Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Crispy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are the ultimate answer for anyone craving a creamy, quick, and irresistibly satisfying weeknight dinner. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total time under an hour, these baked taquitos deliver the perfect crunchy shell and melty center packed with chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and bold Mexican flavors. Skip the mess of frying and enjoy a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that's ideal for busy families or effortless entertaining.

I first made these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos on a rushed night when I wanted a homemade dinner instead of takeout, and my family absolutely devoured them. The creamy, cheesy filling blends perfectly with the sharp cheddar and punchy spices for a flavor-packed dinner everyone requests. Now, we never buy frozen taquitos—making them fresh delivers unbeatable taste and texture, every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Cooked chicken, shredded: Use two cups of leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach boneless skinless chicken breasts for fresh, juicy texture. This gives the taquitos their hearty filling—shredding ensures even distribution and easy rolling, and you can swap turkey if preferred.
• Cream cheese, softened: Four ounces, at room temperature for 30 minutes, delivers a luscious and spreadable base. Letting the cream cheese soften helps it blend smoothly with the chicken and cheese, and you can use light or vegan options as needed.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar brings tangy richness and melts perfectly. For extra flavor, try pepper jack for spice or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade salsa—mild, medium, or spicy adds brightness and boosts the overall flavor. Experimental blends like chipotle salsa also work well if you want a smokier taquito.
• Garlic powder: Provides warm, savory notes that round out the filling and ensure every bite is seasoned. Always use a fresh, aromatic brand for best results.
• Onion powder: Delivers depth of flavor without any chopping, keeping this recipe quick and kid friendly.
• Ground cumin: Adds the distinctive smoky, earthy undertone of authentic Mexican taquitos. Check for freshness to avoid muted flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste, factoring in the saltiness of your salsa and cheese for perfect balance without overseasoning.
• Small tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas bake up crisp and golden. Warm tortillas briefly to prevent cracking while rolling, and select gluten free if required.
• Cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil: A light brushing guarantees that signature crispy finish while keeping the dish lighter than traditional fired versions.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan:

Set oven to 425°F for maximum crispiness and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so taquitos do not stick. This helps the taquitos brown evenly and makes cleanup simple, saving valuable time on busy nights.

Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling:

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir slowly then vigorously until you get a thick, smooth, and creamy mixture. This consistency helps the filling stay put when rolling the taquitos.

Fill and Roll the Tortillas:

Lay tortillas flat and spread two to three tablespoons of filling across the lower third of each. Roll tightly to keep the filling secure and place seam side down on the lined sheet. Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during baking.

Oil the Taquitos for a Crunchy Finish:

Lightly brush or spray each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray so they become golden and crispy in the oven. A thin, even coating is crucial for that perfect taquito crunch without excess oil.

Bake to Golden and Crispy:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tortillas puff and edges brown. Watch closely the last few minutes and rotate the tray if needed for even crispness. Proper baking creates the classic contrast between creamy filling and crisp shell.

Serve Hot with Taco Night Favorites:

Allow the baked taquitos to cool for two minutes before serving. Offer with sides like cool sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa to complement the spicy filling. Serving immediately preserves that ultra crispy texture everyone craves.

My favorite discovery was adding an extra spoonful of salsa right to the filling for a burst of juicy tang in every bite. When my picky eater asked for seconds, I knew these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos had earned a permanent place in our meal rotation. The creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy shell always please the entire family—even the teenagers are satisfied and full.

Smart Swaps and Variations

These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for dietary preferences or creative changes. Swap in black beans or lentils for a high fiber, vegetarian twist while keeping all the creamy flavor. For gluten free, simply use certified gluten free tortillas or try thin cassava flour wraps. Even the cheese can be switched to a plant-based option for vegan taquitos, and adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers gives a spicy kick for anyone who loves extra heat.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

To keep your taquitos fresh, allow them to cool completely after baking before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days and for longer storage, freeze in a single layer then move to a freezer safe bag or box for up to three months. For reheating, bake in a 350°F oven—about 10 minutes for refrigerated taquitos, or 20 minutes from frozen—so they return to crisp, hot perfection. Assembled but unbaked taquitos can also be frozen and baked directly from frozen for ultimate convenience.

What to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

For balance and variety, pair your baked cream cheese chicken taquitos with dishes like homemade salsa, a tangy cilantro lime slaw, or classic Mexican rice and beans. They shine as a main course for a family dinner, but are just as welcome at game nights with cool dips and a party platter of toppings. For gatherings, serve with bowls of spicy salsa verde and queso for interactive dipping and festive sharing.

Nutritional Benefits

Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos deliver an excellent nutritional mix, combining lean protein from chicken, dietary fiber from beans or lentils in the vegetarian version, and quality carbs from tortillas. By baking instead of deep frying, you cut back on saturated fat while keeping every bite full of flavor. Each taquito is free of artificial preservatives and offers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports family health.

Recipe Success Tips

For consistently perfect taquitos, always use softened cream cheese so the mixture combines smoothly with the chicken and other ingredients. If tortillas crack while rolling, warm them in the microwave for 15 seconds wrapped in a damp towel to restore flexibility. Should any filling leak out during baking, make sure the seam side is facing down and avoid overstuffing—these steps help every taquito stay intact and golden brown.

Baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are my favorite answer for creamy comfort food on even the busiest nights. Try them with your go to filling and enjoy a new weeknight staple that's crunchy, creamy, and sure to be a family favorite.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, both flour and corn tortillas work well. Corn provides a slightly different texture and a more authentic touch.

→ How do I make these taquitos vegetarian?

Simply swap shredded chicken for cooked black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ What cheese blends taste best in these taquitos?

Cheddar is classic, but you can blend in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor and meltiness.

→ Can I prep the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be mixed and refrigerated up to a day in advance for quick assembly before baking.

→ What are the best dipping sauces to serve?

Sour cream, guacamole, and chunky salsa are all excellent choices for complementing the creamy taquito filling.