Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the golden brown taquitos out of the oven, the irresistible aroma of spices and melted cheese wafted through my kitchen. Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you crave something quick but delightful. This recipe doesn’t just deliver crispy perfection on the outside; it offers a creamy, cheesy filling that everyone in the family will adore! Not only are they incredibly easy to prepare, but they can handle any last-minute guests or act as a make-ahead freezer-friendly meal, ensuring your dinner game is always on point. Are you ready to transform your next meal into a festive taco fiesta? Why are these taquitos a must-try? Crispy, The Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos provide the perfect crunch, making them a hit at any gathering. Creamy filling, You’ll love how the rich blend of cream cheese, chicken, and spices creates a delightful surprise in each bite. Versatile, Customize easily by adding your favorite ingredients, like black beans or jalapeños. Quick prep, With just a simple mix and roll, dinner is ready in no time! Whether it’s a family dinner or game night with friends, these taquitos are sure to impress! Enjoy with a side of homemade guacamole for an extra touch! Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Ingredients For the Taquito Filling • Cooked Chicken (2 cups) – A hearty protein base; use leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for convenience. • Cream Cheese (4 oz) – Adds a luscious creaminess; can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. • Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup) – Enhances the cheesy flavor; any melty cheese like Monterey Jack works as a great alternative. • Salsa (¼ cup) – Infuses moisture and flavor into the filling; fresh pico de gallo pairs wonderfully, too. • Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Brings in an aromatic touch. • Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Contributes savory depth. • Cumin (1 tsp) – Delivers a warm, earthy flavor profile. • Salt and Pepper – Adjust for seasoning, amplifying the overall taste. For the Wrapping • Tortillas (10 small, flour or corn) – Encases the flavorful filling; opt for gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option. For Baking • Cooking Spray or Olive Oil – Ensure a crispy exterior; any oil can be used for brushing. Now, let’s get those Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos prepared and ready to transform your family meal! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring your taquitos bake evenly. This initial step sets the stage for crispy perfection in your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, so don’t rush it! Step 2: Prepare the Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 4 ounces of cream cheese, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of salsa, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy, creating a delightful filling that bursts with flavor. Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos Warm your tortillas slightly in a microwave or on a skillet to prevent cracking. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the flavorful filling onto each tortilla, rolling them tightly to encase the mixture. Position the rolled taquitos seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each to allow for even cooking. Step 4: Bake for Crispiness Lightly brush the tops of your assembled taquitos with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crispy exterior. Carefully place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. Watch as they turn a beautiful golden brown, letting you know they’re perfectly crisp! Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute before serving. They are best enjoyed warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa. Gather the family and savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing dish! Expert Tips for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking, ensuring a smooth wrap around your creamy filling. Use Leftovers: Utilize leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and enhance flavor, making these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos even easier to prepare. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling before rolling; adjust salt and spices to your preference for a well-balanced flavor. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overpacking the tortillas with filling to prevent them from bursting during baking; 2-3 tablespoons per tortilla is ideal. Crispy Finish: Brush taquitos lightly with oil to achieve that perfect golden, crispy exterior that everyone loves. What to Serve with Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Get ready to elevate your meal with these mouthwatering accompaniments that will make your family request an encore! Fresh Guacamole: A creamy and zesty dip that perfectly balances the crunch of the taquitos, adding a classic Mexican touch. Sour Cream: This cool, tangy condiment complements the savory flavor of the taquitos, providing a luscious contrast that everyone will love. Mexican Rice: Fluffy and seasoned, this side dish brings warmth and heartiness, creating a fulfilling plate for any occasion. Black Beans: Rich in protein, they add a delightful texture and earthy flavor, enhancing your taquito experience while also making it nutritious. Pico de Gallo: Bright and refreshing, this fresh salsa brings vibrant flavors and a crunch that awakens every bite, serving as a perfect contrast to the creamy filling. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted, sweet corn is a classic pairing that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements of the meal. Chilled Beer or Sparkling Water: A light beverage, like a crisp beer or refreshing sparkling water, will cleanse your palate and enhance the festive experience. Chocolate Flan: Finish your meal on a sweet note with this rich, velvety dessert that blends beautifully with the Mexican flavors of your taquitos. Craft your perfect spread, and watch your loved ones savor every bite while sharing laughter and stories around the table! Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Variations Feel free to get creative with these taquitos and tailor them to suit every family member’s tastes! Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for a fiery kick. This will transform your taquitos into a zesty delight perfect for spice lovers. Hearty Addition: Mix in a cup of black beans to the filling for extra protein and fiber while lending a delightful texture contrast. Cheesy Upgrade: Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a creamy blend that adds heat and flavor. It’s a simple yet impactful way to elevate your taquitos. Veggie-Packed: Toss in minced bell peppers or corn into your filling for a burst of color and added nutrition. Your taquitos will have a fresh, vibrant flair! Vegan Alternative: Replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas and switch cream cheese for a vegan version. Experiment with spices to keep the flavors vibrant while catering to plant-based diets. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish accessible to everyone at the table. Enjoying crispy taquitos doesn’t have to be limited to gluten eaters! Salsa Swap: Try different types of salsa like mango or pineapple salsa for a sweet twist that complements the savory filling beautifully, adding a tropical flair! For more fun meal ideas, check out our guide on freezer-friendly recipes or explore how to make these taquitos even spicier with our best spicy salsa recipes. Enjoy experimenting with flavors that will make your family keep coming back for more! How to Store and Freeze Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Fridge: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll remain tasty and ready for a quick snack or meal! Freezer: For make-ahead meals, freeze unbaked taquitos. Place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 5 minutes of cooking time. Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat the taquitos in an oven or air fryer until hot. Microwaving may make them soggy, so avoid that method if possible! Serving Fresh: For the best experience, serve the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos warm, complemented by your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream or guacamole. Make Ahead Options These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can assemble the taquitos up to 24 hours in advance by following the normal recipe steps, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerating. For even longer storage, place the assembled taquitos in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer with an additional 5 minutes of cooking time, ensuring they remain deliciously crispy. Preparing ahead not only reduces hassle but also means you can savor these tasty treats whenever the craving hits! Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best flavor, select fully ripened ingredients. Look for cream cheese that’s creamy and soft, not dried out. If using fresh salsa, pick tomatoes that are bright red and slightly firm, as they’ll bring the best moisture and taste to your filling. How long can I store leftover taquitos in the fridge? Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing for maximum freshness! They make for a delicious quick snack or meal option during the week. Can I freeze Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos? Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the taquitos but don’t bake them. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until they are firm, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the taquitos into a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer for about 20-25 minutes, adding 5 extra minutes to that time to ensure they’re cooked through. What should I do if my taquitos burst while baking? Very common! If your taquitos burst during baking, it usually means they were overfilled. Make sure to stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla. To troubleshoot for next time, warm the tortillas gently before rolling them; this keeps them pliable and less likely to crack or split. Can I make these taquitos without dairy for a dietary restriction? Yes! To make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cheese or a soft tofu blend. For the cheese, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy, and there are also many plant-based shredded cheese options available on the market today. Be sure to check your salsa for added dairy! How can I ensure a crispy finish on my taquitos? For that coveted crispy finish, make sure to lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil before baking. Keeping space between them on the baking sheet is key as well—this allows hot air to circulate and crisp every taquito to perfection! Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos for Family Fun Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a quick and delightful meal perfect for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 18 minutes minsTotal Time 33 minutes mins Servings: 5 taquitosCourse: AppetizersCuisine: MexicanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Taquito Filling2 cups Cooked Chicken Use leftover rotisserie or canned chicken4 oz Cream Cheese Can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack works¼ cup Salsa Fresh pico de gallo pairs wonderfully1 tsp Garlic Powder1 tsp Onion Powder1 tsp CuminSalt and Pepper Adjust for seasoningFor the Wrapping10 small Tortillas Flour or corn; opt for gluten-free if neededFor BakingCooking Spray or Olive Oil Ensure a crispy exterior Equipment OvenBaking SheetParchment PaperMicrowave or skilletMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken TaquitosPreheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and seasoning, mixing until creamy.Warm tortillas slightly, then spread 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto each, rolling them tightly and placing seam-side down on the baking sheet.Brush the tops with olive oil or cooking spray and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.Allow to cool for a minute before serving with dipping sauces. Nutrition Serving: 1taquitoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg NotesFor best results, warm tortillas to prevent cracking and adjust fillings as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
