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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re after a crowd-pleasing, comfort-food recipe that’s both snackable and satisfying, these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are absolutely the way to go. Imagine tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy, tangy cream cheese, melty cheddar, and a hint of zesty salsa, all wrapped snugly inside crispy baked tortillas. They’re the perfect blend of crispy edges and gooey inside, making every bite a little celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a delicious finger food for game day, these taquitos bring a warm, inviting vibe straight to your kitchen table.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos lies in their simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of creaminess, spice, and crunch that makes this dish so special.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein base that gives these taquitos substance and a comforting texture.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness that binds everything together.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a sharp, melty punch that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
¼ cup salsa: Brings a zesty, slightly tangy kick that wakes up the flavors.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
1 tsp onion powder: Provides a gentle sweetness and subtle background flavor.
1 tsp cumin: Imparts warm, earthy notes essential to tantalizing Mexican-inspired dishes.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that rounds all the flavors beautifully.
10 small flour or corn tortillas: The crispy, golden shells that encase all that delicious filling.
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing: Helps achieve that perfect baked crispiness on the outside.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). This ensures the taquitos bake evenly and turn perfectly golden and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean and prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a creamy, flavorful filling—this step is where magic happens, blending savory, tangy, and cheesy notes into one irresistible filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking during rolling. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly around the filling. Placing them seam-side down on the lined baking sheet helps them hold their shape and crisp up beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Brush or lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray—this little step is key for achieving that golden, crispy finish. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re browned and crunchy on the outside but still creamy inside.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

Serving isn’t just about plating; it’s about elevating the experience. Top your taquitos with a dollop of cool sour cream, a few slices of creamy avocado or guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. Each garnish adds freshness and extra layers of flavor that make every bite delightful.

Side Dishes

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are fantastic on their own but pairing them with vibrant sides takes your meal to another level. Consider a crisp mixed green salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette, a colorful bowl of Mexican street corn salad, or some simple black beans and Spanish rice to complement these flavorful wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or switch things up? Serve your taquitos stacked on a platter with small bowls of various salsas—like mango-habanero or roasted tomato—for dipping. Or slice them into bite-sized pinwheels for a crowd-friendly appetizer. The possibilities are endless and fun to explore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick, tasty snack or lunch the next day without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

These taquitos are freezer-friendly magic. Assemble them as usual, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—just add around 5 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy.

Reheating

To revive the crispy texture, reheat taquitos in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through and crunchy. Microwaving is an option but may make the tortillas soggy, so the oven method is definitely the way to go.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds delicious flavor and saves prep time. Just shred it finely before mixing with the other ingredients.

What kind of tortillas work best for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?

Small flour or corn tortillas both work well. Just be sure to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking, which keeps your taquitos perfectly intact during baking.

Can I add some heat or spice to these taquitos?

Definitely! Mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling amps up the spice level beautifully. You can also serve with spicy salsa or hot sauce for extra kick.

Are these taquitos suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! They hold up great in the fridge or freezer, making them ideal for meal prep. You can assemble in advance and bake whenever you’re ready for a fresh, tasty treat.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Simply swap regular tortillas for your favorite gluten-free corn or flour tortillas, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are truly a game changer when you want something that’s quick, delicious, and full of comforting flavors. I promise once you try them, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime cravings hit. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you’ll love sharing this warm, crispy, creamy delight with those you care about most.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring shredded chicken blended with cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, all rolled into crispy baked tortillas. Perfect as a snack or main course, they are satisfying, flavorful, and ideal for a quick family meal or party appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
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. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Assemble Taquitos: Warm the tortillas slightly to prevent cracking, then place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed while baking.
Bake: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Enjoy your taquitos with sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
These taquitos 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 and adds extra flavor.
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