Savory Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy and irresistible cream cheese chicken taquitos promise a delightful twist on traditional Mexican fare.

Zesty ingredients blend seamlessly inside golden-brown tortilla rolls.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple preparation meets maximum flavor in every single bite.

Each taquito delivers a perfect balance of creamy and savory notes.

Home cooks adore how quickly these appetizers come together.

You’ll want to make extra, because these crispy rolls disappear fast.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Why Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Deserve the Spotlight

• Quick Kitchen Hero: Perfect for busy cooks needing a fast, satisfying meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible ingredients that allow personal modifications like swapping chicken for beef, adding different cheeses, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses parchment paper and simple techniques that reduce kitchen mess and streamline the cooking process, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Taquito Goodness

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that adds richness to the chicken filling.
• Shredded Chicken: The primary protein that provides substantial flavor and texture to the taquitos.
• Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrappers that hold the delicious chicken mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and enhances the overall cheesy flavor.

• Green Onions, Garlic Powder: Ingredients that add depth and aromatic complexity to the filling.
• Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that bring warmth and balanced seasoning to the chicken mixture.

• Olive Oil: A coating that helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior on the taquitos.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, herbal garnish.
• Sour Cream, Salsa: Classic accompaniments that offer cool and tangy dipping options.

Roll and Bake: Taquitos Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Heat the oven to 400°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Chicken Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Shredded chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Green onions
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Warm Tortillas

Soften tortillas by heating briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.

Step 4: Fill Tortillas

Spread a generous spoonful of chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla, ensuring even distribution for easy rolling.

Step 5: Roll Taquitos

Tightly roll each tortilla into a compact cylinder, positioning seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to maintain shape.

Step 6: Add Crispy Coating

Brush the exterior of each taquito with olive oil to help create a crispy, golden-brown exterior during baking.

Step 7: Arrange for Baking

Place taquitos in a single layer without touching to ensure even cooking and achieve a crisp texture.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until taquitos turn a rich golden brown and become crisp.

Step 9: Rest and Set

Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the filling to set and preventing potential burns.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side for delicious dipping.

Quick Fixes to Make Chicken Taquitos Even Better

• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Blend ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite bursts with balanced, complementary tastes.
• Prevent Tortilla Tears: Warm tortillas gently to increase flexibility, reducing the chance of splitting during rolling.
• Oil for Crispy Perfection: Brush taquitos with olive oil to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior that enhances overall texture.
• Spacing Matters: Arrange taquitos in a single layer without touching to guarantee even browning and crisp results.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy-free cheese and use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

Flavor Twists to Jazz Up Your Chicken Taquitos

• Vegetarian Taquitos: Replace chicken with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and cayenne pepper to create a fiery rendition that brings intense heat to the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional wheat tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use low-carb tortillas, increase cheese content, and incorporate cream cheese for a high-fat, low-carbohydrate alternative that fits ketogenic dietary needs.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Taquitos

• Pairing Fresh Salsa: Create a vibrant homemade salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro to complement the crispy taquitos' rich flavors.
• Craft Margarita Magic: Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec for a zesty cocktail that cuts through the taquitos' creamy chicken filling and adds Mexican-inspired excitement.
• Cool Sour Cream Dip: Whip up a tangy dip by mixing sour cream with chopped chives, lime zest, and a dash of cumin to balance the taquitos' spicy warmth.
• Refresh with Mexican Lager: Serve an ice-cold Corona or Modelo Especial to provide a crisp, light contrast that enhances the taquitos' rich, cheesy texture.

Store and Reheat Chicken Taquitos Like a Pro

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual taquitos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness and ensure even heating.
• Place taquitos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, rotating halfway.

All Your Taquito Questions—Wrapped and Answered

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a mexican cheese blend for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and confirm all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make these taquitos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture, increase the amount of cumin, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

• Can I prepare these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy cream cheese chicken taquitos bring Mexican-inspired flavor to dinner tables with ease. Rolled tortillas stuffed with creamy, seasoned chicken promise a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Wrap and Base:

• 12 corn or flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped

Optional Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream for serving
• Salsa for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, blending until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to increase flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
4. Spread a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla, ensuring an even distribution that allows for tight rolling.
5. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a compact cylinder, placing seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to maintain their shape.
6. Brush the exterior of each taquito with olive oil, which will help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior during baking.
7. Arrange taquitos in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching, to promote even cooking and crisp texture.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until taquitos turn a rich golden brown and become crisp.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow filling to set and prevent potential burns.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure everyone can enjoy these crispy treats.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick time-saving hack that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
• Consider adding diced jalapeños or green chiles to the filling for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor for spice lovers.
• Freeze unbaked taquitos individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for convenient make-ahead meals that can be baked straight from frozen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg