Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful fusion of creamy, cheesy filling wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, smooth cream cheese, and a blend of spices, all baked to golden perfection. It's a versatile recipe that's perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a savory snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find this recipe to be a healthier alternative to traditional fried taquitos, without compromising on flavor or texture. The baking process yields a satisfying crunch, while the creamy filling offers a comforting richness. It's also incredibly adaptable, allowing me to tweak the ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8–10 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions or cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 8–10 taquitos, serving about 4 people. The total preparation and cooking time is around 35 minutes.
Variations
I enjoy experimenting with this recipe by:
- Using corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Adding diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Incorporating black beans or corn into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Substituting the chicken with shredded beef for a different protein profile.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I place the cooled taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be kept for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until they're heated through and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quicker when I'm ready to bake the taquitos.
How can I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
Warming the tortillas before filling and rolling them makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. I sometimes use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend, depending on what I have on hand.
Are these taquitos suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. I freeze them before baking for the best results, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?
I like to serve them with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a creamy cilantro-lime sauce for added flavor.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and versatile dish that's easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. Whether I'm serving them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, they never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy filling and crispy tortilla!
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 taquitos (serves 4)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a healthier twist on the classic taquito, featuring creamy chicken filling wrapped in tortillas and baked until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8–10 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped green onions or cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20–30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the filling on the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Add diced green chiles or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Include black beans or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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