If you’re craving a comforting dish that perfectly balances rich, cheesy creaminess with a zesty, spicy kick, then this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These taquitos are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican street food, baked rather than fried for a lighter but still irresistibly crispy experience. Stuffed with a luscious blend of cream cheese, shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack, each bite bursts with flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re serving these up for a casual weeknight dinner or at your next get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every craving for something bold and cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a vibrant, flavorful filling and perfect crispy tortillas. Each component plays a special role in giving these taquitos their creamy texture, fresh zest, and that irresistibly melty cheesy finish.
- Cream cheese: Provides the luscious creamy base that binds all the flavors and keeps the filling moist.
- Salsa: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Lime juice: Brings a bright, fresh acidity that balances out the richness of the cheeses.
- Chile powder: Infuses warm, smoky heat without overpowering the dish.
- Ground cumin: A classic Mexican spice that deepens the savory flavor profile.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch adds a subtle kick to energize the filling.
- Onion powder: Provides a gentle savory sweetness in the background.
- Minced garlic: Delivers pungent aroma and savory depth that elevates the filling.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of fresh green color and herbaceous notes.
- Chopped scallions: Gives mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein that makes these taquitos satisfyingly filling.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, tangy cheese flavor that melts beautifully.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creaminess and helps create that gooey melt.
- Corn tortillas: The authentic vessel for rolling the filling and delivering crisp tortillas after baking.
- Cooking spray: Essential for crisping the taquitos in the oven without frying.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent any sticking and to help your taquitos develop a crispy exterior when baked. This simple step ensures the perfect texture without extra oil.
Step 2: Whip Up That Flavorful Filling
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with salsa, lime juice, chile powder, cumin, cayenne, and onion powder until smooth and creamy. Stir in minced garlic, fresh parsley, and scallions for vibrant aroma and freshness. Now, fold in your shredded chicken and both cheeses until every bit is well coated and deliciously mixed. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste — this filling is bursting with bold, balanced flavor!
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
To avoid any cracks while rolling, warm your corn tortillas until soft and pliable. You can follow the package instructions or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds. Soft tortillas make all the difference for perfectly rolled, intact taquitos.
Step 4: Fill and Roll Your Taquitos
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the creamy chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the mixture and place every rolled taquito seam side down on your prepared baking sheet—this locks in the filling and helps maintain that crisp shape during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Give your rolled taquitos a light spray with cooking spray and a sprinkle of kosher salt on top. Bake them at 425°F for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown. The result is a magnificent contrast between the crunchy exterior and the luscious, creamy filling inside.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for color and freshness. Drizzle or dollop with sour cream and a spoonful of your favorite salsa or guacamole to complement the tang and creaminess from the filling. Some fresh lime wedges on the side add an irresistible burst of brightness.
Side Dishes
These taquitos love good company. Pair them with a light Mexican-style salad, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple black bean side for a complete, satisfying meal. A fresh corn and tomato salad with a hint of chili powder also makes a vibrant, colorful option.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the taquitos standing upright in a tall jar or tin lined with parchment paper for a fun finger-food feel. You can also slice them in half diagonally for small bite-sized appetizers perfect for entertaining or a party spread. For an extra creamy finish, drizzle some melted cheese sauce or ranch dressing right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them evenly spaced so they don’t get soggy; a paper towel layer can help absorb any moisture and keep the tortillas crisp.
Freezing
This Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange unbaked, tightly rolled taquitos on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen taquitos in the oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again—about 8 to 12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the tortillas soggy and diminish that glorious crispness.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas tend to be softer and more flexible, making rolling easier. However, corn tortillas add that authentic texture and flavor which many love in taquitos, especially when baked to crispiness.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?
Cream cheese is the key to the creamy texture in this recipe, helping to bind the filling and keep it moist. You could experiment with softened ricotta or even Greek yogurt, but cream cheese provides the best balance of richness and melt.
How spicy is this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to chile powder and a pinch of cayenne, which you can easily adjust to your preference. For more heat, add extra cayenne or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Can I prepare these taquitos ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can roll them up a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated. Just pop them in the hot oven when guests arrive for a fresh, hot appetizer. They’re also freezer-friendly for prepping days in advance.
What dipping sauces go best with these taquitos?
Classic choices like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are perfect for balancing the flavors and adding extra creaminess or tang. You could also try a spicy chipotle mayo or a cilantro lime crema for something a little different and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into these golden, crispy, cheesy bundles filled with zesty, creamy chicken. This Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors to create a dish that’s guaranteed to delight your family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find it your new favorite comfort food to enjoy again and again.
Print
Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These creamy baked chicken taquitos are a delicious and crispy appetizer or meal option featuring a flavorful blend of cream cheese, salsa, spices, and shredded chicken wrapped in corn tortillas and baked to perfection. They offer a perfect balance of creamy filling and crunchy texture, ideal for game day, parties, or a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 teaspoon chile powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Taquitos and Extras
- 8–12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Guacamole (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the taquitos crisp up evenly while baking.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, chile powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and onion powder until smooth. Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and scallions, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in the shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the filling is evenly combined. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Soften Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling. You can do this by following package directions or microwaving them briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel until soft.
- Fill and Roll Taquitos: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Bake: Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle a little kosher salt over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken taquitos hot, accompanied by salsa, sour cream, and guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent them from cracking during baking.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to your preferred heat tolerance.
- For extra crispiness, flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
