Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer or weeknight dinner! These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of a creamy, savory filling wrapped in a wonderfully crispy tortilla, all baked to golden perfection. Forget the deep fryer—this oven-baked method delivers all the crunch without the extra oil, making them a healthier but equally delicious option. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a game-day snack, or need a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time.
Why This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe Works
This isn’t just another taquito recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, creamy, and flavorful food. We’ve perfected the balance of ingredients and technique to ensure every single taquito is flawless.
- Perfectly Crispy without Frying: A light brush of oil and the right oven temperature creates an unbelievably crunchy shell that rivals any deep-fried version.
- Ultra-Creamy Filling: The combination of cream cheese, shredded chicken, and a blend of spices creates a rich, tangy, and absolutely irresistible filling that stays moist during baking.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. You can have these ready for the oven in just about 15 minutes!
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for your own creations. You can easily adjust the spice level, add different cheeses, or toss in some veggies. For another fun and cheesy handheld meal, try these easy cheeseburger rollups.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create these amazing Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.
- Shredded Chicken: A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but you can use any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best creamy texture and rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Shredded Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend works perfectly, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both are also great options.
- Salsa Verde: This adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
- Spices: A simple combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder provides the perfect savory, taco-inspired flavor.
- Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas offer the best flavor and get wonderfully crispy in the oven.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: For brushing the tortillas to help them get golden brown and crunchy.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate baked taquitos right in your own kitchen.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Creamy Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa verde, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable and prevent them from cracking, wrap a stack of 6-8 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. Work in batches to keep them warm.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line down the center of a warm tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the tops and sides of each taquito with olive oil or melted butter. This is the key to getting them super crispy! Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest, Creamiest Taquitos
Want to ensure your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are picture-perfect every time? Follow these expert tips.
- Don’t Skip Warming the Tortillas: This is the most important step to prevent cracking. Cold, stiff tortillas will break when you try to roll them.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack the taquitos with filling, but overfilling will cause them to burst open in the oven. A few tablespoons is all you need.
- Space Them Out: Arrange the taquitos in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. This allows hot air to circulate around each one, ensuring they get crispy on all sides. For a different but equally delicious casserole-style dish, check out this Street Corn Chicken Casserole.
- Serve Immediately: Taquitos are at their absolute best when served fresh and hot from the oven.
What to Serve with Chicken Taquitos
These taquitos are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a variety of dips and side dishes. We love serving them with a platter of sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and your favorite salsa. For a full meal, pair them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Instructions
- Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze taquitos either before or after baking. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake frozen taquitos at 425°F (220°C), adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! To make them in the air fryer, assemble the taquitos as directed and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
The key is to warm the tortillas before rolling. Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-45 seconds. This makes them soft and pliable, which prevents them from cracking and breaking.
To prevent soggy taquitos, make sure you bake them at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) and brush them with oil or butter. This helps the tortilla crisp up nicely. Also, serve them immediately after baking for the best texture.
Corn tortillas are the traditional choice and provide the best authentic flavor and crispy texture when baked. Flour tortillas can also be used, but they will result in a softer, chewier taquito.
A stand mixer with the paddle attachment is the fastest way to shred chicken. Just place the warm, cooked chicken breasts in the bowl and mix on low speed. Alternatively, you can use two forks to pull the chicken apart.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other easy and flavorful dishes. This Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito recipe is another fan-favorite that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos (The BEST Crispy Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa verde, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Wrap a stack of 6-8 corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds until they are warm and pliable. This prevents them from cracking.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of a warm tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat the process with the remaining filling and tortillas, arranging them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the tops and sides of each taquito with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the taquitos space to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
Tip 3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Share This Delicious Recipe!
We hope you love these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos as much as we do! If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on Pinterest!
