Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese; ⅓ cup salsa; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese; 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion; 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro; 8-10 small flour tortillas; Sour cream; Ranch dressing; Your favorite dipping sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you are searching for a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe is an absolute winner. Crispy on the outside and loaded with a creamy, savory chicken filling, these taquitos bring a delightful blend of spices and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfectly baked instead of fried, they are a healthier option without sacrificing any of the indulgent taste and satisfying crunch you crave. Let me walk you through all the delicious details so you can master this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a clear glass bowl with seven separate layers of ingredients, all placed on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top right in a clockwise direction, there is a light beige layer with small chunks and a dark spice sprinkled on top. Next to it is a dark green leafy layer, finely chopped. Below that is a thick, chunky red sauce with green herb bits mixed in. Moving further left is a mound of finely grated orange cheese with a white block in the middle of it. Above that is a small cluster of finely chopped light green herbs. All layers are neat and distinct, showing different textures and colors in the clear bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a role in making the filling creamy, zesty, and irresistibly cheesy, while the tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Cream cheese (4 ounces): Adds a luscious, smooth texture that binds the filling while keeping it creamy and rich.
Salsa (⅓ cup): Provides a tangy, mildly spicy kick to brighten the mixture and bring freshness.
Cumin (½ teaspoon): Offers an earthy warmth that deepens the overall seasoning.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle heat and smoky flavor for an authentic Southwestern flair.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts savoriness with mild garlicky undertones.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds acidity that balances richness and lifts the flavors.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other tastes perfectly without overpowering.
Cooked and shredded chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein base that makes these taquitos fulfilling and delicious.
Colby jack cheese (1 cup): Melts smoothly for gooey, cheesy pockets inside each taquito.
Green onion (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Contributes a fresh, mild onion bite and color contrast.
Cilantro (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Infuses vibrant herbaceous notes and a pop of green.
Small flour tortillas (8-10): The perfect sized wraps that crisp up nicely when baked and hold the filling securely.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it generously with cooking spray. This simple prep ensures no sticking and helps the taquitos crisp up beautifully from all sides.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling

Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds until it’s easy to stir. Then combine it in a mixing bowl with salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt. Add your cooked, shredded chicken along with the shredded Colby jack cheese, finely chopped green onion, and cilantro. Mix everything together until each piece of chicken is coated in that flavorful, creamy goodness.

Step 3: Roll the Taquitos

Lay out your small flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture about an inch from one edge of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, making sure to tuck in the filling securely. Place each rolled taquito seam side down on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart so they bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Pop your taquitos into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want the edges lightly browned and crispy, signaling they’re perfectly cooked. The baking not only crisps the tortillas but also melts the cheese inside into a gooey delight.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

There is a stack of six rolled tortillas filled with a reddish-orange chicken and cheese mix, showing melted, soft textures with bits of chicken inside. The tortillas are light golden with some toasted spots, and the stack is shaped like a pyramid on a white plate. On the left side of the plate, fresh green cilantro leaves and a small bowl with red sauce are visible. In the foreground, part of a sliced lime is blurred on a white marbled surface. A blue and white cloth napkin sits at the right edge. The background is bright white with soft natural light, giving a clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh ingredients like diced avocado, a sprinkle of extra cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for brightness at the table. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing adds a creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the spicy, cheesy filling.

Side Dishes

A colorful side salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette makes a wonderful companion to these taquitos. Alternatively, serving them alongside Mexican-style rice or a bowl of warm black beans provides a hearty and satisfying meal experience that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to impress, arrange your taquitos standing upright in a decorative serving dish or fan them out on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like guacamole, pico de gallo, or chipotle mayo. This not only looks inviting but encourages everyone to mix and match flavors for an exciting tasting adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, remaining crispy and delicious for quick reheating whenever the craving strikes again.

Freezing

You can freeze the taquitos before baking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months and cook straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers without losing their crispness, bake the taquitos in a 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the tortillas soggy, and nobody wants that when craving these crunchy bites.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas are more pliable and crisp nicely when baked, corn tortillas can be used if you prefer. Just warm them slightly first to make rolling easier and brush lightly with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Is it possible to make these taquitos gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the flour tortillas with your favorite gluten-free wraps or tortillas. Make sure to double-check the labels on your salsa and seasoning to ensure they don’t contain gluten as well.

How spicy are these taquitos?

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and salsa. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing a milder salsa or adding extra chili powder if you like things spicier.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly much quicker, especially if you’re preparing these taquitos for a party or busy weeknight dinner.

What dipping sauces go best with these taquitos?

Sour cream, ranch dressing, guacamole, and salsa all pair wonderfully with these taquitos. For a smoky twist, try chipotle mayo or a spicy queso dip to add variety and fun flavors.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a little party in every bite — creamy, cheesy, crisp, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether for a casual family dinner or your next get-together, these taquitos are sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.