Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. They are easy to make, use simple ingredients, and are loved by both kids and adults. Plus, they can be a great way to use leftover chicken!

How to Make Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Making these taquitos is simple and quick. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a tasty meal in no time.

Ingredients:

2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded) (leftover rotisserie chicken works well)
4 oz Cream Cheese (softened) (provides creaminess)
½ cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded) (adds cheesy texture)
¼ cup Salsa (or favorite hot sauce)
1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
1 tsp Onion Powder (subtle flavor)
1 tsp Cumin (adds warmth)
to taste Salt and Pepper (for flavor enhancement)
10 Small Tortillas (flour or corn) (choose gluten-free if needed)
as needed Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (for brushing)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Take each tortilla and fill it with about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Roll it tightly to form a taquito.
Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

These taquitos are best served hot and crispy! Pair them with some guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa for dipping. You can also serve them with a side salad or some rice for a complete meal.

How to Store Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again.

Tips to Make Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Don’t overfill the tortillas; 2-3 tablespoons of filling is just right.
For extra crunch, bake the taquitos on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet.
Experiment with different cheeses or spices based on your taste.

Variation

You can customize these taquitos by adding black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling. For a spicier version, try adding jalapeños or using spicy salsa.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it first and shred it before making the taquitos.

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the taquitos, place them on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables to make a delicious vegetarian version.