Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an irresistibly creamy, crispy, and downright fun dinner idea, let me introduce you to Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. This recipe brings together tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, a perfect blend of seasonings, and those all-important golden tortillas—then rolls it all up into snacking perfection. It’s the kind of dish that everyone at the table reaches for (and then goes back for seconds). Whether you’re looking for something crowd-pleasing for parties or just want to jazz up a weeknight, these taquitos deliver every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are delightfully simple, but each one works magic in the final dish. You’ll layer textures and flavors to create those signature Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos everyone will request again and again.

• Shredded chicken: Easy to make from scratch or use rotisserie for speed—adds hearty filling that soaks up flavor.
• Cream cheese: The creamy heart of every taquito, making the filling irresistibly smooth and rich.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Gets wonderfully melty and adds a punchy cheesy kick.
• Green chilies: Mild, tangy, and just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic powder: Brightens up every bite and blends seamlessly into the creamy filling.
• Onion powder: A little bit goes a long way, bringing out the savoriness of the chicken.
• Chili powder: For subtle depth and color—gives that classic taquito flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper: The essentials for bringing all those flavors to life.
• Small flour or corn tortillas: Flexible enough for easy rolling and crucial for that signature crispiness.
• Olive oil (or cooking spray): Helps the taquitos bake up gorgeously golden and crunchy in the oven.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by mixing together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheese until completely smooth and combined. Fold in the shredded chicken, green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir—what you’re looking for is a perfectly creamy, evenly seasoned filling that’s ready to be wrapped up tight.

Step 2: Warm and Fill the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas so they’re soft and pliable (a few seconds in the microwave, sandwiched in a damp towel, works great). This keeps the tortillas from cracking when you roll! Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla, spreading it evenly for the perfect bite in every roll.

Step 3: Roll Up Your Taquitos

Gently but firmly roll up each tortilla around its creamy chicken filling, placing each one seam-side down on a foil-lined or parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t be afraid to pack them close—just make sure they’re not overlapping so they crisp up nicely.

Step 4: Brush or Spray with Oil

Lightly brush or spray the tops of your rolled Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is key for getting that irresistible, restaurant-style crunch without deep frying, so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a hot oven (typically 425°F/218°C) for about 15–20 minutes, checking for when the taquitos are golden, crisp, and bubbling slightly at the edges. Let them rest a minute or two before serving, as the filling will be piping hot.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

Add color and even more layers of flavor with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, some finely diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or thinly sliced green onions can jazz things up in no time. A squeeze of lime brightens everything, while a drizzle of crema or dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast to the crunchy taquitos.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with classic sides for a complete meal. Spanish rice, Mexican street corn, or a vibrant black bean salad work wonders and look gorgeous on the plate. Even a simple guacamole and chips combo rounds things out, giving you a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, try standing the taquitos upright in a cup or glass for a fun, grab-and-go snack bar effect. For a family meal, arrange them in a spiral with toppings in the center. And if you want to turn things up a notch, slice taquitos in half and layer them over a salad for a playful, crunchy twist on dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a dream—they keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortillas might soften a bit as they absorb the creamy filling, but a quick reheat in the oven restores much of that signature crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the unbaked (or baked and cooled) taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag. When you’re craving one, simply bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes in the oven. Perfect for make-ahead meal prep!

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos in the oven at 375°F/190°C for 10–12 minutes, until heated through and sizzling. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that amazing crunch. An air fryer is fantastic for reviving both flavor and texture if you have one handy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, making this recipe even quicker to assemble while delivering fantastic flavor and tender texture in every bite.

Can I make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then bake right before serving. This trick is great for stress-free entertaining.

Are corn or flour tortillas better for taquitos?

It’s truly up to personal preference—corn gives traditional flavor and extra crunch, while flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to roll. Both work perfectly for Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!

How can I make them spicier?

For more heat, add diced jalapeños, spicy green chilies, or a dash of hot sauce into the filling. You can also sprinkle chili flakes or serve with a spicy salsa for that extra kick.

What dipping sauces go well with these taquitos?

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos shine with a variety of dips, from simple salsa and guacamole to creamy ranch, chipotle sauce, or even queso. Mix and match to keep things deliciously interesting.

Final Thoughts

Bring a little excitement to your dinner table with Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos—you’ll be amazed at how simple, satisfying, and fun they are to share. Try them once, and I guarantee they’ll earn a regular spot in your rotation!

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