Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful and surprisingly easy way to enjoy a classic Tex-Mex favorite in a healthier, oven-baked format. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s much lighter than its fried counterpart.
Key Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite mild, medium, or hot)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12-16 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s incredibly simple to achieve! These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a game-changer, offering a wonderfully creamy chicken filling encased in a crisp tortilla shell, all made with minimal effort and maximum taste. The magic lies in the blend of luscious cream cheese and tender chicken, creating a savory filling that’s anything but bland. With a preparation time of just about 25 minutes and a baking time of 15-20 minutes, you can have these delicious taquitos on your table in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the taquitos from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a creamy, cohesive filling. The cream cheese will bind everything together beautifully, creating that signature richness.
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolled, warm them slightly. You can do this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30-45 seconds, or by briefly warming them in a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping once.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla, lengthwise.
- Roll the Taquitos: Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one edge, enclosing the filling. The softened cream cheese should help seal the edges of the tortilla as you roll.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are nestled snugly together for even cooking.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the tops and sides of each taquito with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can flip the taquitos halfway through the baking process.
- Serve Immediately: Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two before serving. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
You’ll fall head over heels for these baked cream cheese chicken taquitos because of their unbelievably creamy and savory filling, which is worlds away from a dry, plain chicken filling. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and a hint of spice creates a flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying, making them a crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional fried versions. Plus, making these at home is a fantastic money-saver compared to takeout, offering restaurant-quality taste without the hefty price tag. Imagine a hot, crispy taquito with a lusciously creamy center – it’s pure comfort food perfection!
These taquitos are far more than just a weeknight meal; they’re a little bit of culinary magic that you can whip up with ease. The ease of preparation, combined with the indulgent yet light texture, makes them a go-to for any occasion, from a quick lunch to a fun appetizer. So ditch the deep fryer and embrace this healthier, tastier way to enjoy your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors. Give these easy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos a try today – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
For optimal freshness, allow the baked cream cheese chicken taquitos to cool completely before storing.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, arrange cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated taquitos, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisped up. For frozen taquitos, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to maintain their crispiness.
Final Thoughts
These baked cream cheese chicken taquitos are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something incredibly delicious and satisfying. Give this recipe a go – it’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy a beloved classic!
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the taquitos from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a creamy, cohesive filling. The cream cheese will bind everything together beautifully, creating that signature richness.2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 8 ounces cream cheese, 0.5 cup salsa, 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon cumin, 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- To make the tortillas pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolled, warm them slightly. You can do this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30-45 seconds, or by briefly warming them in a dry skillet over medium heat, flipping once.12-16 corn tortillas
- Lay a warm tortilla flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla, lengthwise.12-16 corn tortillas
- Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one edge, enclosing the filling. The softened cream cheese should help seal the edges of the tortilla as you roll.12-16 corn tortillas
- Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are nestled snugly together for even cooking.
- Lightly brush the tops and sides of each taquito with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior.2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can flip the taquitos halfway through the baking process.
- Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two before serving. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh!