My family has always cherished our Sunday dinners, and while the menu changed weekly, there was one dish that consistently made an appearance, requested time and time again: a simplified version of these cream cheese chicken taquitos. It wasn’t fancy, but the creamy, savory filling nestled inside a crispy tortilla always brought a smile to everyone’s face. It’s a taste of home that evokes feelings of warmth and togetherness.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, which is something my mom appreciated when juggling work and family. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to customize, perfect for satisfying even the pickiest eaters. For another comforting recipe, I often find myself craving a bowl of ginger garlic chicken noodle soup, especially on colder days.
Why you’ll love this Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
- These cream cheese chicken taquitos are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- The combination of creamy cheese and savory chicken creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love.
- Baking instead of frying makes them a healthier option without sacrificing the satisfying crispiness.
- You can easily customize the filling with your favorite spices and toppings.
- These taquitos are great for parties, potlucks, or a fun family dinner.
- Leftovers are just as delicious and can be easily reheated for a quick snack or lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Directions
Step 1
Cream cheese chicken taquitos makes every moment feel lush. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent any lumps in the mixture.
Step 3
Warm the corn tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds, or heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
Step 4
Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they may burst open during baking.
Step 5
Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray. This will help them get nice and crispy in the oven.
Make sure to spray evenly for the best results.
Step 6
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7
Let the taquitos cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.
Cooling them slightly will make them easier to handle.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You could also incorporate some chopped jalapeños for extra heat and flavor.
Consider adding black beans or corn to the filling for added texture and nutrients. This also makes the taquitos more filling and satisfying.
Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings a unique twist to the dish.
Pairings
Serve these crispy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice and beans complement the flavors of the taquitos perfectly.
A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad with a lime vinaigrette makes a great light accompaniment. The acidity of the lime cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.
For a fun and flavorful side, try serving them with a creamy cilantro-lime dipping sauce. Its cool flavor creates a tasty contrast to the warm taquitos. If you’re looking for another fun recipe that will be a crowd-pleaser, check out this Cajun sausage pasta recipe on Fork Haven, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
Serving ideas
Arrange the taquitos on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for an appealing presentation. The fresh herbs and vibrant colors add visual interest.
Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as guacamole, salsa, and queso, so everyone can customize their taquitos. Offer a range of options to suit different tastes.
For a fun party appetizer, serve the taquitos in small paper cones with a side of dipping sauce. This makes them easy to eat and adds a festive touch.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and flavor.
To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked taquitos. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Make-ahead
You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
If you’re making them ahead, wait to spray them with cooking spray until just before baking. This will help them get extra crispy in the oven.
The chicken mixture can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes the assembly process even quicker when you’re ready to make the taquitos.
Common mistakes when making Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
- Not warming the tortillas enough: This can cause them to crack and break when you roll them. Warm them gently in the microwave or on a dry skillet to make them more pliable.
- Overfilling the taquitos: Too much filling can cause the tortillas to burst open during baking. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
- Not spraying the taquitos with cooking spray: This helps them get nice and crispy in the oven. Be sure to spray them evenly for the best results.
- Baking at too high a temperature: This can cause the taquitos to burn before the filling is heated through. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
- Not letting the taquitos cool slightly before serving: This can make them difficult to handle and the filling may be too hot. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Final notes
These crispy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. They are simple enough for a weeknight dinner but also impressive enough for a weekend gathering.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Get creative with spices, cheeses, and veggies to tailor the flavors to your liking.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these irresistible cream cheese chicken taquitos! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Loved this Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos? Try these next
- Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Black Forest Trifle Recipe
- Angel Cake Churro Bites
- Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Mint Oreo Bark Recipe
Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
These crispy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are an easy, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. They’re incredibly easy to make and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Warm the corn tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds, or heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray. This will help them get nice and crispy in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the taquitos cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or shredded lettuce.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken mixture. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To make these ahead, assemble the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg