Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness—all without deep frying! This easy-to-make dish has become a staple for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, and even lunchbox meal prep. They deliver all the flavor and texture of traditional taquitos but with fewer calories and less mess.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make baked cream cheese chicken taquitos at home using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. We’ll cover everything from the best kind of tortillas to use, all the way to serving ideas and storage tips. Spoiler alert: they reheat like a dream and can even be frozen for later.

This recipe uses shredded rotisserie chicken—which you can learn more about here—to save time and add flavor. Combined with cream cheese, a hint of cumin and chili powder, and your favorite salsa, the filling is rich, satisfying, and just the right amount of spicy. If you’re wondering how to get that crispy finish in the oven without frying, we’ve got you covered.

These taquitos also go great with toppings like pico de gallo (what is that?) and guacamole (yes, it’s healthy), and we’ll show you how to serve them for everything from casual dinners to party appetizers. You can also explore visually creative baked chicken ideas on this Pinterest board for more inspiration.

Let’s dive in to discover why baked cream cheese chicken taquitos deserve a spot in your recipe rotation!

💛 Why you’ll love this baked cream cheese chicken taquitos recipe

Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are loaded with flavor, incredibly versatile, and much healthier than their fried counterparts. Here’s what makes this recipe a must-try:

• Healthier alternative: Since these taquitos are baked, not fried, you get the crunch without the grease.

• Kid-friendly: The creamy filling and fun finger-food form make this recipe a family favorite.

• Easy meal prep: They can be made in advance and frozen, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

• Highly customizable: Use your preferred salsa heat level, mix up cheeses, and swap proteins if desired.

• Great for parties: Serve with dips and toppings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Plus, when using ingredients like flour tortillas or corn tortillas (learn more here), you can adjust the recipe based on dietary needs—gluten-free, lower carb, or vegetarian.

Need ideas for different taquito fillings and styles? Check out this vibrant Pinterest board of taquito recipes for more creative combinations!

🧂 Ingredients breakdown

🥣 For the creamy chicken filling

The filling is the heart of these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time. What is rotisserie chicken?

• 4 oz cream cheese – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Cream cheese explained

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese – Both melt well and offer bold flavor.

• ¼ cup salsa – Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on preference. What is salsa?

• 1 tsp ground cumin – Adds warm, earthy depth. Cumin origin & flavor

• 1 tsp chili powder – Provides mild heat and complexity. More about chili powder

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup chopped green onions or fresh cilantro (optional) – Adds freshness and a bit of color.

🌮 For assembly and baking

• 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size) – Either works, depending on your texture preference.

• Cooking spray or olive oil – Brushing the taquitos ensures they crisp up in the oven.

🥑 For serving and toppings

• Guacamole – Creamy and delicious.

• Sour cream – Adds tang and coolness.

• Salsa or fresh pico de gallo – Brightens each bite.

• Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese – Optional for garnishing your plate.

🔥 Step-by-step instructions for crispy baked taquitos

Making baked cream cheese chicken taquitos at home is easy with these step-by-step directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven and prep your pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Soften your tortillas

To prevent cracking while rolling, microwave the tortillas in a damp paper towel for about 20–30 seconds until warm and pliable.

Step 3: Mix the filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
If using green onions or cilantro, fold them in at this stage for added brightness.

Step 4: Assemble the taquitos

Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling down the center of a tortilla. Roll it tightly, tucking the seam underneath.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, placing each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Oil for crisp

Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil or cooking spray. This is key to achieving that golden-brown crunch.

Step 6: Bake and flip

Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra crispiness, broil the taquitos for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Add your favorite toppings or dipping sauces like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. You can even top them with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for taco-style plating.

🧀 Recipe tips for perfect baked taquitos

• Cheese choices: Monterey Jack melts smoother, while cheddar brings a sharper taste. Mix both for a flavor bomb.

• No cracking tortillas: Always warm them before rolling.

• Don’t overfill: 2–3 tablespoons is plenty. Overfilling causes splitting or sogginess.

• Seam side down: Ensures the roll stays tight and doesn’t uncoil during baking.

• Spray generously: The more evenly coated the taquitos are, the crispier they’ll become.

For added inspiration, you can check out baked chicken plating ideas on Pinterest to see how others present their taquitos.

🌶️ Delicious variations to try

Looking to switch things up? These baked cream cheese chicken taquito variations will keep things exciting:

• Spicy jalapeño taquitos: Add diced fresh or pickled jalapeños to the filling.

• BBQ chicken taquitos: Swap salsa for BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.

• Buffalo chicken: Mix in buffalo sauce and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with black beans, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms for a plant-based option.

• Air fryer version: Preheat to 400°F and air-fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crunch.

Remember, if you’re experimenting, you can always return to the basic structure and use alternative fillings as long as they’re not too wet.

❄️ Storage, reheating, and freezing tips

Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are ideal for meal prep and freezer storage. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• To reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back the crisp.

• To freeze before baking: Roll and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.

• To freeze after baking: Let cool completely before storing. Reheat straight from the freezer without thawing for best texture.

These methods help preserve both the texture and flavor of your taquitos, ensuring they’re just as good the second time around.

🍽️ Serving suggestions for every occasion

These taquitos are versatile enough for nearly any occasion. Here are some great ways to serve them:

• Party platter: Arrange taquitos with bowls of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping.

• Game-day snack: Serve with nachos, loaded potato skins, or wings.

• Taco Tuesday upgrade: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad.

• Lunchbox option: Pack two taquitos with a side of fruit or veggies for an easy lunch.

• Make it a meal: Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and extra cheese for a loaded plate.

Feel free to take inspiration from this Pinterest board of taquito recipes to see how others plate and serve these fun, handheld treats.

❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I make chicken taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best texture.

How do I keep taquitos crispy after baking?

Use a wire rack after baking to avoid trapping steam underneath. Always reheat in the oven or air fryer—not the microwave.

Can I freeze baked cream cheese chicken taquitos?

Absolutely. Freeze after baking and reheat in a 375°F oven for 12–15 minutes.

What’s the best cheese to use for taquitos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are ideal. You can also mix cheeses for added depth.

Are corn or flour tortillas better for baked taquitos?

Both work well! Corn tortillas offer a classic flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll. More tortilla facts

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