Step into flavor heaven with these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Picture crispy golden tortillas stuffed with savory shredded chicken, melty cream cheese, smoky spices, and a touch of freshness — all baked to perfection instead of fried. Perfect for family dinners, appetizers for game night, or anytime you crave a handheld treat, these taquitos deliver serious comfort in every crunchy bite. Once you try them, they’re guaranteed to be your go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing meals.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! earns its place — from the velvety cream cheese to the seasoned chicken, every bite is a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’ll be on your way to epic taquito night in no time!

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great – it’s tender, flavorful, and soaks up the cheesy filling.
Cream cheese: The creamy heart of these taquitos, it binds everything together and delivers a luscious, tangy bite.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack): Adds melty goodness and just the right pull with each bite.
Chopped green onions: Their gentle zing brings contrast and freshness, without overpowering.
Chopped fresh cilantro: For an herbal lift and that classic taquito flavor sparkle.
Chili powder and cumin: These spices pack in warmth and smokiness — a little goes a long way!
Garlic powder: For a background savory note that makes every bite satisfying.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning everything through.
Small flour tortillas: Perfectly soft and sturdy, they crisp up beautifully while holding the cheesy filling.
Olive oil spray or brush-on oil: Helps the tortillas turn golden and crisp in the oven — no frying needed!

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Begin by combining your cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended and creamy. At this stage, don’t be afraid to taste and tweak the seasoning — you want the filling to be delicious even before it hits a tortilla!

Step 2: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

Warm your flour tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave to make them pliable (this helps prevent tearing while rolling). Spoon a generous portion of the filling along the lower third of each tortilla, then tightly roll them up, placing the seam side down. Secure with a toothpick if needed, but usually the creamy filling will do the job.

Step 3: Arrange and Oil

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down, leaving a little space between them so air can circulate. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil — this is what gives your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! their irresistible crunch without deep frying.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your prepared taquitos into the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you like an extra golden color, give them a quick broil for the last minute or two, but keep an eye out so they don’t burn!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the taquitos cool slightly on the baking tray before serving — this helps the filling set and keeps things tidy. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the first bite is pure joy: creamy, savory, and crispy, just how homemade Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! should taste.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!

Garnishes

Dress up your taquitos with plenty of fresh toppings! A shower of chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a big dollop of sour cream or guacamole turns these into a fiesta on a plate. Don’t forget a wedge of lime to squeeze over everything, brightening up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! with classic Mexican rice, a zingy corn and black bean salad, or cooling refried beans. Even a simple side salad with pico de gallo and avocado feels like the perfect partner, balancing the richness of that luscious cream cheese filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them upright in a mug for a grab-and-go appetizer, slice them in half for party platters, or arrange on a bed of lettuce with colorful salsas for a vibrant weeknight dinner display. For family dinner, let everyone build their own plate with a “taquito bar” of fun toppings — kids and adults love the interactive spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any uneaten Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They keep their flavor and structure surprisingly well, making leftovers perfect for lunchboxes or next-day snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble, lay them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the time. For already-baked taquitos, cool completely before wrapping individually and freezing for easy grab-and-reheat meals anytime.

Reheating

To keep taquitos crispy, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it will soften the tortillas — though for emergencies, a quick zap works! Air fryers do wonders for getting that fresh-from-the-oven crunch back.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can absolutely swap in corn tortillas! Just warm them well before rolling to prevent cracking, and know they’ll have a slightly heartier chew and traditional taquito flavor.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

If you’re in a hurry, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred warm, cooked chicken in seconds. Otherwise, two forks does the trick for that classic texture.

How do I make these taquitos spicy?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling, or use pepper jack cheese for a kick. You can also top finished taquitos with hot sauce or spicy salsa for even more heat.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the filling and roll your taquitos up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, making weeknight dinners extra easy.

Are these taquitos gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas, either corn-based or your favorite store-bought brand, to make this recipe totally gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredients for hidden gluten if allergies are a concern.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a tasty, easy, and memorable handheld meal, give Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! a try. They’re packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make them a staple in your own kitchen!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Recipe