp, zesty Mexican slaw or a simple avocado salad with lime and cilantro for a refreshing contrast. Black beans or Spanish rice also make excellent companions for a heartier meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests or add variety to your usual routine? Serve your taquitos stacked in a colorful platter, alternating with small bowls of vibrant dips. You can even cut the taquitos into bite-sized pinwheels for a fun party appetizer. Garnish the platter with lime wedges and chopped green onions for a festive finish that invites sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover taquitos (which honestly might be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them crispy is key, so avoid stacking them tightly to preserve their texture.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze wonderfully, making them a perfect make-ahead meal. To freeze, place the rolled but unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake the taquitos for 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving can make the tortillas soggy, so stick with the oven for that fresh-baked crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe even faster without sacrificing flavor. Just shred and mix it right in.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free corn tortillas, and be sure your salsa and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. This makes the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters while keeping all the flavor intact.
Is it okay to use both cream cheese and cheddar cheese?
Definitely! The cream cheese provides that luscious creaminess, while the cheddar adds sharp flavor and great meltability, making the filling rich and hearty without being overpowering.
Can I add other veggies to the filling?
Of course! Chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn can be stirred into the chicken mixture to add more texture and nutrition. Just be sure not to add too much moisture, or the taquitos may not crisp as well during baking.
What are the best dipping sauces for these taquitos?
Great dipping options include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a creamy chipotle sauce. They all complement the cheesy chicken filling perfectly and add a fresh kick to each bite.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. It’s a brilliant blend of simple ingredients transformed into irresistibly crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites that everyone will adore. Perfect for quick dinners, snack time, or entertaining, these taquitos are proof that comfort food and convenience can go hand in hand. Give it a try and enjoy every crunchy, creamy forkful!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crispy twist on a classic Mexican appetizer. Filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and aromatic spices, these taquitos are baked to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to frying. Ideal for a quick snack or party appetizer, they pair perfectly with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Taquitos
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended into a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Warm Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable and easier to roll without cracking, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken cheese mixture onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring it is sealed well to prevent filling from spilling out during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to help them stay closed. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to achieve a crispy golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These taquitos pair wonderfully with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn tortillas ensuring they are fresh and pliable.
- For extra crispiness, broil the taquitos for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- These taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
