Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos: Crispy, Creamy, and Crave-Worthy!
Get ready for an explosion of flavor and texture with these incredibly delicious Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos! Crispy on the outside, bursting with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling on the inside, these taquitos are an absolute dream. Perfect for a party appetizer, a fun family dinner, or even a satisfying snack, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. Plus, baking them means less mess and a healthier twist than traditional frying!
Why These Taquitos Are a Must-Make
- Crispy Perfection (without frying!): Baking gives you that satisfying crunch without the extra oil and mess.
- Creamy, Cheesy Filling: The combination of cream cheese, chicken, and spices creates an irresistible, rich center.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and flavorful way to get protein into picky eaters.
- Party Favorite: Easily scale up for a crowd, and they’re perfect for dipping.
- Quick & Easy: Uses pre-cooked chicken to save you time in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of creamy, crispy taquitos:
Ingredients:
For the creamy chicken filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience!)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the taquitos:
- 12-15 small (6-inch) corn tortillas (or small flour tortillas for a softer chew)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican blend), divided
- Optional: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or extra cilantro for serving
Instructions: Roll Up the Flavor!
1. Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, finely diced red onion (if using), chopped fresh cilantro (if using), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy.
2. Soften the Tortillas:
This step is crucial to prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until they are warm and pliable. Alternatively, you can briefly warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 10-15 seconds per side.
3. Assemble the Taquitos:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet (or line with parchment paper). Lay a warmed tortilla flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the creamy chicken filling in a line across the center of the tortilla, leaving space at both ends. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the filling. Starting from one side, tightly roll up the tortilla. Place the taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with olive oil (this helps them crisp up beautifully). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is heated through and bubbly. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and how tightly the taquitos are rolled.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the taquitos from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Tips for Taquito Triumphs
- Don’t Skip Warming Tortillas: This is the most important tip to prevent cracking! Warm them just before rolling.
- Even Rolling: Try to roll them as tightly as possible to keep the filling secure and ensure even baking.
- Cheese Inside vs. Out: This recipe puts the cheese inside for creamy goodness. For an extra cheesy crust on the outside, you could sprinkle a little extra cheese on the baking sheet before placing the taquitos down.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling.
- Make Ahead: The chicken filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Freezing Taquitos: Assemble and roll the taquitos (do not bake). Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. Bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a guaranteed hit that brings big flavor and satisfying crunch with minimal effort. Enjoy them often!