If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, these Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are exactly what you need. With a creamy, cheesy filling wrapped inside a crispy tortilla shell, these taquitos deliver on both texture and taste. Even better, they’re baked—not fried—making them a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice any of the crunch you love.

What makes these taquitos so irresistible is the perfect blend of seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, two kinds of shredded cheese, and salsa, all wrapped up in soft tortillas. The oven does all the work, turning them golden and crispy without the mess of frying. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course — they’re sure to disappear quickly no matter how you serve them.

Let’s get started by taking a look at the ingredients and walk through the first steps of preparing these delicious baked taquitos.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup salsa (your choice of heat)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
• Olive oil spray

STEP 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after baking.

STEP 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and salsa. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together until the filling is creamy, smooth, and evenly combined. The combination of cheeses and spices creates a rich, savory filling with just the right amount of spice, depending on the salsa you choose.

STEP 3: Fill the Tortillas

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Then, tightly roll each tortilla to form a taquito, making sure the filling stays tucked inside.

Rolling the tortillas tightly helps prevent the filling from spilling out during baking and ensures they stay nice and crisp.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos: Crispy & Delicious

Now that your taquitos are perfectly filled and rolled, it’s time to bake them to crispy, golden perfection. This stage transforms the creamy filling and soft tortillas into a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick family dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun weekend snack.

Let’s move on to the final steps for baking and serving your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.

STEP 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This helps keep them securely rolled while baking and prevents the filling from leaking out.

Make sure to leave a little space between each taquito so they bake evenly and get nice and crispy all the way around.

STEP 5: Spray Lightly with Olive Oil

Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil spray. This step is important for achieving that golden, crispy texture without the need for deep frying. The olive oil helps the tortillas brown beautifully in the oven while keeping the insides creamy and moist.

STEP 6: Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven and how crispy you prefer your taquitos. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t over-brown.

You’ll know they’re ready when the tortillas are golden brown and crisp, and the filling is heated through.

STEP 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the taquitos cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle.

Serve your baked taquitos with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra kick. They pair well with a simple side salad, rice, or beans for a complete meal.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Pair with fresh salsa, pico de gallo, or creamy avocado dip.
• Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a heartier meal.
• Add a quick salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the taquitos.
• Great for game day, parties, or casual family dinners.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos: Crispy & Delicious

Your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are now golden, crispy, and ready to enjoy. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these taquitos deliver on both taste and texture every time. Before we wrap up, let’s cover some frequently asked questions, helpful tips, and variations to make sure your taquitos turn out perfectly for any occasion.

1. CAN I MAKE THESE TAQUITOS AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes. You can fully assemble the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or entertaining. Bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. CAN I FREEZE THE TAQUITOS?
Absolutely. Place the unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. WHAT TYPE OF TORTILLAS WORK BEST?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well for this recipe. Flour tortillas are easier to roll and hold their shape better when baked. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking.

4. CAN I USE LEFTOVER ROTISSERIE CHICKEN?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly. It’s already cooked and easy to shred, making this recipe even quicker.

5. WHAT OTHER FILLING OPTIONS CAN I TRY?
You can easily swap out the chicken for shredded beef, ground turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option. The cream cheese mixture pairs well with a variety of proteins.

6. HOW DO I KEEP THE TAQUITOS CRISPY AFTER BAKING?
For best results, serve them fresh from the oven. If you’re reheating leftovers, use the oven or an air fryer to bring back the crispness.

7. ARE THESE TAQUITOS SPICY?
Not by default, but you can adjust the heat level by choosing a spicier salsa or adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.

FINAL THOUGHTS: CRISPY, FLAVORFUL, AND EASY TO MAKE

These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy filling and crispy, golden tortillas. Easy to prepare and even easier to customize, they’re a great solution for busy weeknights, meal prep, or party appetizers that everyone will love.

With endless variations and make-ahead options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Once you see how simple and delicious homemade taquitos can be, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Give these taquitos a try, experiment with your favorite fillings, and enjoy every crispy, creamy bite!

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