If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, creamy, and packed full of savory flavor, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These little rolled delights are a perfect fusion of tender shredded chicken, luscious cream cheese, and melty cheddar blended with a hint of spice, all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy tortilla. They bake quickly in the oven, making them an easy yet irresistible treat for weeknight dinners, game day, or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, creating a balance of creamy, cheesy, and mildly spiced flavors with just the right crispy texture and color from baking.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: This is the protein-packed heart of the taquitos, tender and ready to absorb all the flavors.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess that binds the filling and gives a tangy smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, savory bite to the mix that melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a buttery and mild complement to cheddar.
- 1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies: Gives a fresh, zesty kick and a bit of moisture so the filling isn’t dry.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth with its aromatic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Imparts a warm, earthy spice that ties the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance all the ingredients perfectly.
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas: Choose your favorite for flexible wrapping and a sturdy base for rolling.
- Olive oil spray (for baking): Helps achieve that golden, crispy finish without extra grease.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This ensures your taquitos cook evenly and come out crisp without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until every ingredient is blended into a creamy, flavorful filling that’s bursting with savory goodness. This mixture is the soul of your taquitos, so make sure everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Before rolling, warm your tortillas in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This step is key because it makes the tortillas soft and pliable, preventing cracks and breaks when you roll the filling tightly inside.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the rich chicken filling onto each tortilla. Then, roll them up tightly to contain all that cheesy, creamy goodness in one neat package. Rolling snugly helps the taquitos hold their shape and promotes an even bake.
Step 5: Arrange and Oil
Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. To get that perfect golden crisp, lightly spray or brush the taquitos with olive oil. This step gives them a deliciously crunchy exterior as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the taquitos for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp up nicely. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary, but the result will always be those satisfying crispy edges enclosing a luscious filling.
Step 7: Serve Warm
The best part! Serve your golden taquitos warm alongside your favorite dips like sour cream, fresh salsa, or creamy guacamole. The combination is pure magic and invites everyone back for seconds.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your taquitos with fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of diced green onions. These bright touches add freshness and a pop of color that perfectly complements the warm, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Pair these taquitos with simple sides like a crunchy Mexican street corn salad, a cool cabbage slaw, or a tangy avocado salad. These light accompaniments perfectly balance the richness of the taquitos and make for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your baked cream cheese chicken taquitos on a festive platter with an array of dipping sauces in small bowls. Another idea is to chop the cooled taquitos and turn them into a layered taco salad with lettuce, beans, cheese, and salsa — a creative way to enjoy leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover baked cream cheese chicken taquitos should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days, and you can enjoy them cold or reheated for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Place unbaked, rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to pop straight into the oven whenever you’re craving this delicious treat.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftover or frozen taquitos at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again, about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to help maintain that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and flavorful, which makes the preparation quick and easy.
Are corn tortillas a good choice for these taquitos?
Yes, corn tortillas add a nice traditional flavor and crispiness. Just warm them well to prevent breaking during rolling.
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Of course! Substitute the chicken with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses?
Using both cheeses adds a wonderful complexity of flavors and textures, but you can use just one if that’s what you have on hand.
What dipping sauces go best with this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Classic choices like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa complement the creamy, savory filling wonderfully. For a little heat, try a chipotle mayo or spicy ranch.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got everything you need to make this irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe, it’s time to fire up the oven and get rolling. This dish is quick, satisfying, and perfect for sharing, whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun gathering with friends. I promise, once you take a bite of that crispy, cheesy goodness, you’ll be making this recipe again and again.
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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crispy appetizer or meal option featuring shredded chicken blended with cream cheese and cheddar cheeses, rolled tightly in tortillas and baked to golden perfection. They are easy to prepare, requiring just 28 minutes, and make for a satisfying snack or main dish served with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Fill and roll: Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them tightly to secure the filling inside.
- Arrange taquitos: Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil for a crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the taquitos turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your choice of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- Using small tortillas (flour or corn) helps in rolling the taquitos tightly and ensures even baking.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix easily with the other ingredients.
- Warming tortillas makes them less likely to crack when rolling.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the taquitos for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftover taquitos can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and re-crisped in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
