Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner champion: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! These golden, crispy taquitos are jam-packed with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling, then baked to perfection for a lighter (but still irresistibly crunchy) take on the classic. Every bite is a fiesta of flavors—savory chicken, tangy cream cheese, melty cheddar, and fresh green onions all come together inside a warm tortilla. Whether you’re serving them up as party snacks, an easy lunch, or a cozy family dinner, these taquitos are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! are perfection in every roll!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to whip up some unforgettable Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Each ingredient plays an important role, working together for that ultimate crave-worthy filling and perfect crunch.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken brings flavor and saves time—just shred it finely for the best texture in your taquitos.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the magic ingredient that makes your filling creamy and rich—be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar cheese melds perfectly with the other flavors and gives that classic taquito cheesy goodness.
- Green onions (thinly sliced): These add a fresh, punchy bite that keeps everything from becoming too heavy.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: A dash of both amps up the savory factor without overpowering the filling.
- Chili powder: Just a hint brings a subtle warmth and satisfying flavor depth; if you like things spicy, add a pinch more.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—never skip the basics!
- Small flour tortillas: Flour tortillas get delightfully crisp in the oven and hold together beautifully when rolled—look for the “soft taco” size.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: A light mist before baking delivers that crave-worthy golden crunch, no frying needed.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!
Step 1: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and all your spices. Blend until everything is well combined and the filling looks cheesy, creamy, and slightly flecked with green from those onions. Taste and adjust seasoning—don’t be shy!
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Microwave 3 to 4 tortillas at a time for about 20 seconds, just until they’re soft and flexible. This step is key for preventing tears when you roll your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! and ensures they crisp up evenly.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly, keeping the filling snug inside, and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the filling is used up—don’t worry if some filling peeks out, it just gets extra crispy!
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Lightly spray or brush the tops of your taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to guarantee maximum crunchiness. Slide the tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and deliciously crisp on the edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 5: Let Cool and Serve
Give your taquitos a few minutes out of the oven to cool just a bit—the filling will set up and the outside will stay nice and crunchy. Now you’re ready to enjoy the magic of homemade Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!
Garnishes
Set the stage for flavor with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream, or a spoonful of zesty pico de gallo. An extra scatter of sliced green onions adds both color and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, thinly sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime will brighten everything up—Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! love a good garnish.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better than a side of Spanish rice, classic refried beans, or a refreshing corn salad. For a snacky spread, serve your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! with guacamole and salsa on the side for dipping—there’s no wrong way to create a full meal out of these.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a platter with colorful napkins for game-day vibes, arrange them artfully over a big bed of lettuce for a party mini taco bar, or chop them into bite-sized pinwheels as appetizers. Think beyond the basics—your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! are versatile and ready to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! (which is a rare miracle), let them cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just long enough for tomorrow’s lunch or a midnight snack.
Freezing
The best part? You can freeze these taquitos before baking! Arrange filled, unbaked taquitos in a single layer on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-proof bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes until hot and crispy.
Reheating
Craving leftovers? Reheat Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! in a hot oven (or air fryer) at 375°F until piping hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can—they’ll still taste great, but the crisp factor is unbeatable in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring a slightly different flavor and a gluten-free option. Just make sure to warm them well so they’re pliable, and be extra gentle during rolling to prevent cracks.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
A hand mixer works wonders on warm, cooked chicken—simply shred in a bowl for perfectly even, tender pieces. Otherwise, two forks and a bit of patience will do the trick!
Can I make the filling spicy?
Of course! Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or more chili powder to your taste. Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! are easily customizable, so you can dial up or down the heat.
How do I keep taquitos crispy after baking?
Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a solid pan—this keeps air circulating all around, so your taquitos stay crunchy top and bottom and don’t get soggy.
Could I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely—cooked shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even black beans work beautifully. Just aim for the same amount so your filling stays luscious and easy to roll.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that combines flavor, crunch, and pure comfort, you can’t go wrong with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! They’re endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion. Get ready to watch these disappear fast—happy cooking!
PrintBaked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or meal. Crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Taquitos:
- 10–12 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, salsa, cheddar cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the taquitos: Place a heaping spoonful of the filling onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Place the taquitos seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Serve: Serve the taquitos warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with additional ingredients like diced green chilies, black beans, or corn.
- These taquitos can be frozen before baking for a convenient make-ahead option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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