Flavor-Packed Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Creamy, crispy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos represent the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknight dinners.

Tender shredded chicken gets upgradeed with rich, smooth cream cheese into a mouthwatering filling that promises serious flavor.

Rolled tightly in warm tortillas and baked until golden, these taquitos deliver satisfying crunch without excessive oil.

The combination of savory proteins and tangy cheese creates an irresistible texture that appeals to both kids and adults.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a reliable go-to meal that never disappoints hungry families.

Quick assembly means you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Each bite brings a delightful blend of warmth, richness, and crisp edges that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos That Hit the Spot

• Bursting with Flavor Fusion: Combines zesty salsa, tangy cream cheese, and aromatic spices to create a mouthwatering blend that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
• Super Easy Assembly: Requires minimal cooking skills and just one bowl for mixing, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations with simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crunch Factor: Delivers a satisfying crispy exterior from baking, transforming soft tortillas into golden, crunchy taquitos that provide an irresistible textural experience.
• Versatile Meal Option: Works wonderfully as an appetizer, game day snack, kid-friendly dinner, or casual party food that can be customized with different protein or cheese variations.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Cream Cheese Taquitos

• Chicken: Shredded and cooked meat as the primary protein base for a hearty filling.
• Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Melty cheese that provides extra flavor and creates a gooey texture.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth to the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and classic southwestern taste to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a smooth, consistent garlic flavor throughout the mixture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the taquitos.
• Green Onion, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and zesty notes to the dish.

• Salsa: Adds moisture, tanginess, and extra flavor to the chicken mixture.
• Lime Juice: Provides a fresh, citrusy kick that brightens the entire filling.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft wraps that hold the filling and become crispy when baked.

Step-by-Step Chicken Taquitos with a Creamy Twist

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 425°F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Spritz the foil with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Packed Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Salsa
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Lime juice
• Salt

• Shredded chicken
• Colby Jack cheese
• Green onions
• Chopped cilantro

Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Roll Up the Taquitos

Place a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture onto one edge of the tortilla, leaving a small border. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Continue until all tortillas are filled.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

• Sour cream
• Ranch dressing
• Fresh salsa

Pro Tip: These taquitos are perfect for game day, movie night, or a fun family dinner!

Tips for Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Chill Before Rolling: Refrigerate the cream cheese mixture for 15 minutes to make rolling taquitos easier and prevent filling from spilling out.
• Choose the Right Tortillas: Use fresh, soft flour tortillas at room temperature to prevent cracking when rolling and ensure a tight seal.
• Control Filling Quantity: Measure 3 tablespoons of filling precisely to avoid overstuffing, which can cause taquitos to burst during baking.
• Brush for Extra Crispiness: Lightly brush tortillas with olive oil or melted butter before baking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and salsa heat to match your preferred spiciness, creating a personalized flavor profile.

Store and Warm Up Chicken Taquitos the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Freeze: Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months for long-term storage.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated taquitos in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes until crispy and heated through. For frozen taquitos, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pairing Ideas for Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Spice Up with Margaritas: Pair these crispy taquitos with zesty lime margaritas that complement the cumin and chili powder in the filling, creating a vibrant flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dips: Serve alongside refreshing dips like avocado crema or jalapeño ranch that balance the taquitos' warmth and add a creamy texture to each crunchy bite.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Create a light Mexican-inspired salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream cheese and provide a bright, fresh contrast.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a crisp Mexican lager or a hoppy pale ale that can stand up to the bold spices and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy, savory taquitos.

Different Fillings to Try in Taquitos

• Spicy Southwest Kickoff: Replace salsa with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add diced jalapeños for an extra heat-packed version of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Fusion Flair: Swap chicken with ground lamb, use feta cheese instead of Colby Jack, and incorporate oregano and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Vegetarian Green Goodness: Substitute chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and diced bell peppers, using pepper jack cheese to maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Breakfast Bundle Wrap: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and using breakfast sausage instead of chicken for a morning-friendly version.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos bring Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Rolled tortillas packed with creamy chicken and sharp cheese create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken (cooked and shredded)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml) Colby Jack cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) salsa
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) green onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cilantro (finely chopped)

Wrapping Ingredient:

• 8–10 small flour tortillas

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Microwave cream cheese for 15-20 seconds until softened, creating a smooth base for the filling mixture.
3. Whisk the cream cheese with salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt until thoroughly combined.
4. Gently incorporate shredded chicken, Colby Jack cheese, green onions, and cilantro into the seasoned mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Position a flour tortilla flat and carefully spread the chicken filling along one edge, leaving a small border from the tortilla’s rim.
6. Tightly roll each tortilla around the filling, securing the ingredients inside and placing them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Arrange the rolled taquitos with slight spacing between each, maintaining a uniform layout on the baking sheet.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the tortillas transform into a golden, crispy exterior.
9. Remove taquitos from the oven and let them rest briefly to cool and set their shape.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions and serve alongside complementary dipping sauces like sour cream, ranch, or salsa.

Notes

• Prep work is a breeze, requiring minimal kitchen skills and just a few simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting spices or swapping salsa types to match your taste preferences and create a personalized culinary experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg