Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 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’ve been hunting for an irresistible snack or a fun dinner idea, look no further than these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! This dish combines tender shredded chicken and creamy, dreamy cream cheese with a touch of spice, all wrapped up in crispy, golden tortillas that bake perfectly in the oven. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy bold flavors and satisfying textures without frying, making it a crowd-pleasing delight that’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, creaminess, and that perfect crispy texture that makes these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos so unforgettable. From the rich cream cheese to the warming spices, everything works in harmony to bring out the best in every bite.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty base that lends protein and a tender, meaty texture.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds luscious creaminess and binds the filling together beautifully.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, melty contrast to the smooth cream cheese.
¼ cup salsa: Infuses the filling with tangy, zesty flavor and a splash of color.
1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a mellow, savory background note.
1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering.
1 tsp cumin: Brings a warm, earthy spice that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors perfectly.
10 small flour or corn tortillas: The crisp wrapping that holds all the goodness – warming them slightly helps prevent cracking.
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing: A light touch of fat ensures a golden, crispy finish when baked.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly crisp taquitos without any sticking, and preheating ensures a quick, even bake.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended—this filling is where all those rich, zesty flavors come together in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Warm your tortillas slightly to make them pliable and less likely to crack. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly. Placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet helps them hold their shape as they bake into crispy cylinders bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Brush or spray a little olive oil or cooking spray over the tops of your assembled taquitos to encourage that gorgeous golden crispiness. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until they’re crunchy and browned just right—this is the moment when the filling gets hot and melty while the outside crisps to perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull them from the oven and get ready to taste some serious comfort food magic. These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are best enjoyed hot, paired with your favorite dips like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for a complete flavor experience.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

Add a fresh and vibrant touch with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten each bite, making every mouthful as exciting as the first.

Side Dishes

Serve these taquitos alongside a simple Mexican street corn salad, a crisp green salad, or some black beans and rice for a full, satisfying meal. The creamy, spicy filling pairs wonderfully with fresh and tangy sides that balance richness with brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos standing up in a shallow bowl or platter for a fun finger-food display. You can even chop a few into bite-sized pieces and serve as appetizer skewers at a party — guaranteed to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly crisp and flavorful, making them ideal for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

Assemble the taquitos ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can be baked straight from the freezer—just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time for that same crispy, melty goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your taquitos back into a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 5 to 8 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, since it tends to make the tortillas soft rather than crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time, making your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos even easier to prepare.

What type of tortillas works best?

Both small flour and corn tortillas work well—just warm them gently before rolling to prevent cracking and to make rolling easier.

Can I make these spicy?

Definitely. Adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling will give your taquitos a nice kick without overpowering the creamy base.

Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes! These taquitos freeze wonderfully and can be baked directly from frozen, perfect for meal prep and easy entertaining.

What dips pair well with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?

Sour cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, or even a smoky chipotle mayo make fantastic companions, enhancing the flavors and adding a creamy, cool contrast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a snack or meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos should be at the top of your list. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll create a delicious and crispy treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to have your new favorite taquito on repeat!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a deliciously creamy and crispy appetizer or meal option, combining tender shredded chicken with rich cream cheese, cheddar, and flavorful spices, all wrapped in crispy baked tortillas. Perfect for a quick dinner or party finger food, they are easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and versatile for various toppings and dippings.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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 well blended.
Assemble Taquitos: Warm the tortillas slightly to avoid cracking, then place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them from unraveling during baking.
Bake: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite sides 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 for quick preparation.
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in black beans for extra heartiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired