Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
These taquitos are filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheese, and spices, then rolled in tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for dinner, snacks, or party appetizers. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Filling:
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken works great)
4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 small jalapeno, minced
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
For assembling:
12 small flour or corn tortillas
2 tbsp olive oil
Cooking spray
For serving:
Salsa or pico de gallo
Guacamole
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Preheat oven
Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make filling
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, jalapeno, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble taquitos
Warm tortillas slightly (microwave for 20–30 seconds wrapped in a damp towel) to prevent cracking.
Spoon 2–3 tbsp of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam side down on the baking sheet.
Bake
Brush or spray taquitos lightly with olive oil.
Bake 18–22 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway for even browning.
Serve
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes & Tips
Extra crispy: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Make ahead: Assemble taquitos and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked taquitos on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes extra.
Cheese swap: Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella gives a mild creamy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I air fry these taquitos?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Swap chicken with black beans, refried beans, or sautéed veggies.
Q: Flour or corn tortillas?
A: Both work! Flour tortillas get crispier in the oven, while corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 160
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g