Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the kind of crowd-pleasing snack or easy dinner you’ll make once and then crave all the time! These taquitos boast crunchy golden shells packed with a creamy, zesty chicken filling that just melts in your mouth—perfect for feeding a hungry family, serving at parties, or indulging in a weekend treat. They’re baked instead of fried, making them lighter (and less messy), but every bite is loaded with flavor and makes you want to reach for just one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is how simple, familiar ingredients come together to make magic. Each element—creamy, seasoned, or crunchy—plays a big part in the final delicious result.
- Shredded Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken (especially rotisserie) gives you juicy, flavorful protein and shaves time off prep.
- Cream Cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese makes the filling luxuriously creamy and helps everything hold together in each bite.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack: Melty cheese gives gooey goodness and extra flavor—use your favorite or a combo.
- Salsa: Adds tang and just a hint of heat; choose your favorite to control the spice level.
- Ground Cumin: This earthy, smokey spice is essential for that authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth and a little color; don’t be shy if you like a bolder flavor!
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A sprinkle at the end brings the whole filling to life.
- Chopped Green Onions or Cilantro: (Optional) Fold these in for a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor.
- Small Flour or Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, but corn offers great texture and a gluten-free option.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Brushing or spraying these ensures your taquitos get extra crisp and golden without frying.
- Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa, or Pico de Gallo: No taquito is complete without something wonderful for dipping!
- Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes, or Extra Cheese: (Optional) Top your taquitos for extra color, crunch, and cheesy goodness.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Tortillas
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil. To make rolling much easier (and prevent frustrating cracking), warm your tortillas in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. They should feel soft and pliable—ideal for wrapping tightly around that creamy filling.
Step 2: Craft the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s smooth, creamy, and fully blended. If you love a punch of freshness, this is the perfect moment to fold in those green onions or a generous bunch of chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay a warm tortilla flat, and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken filling right down the center. Roll it up snugly, making sure the seam side ends up facing down on the baking sheet—this keeps it closed as it bakes. Repeat with the rest of your tortillas and filling until your sheet is filled with tidy little rolls, ready for the oven.
Step 4: Brush and Top for Maximum Crispiness
Take a brush or spray bottle and lightly coat the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray. This touch is the key to getting them perfectly golden and crispy in the oven. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle a pinch more cheese on top for even more meltiness and visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Slide your tray into the oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway so every side gets crackling crisp. Want to take it further? Switch on the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end to amp up that golden color, but stay close—they crisp up fast!
Step 6: Cool Briefly and Serve!
Give the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos just a few minutes to cool so the filling sets and nobody burns their fingers (or tongue!). Serve with all your favorite dips: creamy guacamole, tangy salsa, cooling sour cream—maybe even a spoonful of pico de gallo. You made it—time to dig in!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Garnishes
A pile of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is already a showstopper, but the right garnish can elevate them to crave-worthy status. Scatter on some vibrant shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a shower of extra cheese for color, crunch, and a touch of freshness. Don’t forget the drizzle of your favorite sauce or a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pairing your taquitos with the right side turns them into a complete meal. Classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a bright corn salad always hit the spot. Even simple sides like crunchy tortilla chips, a big green salad, or a fresh fruit salsa can make dinner feel like a fun, colorful feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get playful? Arrange Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos standing in a glass or jar as a finger food tower for parties. Slice them into bite-sized rounds for appetizer platters, or set up a “taquito bar” with bowls of various toppings and dips so everyone can build their own dream plate. They’re just as welcome at a game-day gathering as at a laid-back brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any taquitos left (which rarely happens), cool them to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Their crispy texture will soften a bit, but the flavor remains delicious and perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are ideal for prepping ahead! Arrange unbaked, assembled taquitos on a tray and freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. Perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests!
Reheating
To restore that crunch, reheat taquitos in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until sizzling and crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven or even an air fryer will bring back the irresistible texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie or homemade?
Absolutely! Canned chicken works well when you’re short on time. Just drain thoroughly and shred with a fork before mixing for best texture in your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.
Will corn or flour tortillas work better?
Both work great, but flour tortillas roll more easily and give a slightly softer crunch, while corn tortillas offer authentic flavor and are gluten-free. Warm corn tortillas in the microwave under a damp towel so they don’t crack when rolling.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The base recipe is mild, but you control the heat! Choose a spicier salsa, add diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you want some extra kick in your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.
Can I add veggies to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, sautéed onions, or a handful of corn add delicious flavor, color, and nutrition. Finely dice any veggies to keep the filling cohesive and easy to roll.
What other fillings work well?
You can get creative! Leftover pulled pork, black beans, or diced cooked steak make great substitutes for chicken. Simply mix with the cream cheese and seasoning as you do with the original for irresistible new Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos flavor combos.
Final Thoughts
Give these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos a try whenever you’re craving something crunchy, cheesy, and seriously satisfying. They’re surprisingly easy, endlessly customizable, and an instant hit with kids and adults alike. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you just might discover a new go-to favorite!
