Introduction: A Cheesy, Crispy Delight

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and healthier twist on the traditional fried taquitos. With creamy cream cheese and shredded chicken rolled up in a crispy tortilla and baked to perfection, these taquitos are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a fun dinner. The best part is that they’re baked instead of fried, making them lighter without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The combination of cream cheese, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese inside a crispy tortilla is pure comfort food. They’re easy to prepare, and the flavor is so addictive that they’ll disappear as soon as they hit the table! Whether you’re serving them at a party, making them for family dinner, or preparing them for meal prep, these taquitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s get into how to make these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos that will make everyone ask for the recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos:

For the Taquitos:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or any leftover chicken)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (provides a creamy texture and binds the chicken)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds flavor and cheesiness to the filling)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (for extra depth of flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a mild kick)
  • 8-10 small flour tortillas (you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version)
  • Olive oil spray or melted butter (for brushing the taquitos for a golden crispy finish)

For Topping (optional):

  • Diced tomatoes (for garnish)
  • Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for dipping)
  • Salsa or guacamole (for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

  1. Shred the chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 2 cups of shredded chicken. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, cook the chicken breasts or thighs, and shred the meat once cooked.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Place the 4 oz of cream cheese on the counter to soften for about 10-15 minutes before using. Alternatively, you can microwave the cream cheese for 15-20 seconds to soften it quickly.
  3. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Stir the mixture well to combine. The result should be a creamy, cheesy chicken filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

  1. Warm the tortillas: To make the tortillas more pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolling, heat the tortillas slightly. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-20 seconds on each side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds.
  2. Brush with oil: Lightly brush the tortillas with olive oil or melted butter. This will help them get golden and crispy when baked.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

  1. Spoon the filling: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla. Make sure to spread it evenly, but don’t overfill.
  2. Roll the tortillas: Carefully roll up the tortillas around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside. Tightly roll each tortilla so that it holds together well when baking.
  3. Place on a baking sheet: Once all the taquitos are rolled, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Leave some space between each taquito to ensure they crisp up evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Taquitos

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure the taquitos get crispy and golden.
  2. Bake the taquitos: Place the baking sheet with the rolled taquitos into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. If you want them extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Once the taquitos are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a fresh, colorful finish.
  2. Serve: Serve the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos (assuming the recipe makes about 8 servings, or 1 taquito per serving):

  • Calories: ~180-220 kcal per taquito
  • Protein: ~10g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
  • Fat: ~12g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~300mg

These values are an estimate and can vary depending on the type of tortillas, cheese, and fillings used.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to make sure your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos come out perfectly:

  1. Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this will make rolling them difficult and they may not hold together well during baking.
  2. Use Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it into the filling to avoid lumps and to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  3. Watch the Baking Time: Bake until the taquitos are golden and crispy, but keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbaking or burning.
  4. Make Them Spicy: If you like spice, add some jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a little kick.

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try for a twist on the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos:

  • Cheese Lovers’ Taquitos: Add a variety of cheeses to the filling, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and cream cheese, for extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Vegetarian Taquitos: Substitute the chicken with black beans and corn for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
  • Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: For a tangy, spicy flavor, add some buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture and use blue cheese in place of some of the cheddar cheese.
  • BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Replace the cream cheese with BBQ sauce and shredded rotisserie chicken for a smoky flavor.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make them in advance, you can freeze the taquitos. To freeze, place the taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some great sides to serve with your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos:

  • Guacamole and salsa for dipping.
  • Mexican rice or refried beans for a heartier meal.
  • A simple green salad with a light dressing for a fresh, light side.
  • Corn on the cob or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy taquitos without the added oil and mess of frying. With creamy chicken and cheese rolled up in a crispy tortilla, these taquitos are the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you serve them for a casual meal, as a snack, or at your next party, they’re sure to become a favorite!

Enjoy these taquitos fresh from the oven or make them ahead of time for a quick and tasty meal later in the week. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!