Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup salsa; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 10 small flour or corn tortillas; Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing

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If you are craving a delicious, crispy, and creamy handheld snack, these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos will quickly become your new go-to. Combining tender shredded chicken with smooth cream cheese, melty cheddar, and a hit of zesty salsa all wrapped in crunchy baked tortillas, this dish perfectly balances flavor and texture. Not only are they simple to make, but these taquitos bake up beautifully golden without the fuss of frying. I promise once you try these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, they’ll be a staple in your recipe rotation for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing bite.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in making these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos taste irresistible. From the creamy cheeses to the aromatic spices, each one adds depth and excitement to the filling, while the tortillas provide that essential crisp shell.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: This is the hearty base that carries all the flavors, and rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, creamy texture that binds the filling together beautifully.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, melty contrast that complements the cream cheese wonderfully.
¼ cup salsa: Brings a fresh, zesty kick to the filling, balancing the cheeses.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth without overpowering.
1 tsp onion powder: Adds sweetness and depth.
1 tsp cumin: For that classic Mexican-inspired earthy flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: To season perfectly and enhance all the other flavors.
10 small flour or corn tortillas: Small sizes are ideal for rolling and serving these taquitos.
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing: Helps the taquitos brown nicely and crisp up in the oven.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean and ensure easy removal of your taquitos after baking. This step sets you up for success with a perfectly crispy finish.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, well-mixed filling bursting with savory and zesty flavors.

Step 3: Assemble Your Taquitos

Warm your tortillas slightly so they’re soft and pliable to prevent cracking. Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the creamy chicken filling onto each tortilla. Roll them tightly, making sure to secure the seam on the underside. Place each one seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to help them hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Lightly brush or spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to encourage a beautiful golden color and crunchy texture. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. When they come out looking perfectly crisp and bubbling with melty goodness, they’re ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

One of the joys of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is how versatile they are with toppings. Dollop with cool sour cream for creamy contrast, add fresh guacamole for richness, or spoon on extra salsa for a bright, tangy finish. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or diced jalapeños gives that fresh pop of flavor and color you’re craving.

Side Dishes

To complete your meal, pair these taquitos with a simple Mexican street corn salad, a crisp cabbage slaw, or even a bowl of black beans and rice. The sides add balance—cool crunch or hearty comfort—to complement the warm and cheesy taquitos.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party or family gathering, arrange the taquitos standing up in a decorative dish or platter with dipping sauces in pretty bowls around them. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces for fun finger foods. Either way, they’ll be the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Freezing

One of the best things about this recipe is how freezer-friendly it is. You can assemble all your taquitos ahead of time, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding about 5 extra minutes to the bake time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or use an air fryer for a quicker crisp-up. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the irresistible crunch of these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Both work wonderfully, but warming corn tortillas before rolling is even more important since they tend to crack more easily. Either choice gives you that authentic taquito texture and taste.

Is it okay to substitute the cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is key for that creamy binding effect and flavor, but you could try using ricotta or a blend of sour cream and shredded cheese. Just note the texture and richness might change slightly.

How spicy are these taquitos?

This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne powder to the filling. The salsa also contributes a mild tangy spice that warms the palate.

Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the regular tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas and you’re good to go. Just be sure to check that your salsa and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken quickly?

Using two forks is a classic method, but for even easier shredding, pulse cooked chicken breasts or thighs a few times in a food processor. Just be careful not to puree it!

Final Thoughts

If you want a tasty, fuss-free recipe that delivers crunchy, creamy, and satisfying bites every time, these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are for you. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or making ahead for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, you’ll find yourself reaching for the tortillas and chicken more often than you expect. So, preheat that oven and enjoy every golden, cheesy bite!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a deliciously crispy and creamy Mexican-inspired appetizer or main dish. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and warm spices, rolled in tortillas and baked to golden perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to fried taquitos while delivering amazing flavor and texture.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Assemble Taquitos: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable and prevent cracking. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them from unrolling during baking.
Bake: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Serve the taquitos hot, accompanied by sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping, making them perfect for parties, snacks, or a tasty main dish.

Notes

Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
These freeze well! Assemble ahead, freeze, and bake straight from the freezer—just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here, saving prep time.
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in black beans for extra heartiness and nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Main course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired