Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy, Healthier & Freezer-Friendly Delight
Say goodbye to bland, store-bought frozen taquitos and welcome these incredible homemade baked cream cheese chicken taquitos into your life! This recipe offers a significantly healthier alternative, delivering unparalleled flavor and a satisfying crunch without the deep-frying. Best of all, they come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights, and can be frozen and reheated, ensuring you always have a delicious, wholesome meal or snack ready to enjoy.
Oh my goodness, you guys. These homemade taquitos are an absolute game-changer! If you’re anything like me, you might be skeptical that a homemade version could truly rival the convenience and nostalgic comfort of frozen varieties. But trust me on this one – these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are ridiculously easy to make, packed with incredible flavor, and offer a much healthier option for your family. Prepare to be amazed!
My husband, Josh, and I have a long-standing tradition: every Sunday night when a new episode of The Walking Dead airs, we eat taquitos. It’s our little ritual, a perfect pairing of suspenseful television and comforting finger food. I’m already buzzing with excitement anticipating the next season! Any other TWD fans out there who understand this level of dedication?
For years, I’m a little embarrassed to admit, our go-to was the frozen kind from a box. Yes, even as a food blogger, prepackaged frozen meals sometimes find their way into our kitchen. We generally eat quite healthy throughout the week, so when Sunday evening at 8:00 pm rolled around for 16 weeks, it was undeniably taquito time! However, deep down, I always wished for a fresher, more wholesome alternative that still delivered that irresistible taquito experience.
The inspiration to create my own recipe finally struck one day while we were grocery shopping for salsa ingredients. I asked Josh what new recipe I should develop for the blog, and without hesitation, he responded, “You should make taquitos so I can eat them with that salsa!” Well, you certainly don’t have to ask me twice when it comes to combining two of my favorite things!
Once we got home, I pulled out a selection of ingredients I thought would work, threw them all into a bowl, and started mixing. It was a bit of an experimental culinary adventure, but I had a good feeling about it. I asked Josh to taste a small spoonful of the mixture, fully expecting to hear his usual constructive feedback for adjustments. Instead, he looked genuinely shocked – yes, *shocked* – and declared that it tasted exactly like “the real deal!”
“Um… what? No way?!” I thought to myself. I took a little bite, and I was absolutely blown away. He was right! It truly tasted just like the taquitos we loved, but with the unmistakable freshness of real ingredients. That day will probably go down in history as the last time I ever randomly threw a bunch of stuff into a bowl and had it turn out perfectly on the very first try! After Josh devoured a few of these homemade beauties, he commented on how much he enjoyed knowing he was eating real chicken. Me too, Josh. Me too.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos
There are countless reasons why these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. They hit all the right notes for a satisfying, convenient, and truly delicious meal:
- A Healthier Twist: Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these taquitos are baked to golden perfection, significantly reducing fat content without sacrificing any of that irresistible crispiness. You get all the flavor with less guilt!
- Incredibly Simple to Make: With just a handful of common ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The creamy tang of softened cream cheese perfectly complements the savory shredded chicken, while Monterey Jack cheese adds a melty, cheesy goodness. A hint of garlic and salsa verde elevates the whole experience, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavor.
- Perfectly Versatile: Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides, pack them in lunchboxes, or present them as a crowd-plepleasing appetizer at your next gathering. They’re always a hit!
- Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep: This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream. Prepare a large batch, freeze them, and you’ll have quick, delicious meals ready to bake whenever hunger strikes.
Essential Recipe Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Taquitos
These baked chicken taquitos require just seven simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge, and come together in about 30 minutes. Here’s a closer look at what we’ll be using to create this irresistible dish:
- Tortillas: You have a choice here! Both corn or flour tortillas can be used in this recipe. While corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor and can make the taquitos a bit lighter, they are generally harder to work with as they tend to tear easily. For this reason, I often prefer to use flour tortillas for their flexibility and ease of rolling. If opting for corn, be sure to warm them first (see notes below) to prevent cracking.
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: This is the heart of our taquito filling. You’ll need pre-cooked chicken, which can be easily sourced from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftover baked or grilled chicken, or chicken breasts boiled and shredded specifically for this recipe. Ensure it’s finely shredded for a smooth, consistent filling.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that wonderfully creamy, rich filling! It should be softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a luxurious texture. Reduced-fat cream cheese works just as well if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
- Shredded Cheese: I personally love Monterey Jack cheese for its mild flavor and excellent melting capabilities, which contributes to the gooey center. However, feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese – a Mexican blend, sharp cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic additions!
- Fresh Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth of flavor that is essential to the overall taste profile. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best taste, but a good quality garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Salsa Verde: This vibrant green salsa, made from tomatillos, adds a bright, tangy kick and moisture to the chicken mixture. You can use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade version will truly shine.
- Simple Spices: To keep the flavors balanced yet impactful, I kept the spices minimal and classic. We’ll be using just ground cumin for that authentic, earthy Mexican flavor, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can experiment with a dash of chili powder or smoked paprika for extra complexity.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Creating these delightful baked taquitos is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. If you’re using aluminum foil, make sure to spray it well with cooking spray. Set this aside.
- Whip Up the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced garlic, salsa verde, and ground cumin. Using a sturdy spoon or even your hands (wearing gloves, of course!), mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is creamy and uniform. Once mixed, taste a small amount and season generously with salt and pepper to your preference. Don’t be shy – proper seasoning makes all the difference!
- Fill and Roll the Tortillas: Take one tortilla at a time. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla, spreading it in a line from one end to the other, leaving a little space at the ends. Roll each tortilla tightly, starting from one edge, ensuring a snug roll that will hold its shape. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. If you find the tortillas tend to unroll, you can secure each one with a toothpick through the center; just remember to remove them before serving!
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange all the rolled taquitos on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not touching, to allow for even crisping. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the filling is heated through and bubbly. For an extra crisp texture and beautiful golden color, you can broil them for the last minute or two, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and serve them warm. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Can I Freeze These Baked Chicken Taquitos for Later?
Absolutely, yes! These cream cheese chicken taquitos are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prepping and having a quick, delicious meal on hand whenever you need it. Here’s how to do it correctly:
Freezing Unbaked Taquitos:
If you’re planning to freeze the chicken taquitos for later, prepare them exactly as stated in the recipe (mixing the filling, filling the tortillas, and rolling them), but do not bake them yet. Once rolled, arrange them in a single layer on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. This “flash-freezing” step will prevent them from sticking together once transferred to a bag. After they are firm, transfer the frozen taquitos to a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
Baking from Frozen:
When you’re ready to bake them, simply remove the desired number of taquitos from the freezer. You can bake them directly from frozen – no need to thaw! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) as per the recipe. Arrange the frozen taquitos on a lined baking sheet and bake as the recipe states. Depending on your oven and how frozen they are, you may need to bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes (total baking time around 20-25 minutes) to ensure they are thoroughly heated through and crispy. Keep an eye on them for optimal crispiness!
Reheating Baked Taquitos:
If you have leftover *baked* taquitos, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. For an even faster and crispier reheat, an air fryer works wonders at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes.
Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Taquitos
- The truly fantastic thing about these taquitos is their versatility – they can be prepared, frozen, and then baked whenever you’re ready to enjoy a quick, flavorful meal or snack. This makes them ideal for busy schedules!
- For a slightly lighter option or if you prefer a more traditional taste, you can certainly use corn tortillas. If you decide to go with corn tortillas, please be sure to read the notes section of the recipe card below. Corn tortillas can be a little harder to work with than flour tortillas, but warming them first will make them more pliable and less prone to tearing.
- To achieve an extra crispy exterior and a beautiful golden-brown finish, lightly brush the rolled taquitos with a little olive oil or cooking spray before baking. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken filling.
- These baked taquitos are absolutely delicious on their own, but they truly shine when served with your favorite dipping sauces. I highly recommend pairing them with fresh homemade guacamole and/or zesty restaurant-style salsa. Sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of crema also make excellent accompaniments.
More Easy Mexican Dinners to Spice Up Your Week!
If you loved these taquitos and are looking for more delicious and easy Mexican-inspired dinner ideas, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas – Tender, flavorful pork perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls!
- Hearty Chicken Enchilada Casserole – All the flavors of enchiladas in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole.
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos – A zesty and fiery twist on the classic taquito, perfect for game day!
- Comforting Chicken Tamale Pie – A savory, satisfying dish with a delicious cornbread topping.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
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Ingredients
- 8-10 flour or corn tortillas*
- 1 cup shredded chicken (pre-cooked)
- 2 ounces cream cheese , softened to room temperature (full fat or reduced fat both work)*
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey-Jack cheese
- 1 clove garlic , minced (approximately 1/2 teaspoon, or use garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup salsa verde (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil (if using foil, spray it well with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and set it aside.
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In a spacious bowl, thoroughly mix together the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Monterey-Jack cheese, minced garlic, salsa verde, and ground cumin until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy. Taste the filling and season with salt & pepper to your desired preference.
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Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly, starting from one edge, and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. For extra security, you can use toothpicks to hold them together if needed.
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Bake the taquitos for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For an even crispier texture, broil them for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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Serve your delicious baked cream cheese chicken taquitos immediately with your favorite dips and toppings!
Notes
Cream Cheese: To quickly soften cream cheese, remove it from its foil wrapper and microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 15-30 seconds, or until it reaches a soft, spreadable consistency.
To Freeze: For best results, freeze unbaked taquitos. Flash-freeze them on a baking sheet for 30 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.