If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly delicious snack or appetizer that feels homemade yet is incredibly simple to make, the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe will quickly become your go-to. These taquitos bring together tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of spice wrapped in a perfectly crisp tortilla, baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a party treat, this recipe offers a delightful balance of creaminess and crunch that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors while keeping the texture exciting with a crispy exterior. You likely have most of these pantry essentials on hand, making this dish both convenient and satisfying.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides a savory base and hearty protein that’s perfect for filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious creaminess that binds the filling together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Imparts a sharp, tangy depth balancing the richness.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Brings a mild, creamy texture that melts smoothly.
- 1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies: Infuses fresh flavor and a gentle kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces warm, aromatic notes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds subtle earthiness and a hint of smoky spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas: The vessel that crisps up perfectly and holds in the cheesy, chicken filling.
- Olive oil spray (for baking): Helps the taquitos crisp up evenly in the oven without extra grease.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light greasing ensures your taquitos won’t stick and will crisp up nicely. This high baking temperature is key to that perfect crunch without frying.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add in salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mixing everything until fully blended creates a flavorful, luscious filling that will hold its shape when rolled.
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
To avoid cracking or tearing, warm your tortillas in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This quick step makes them pliable and easier to roll without fuss, ensuring your taquitos stay intact throughout baking.
Step 4: Roll Up Those Taquitos
Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla, then roll them tightly from one end to the other. Tightly rolled tortillas help keep the filling snug and prevent any escape during baking. Seal by placing the seam side down on your baking sheet.
Step 5: Prep for Baking
Arrange the rolled taquitos on your prepared baking tray, seam side down to keep them closed. Give them a light spray or brush of olive oil—this step is essential for achieving that coveted golden, crispy exterior without deep frying.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the taquitos are beautifully golden brown and crunchy. The cheeses will be bubbling inside, and the tortillas will have that perfect crispy texture that taquitos are celebrated for.
Step 7: Get Ready to Serve
Remove from the oven and let the taquitos cool for a couple of minutes — they’re best enjoyed warm. Serve them with your favorite dips like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for a crowd-pleasing finish.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions amps up the visual appeal and adds a burst of freshness to complement the creamy filling. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten every bite, elevating those baked taquitos to something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair these taquitos with a crisp salad or Mexican street corn (elote) for a balanced meal. Rice and beans are classic and satisfying, bringing heartiness if you want to serve this as a main course rather than a snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange taquitos on a festive platter with small bowls of different dips like guacamole, salsa, or chipotle mayo for variety. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy finger food during parties — they’re a guaranteed hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them an excellent choice for meal prepping or quick snacks during busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, freeze the taquitos before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready to bake fresh whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To maintain that delightful crispness, reheat taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes rather than using a microwave. This restores the crunch while warming the cheesy filling nicely.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves you prep time while providing flavorful, tender meat.
What if I don’t have both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses?
You can substitute with any melty cheese you like, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, though the combination in this recipe balances sharpness and creaminess really well.
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes! Use corn tortillas labeled gluten-free to keep this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The recipe has a mild kick from the salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies and the cumin. You can easily adjust the heat by selecting a spicier salsa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is baking healthier than frying taquitos?
Definitely. Baking reduces the amount of added oil and fat while still delivering a satisfyingly crispy texture, making these a lighter alternative to traditional fried taquitos.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe inspires you to enjoy a homemade treat that’s both tender and crunchy, cheesy and savory, all baked to perfection with minimal fuss. They’re the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ideal for sharing with family or friends anytime. So go ahead, roll up these flavorful taquitos and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8–10 taquitos)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful shredded chicken and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack, they are baked to golden perfection, making them a lighter alternative to fried taquitos.
Ingredients
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
Assembly
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended into a creamy filling.
- Warm Tortillas: Microwave the tortillas for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken cheese mixture onto each tortilla and roll them tightly to secure the filling inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the taquitos turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with your choice of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- You can use either flour or corn tortillas, based on your preference.
- For extra crispiness, you can brush the taquitos lightly with olive oil instead of spraying.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of salsa or diced chilies to control the spice level.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
