Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
If you are on the lookout for a snack or appetizer that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with a creamy, flavorful filling, you have to try this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome satisfaction, featuring tender shredded chicken folded into a luscious blend of cream cheese, spices, and sharp cheeses, all wrapped tightly in warm, crisp baked tortillas. These taquitos offer a fantastic twist on traditional recipes by baking instead of frying, ensuring you get that golden crunch with a lighter touch. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’s going to become your go-to for gatherings, casual dinners, or whenever that craving for comfort food hits just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to bring harmony to both flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of softened cream cheese to the zesty lime juice that brightens the mix, each element plays a special role in crafting these irresistible taquitos.
- Cream cheese: Softened to ensure the filling is super creamy and smooth.
- Salsa: Adds a zesty kick and moisture for depth of flavor.
- Lime juice: Gives a fresh, tangy pop to balance richness.
- Chile powder: For aromatic warmth and mild heat.
- Ground cumin: Provides that earthy, smoky undertone.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle, fiery hint.
- Onion powder: Brings a gentle, savory complexity.
- Garlic: Minced cloves infuse a punch of bold flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Scallions: Offer mild onion crunch for texture and brightness.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that makes these taquitos so satisfying.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For a rich, tangy bite.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to bring creaminess.
- Corn tortillas (6-inch): The crisp, slightly sweet vessel that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden, crunchy exterior without extra oil.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning to taste both inside and out.
- Optional – Salsa, sour cream, guacamole: Delicious dipping options to elevate every bite.
How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to getting those taquitos perfectly crispy. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to keep your rolled taquitos from sticking and to ensure they get that beautiful golden finish you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
Grab a large bowl and mix together your softened cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, chile powder, cumin, cayenne, and onion powder until well combined. Then fold in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and scallions for layers of fresh flavor. Finally, blend in your shredded chicken along with the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This is where the magic happens — the cheeses melt into the chicken and spices, creating that rich, creamy filling you will love. Season with kosher salt to your preference, giving everything a final taste check.
Step 3: Soften the Tortillas
To avoid any cracking when you roll your taquitos, warm your corn tortillas so they become pliable. You can follow package instructions or quickly microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel. This simple step ensures each tortilla wraps around the filling beautifully without breaking apart in the oven.
Step 4: Roll Those Taquitos
Spoon about three tablespoons of your creamy chicken mixture onto the lower third of each warmed tortilla. Roll tightly, tucking the edge in as you go, and place each taquito seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. This keeps them securely rolled and helps maintain their shape while baking. Repeat until every bit of filling is rolled up and ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Lightly spray the tops of your rolled taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt for extra crispness and flavor. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the tortillas turn golden-brown and irresistibly crunchy. The creamy filling stays warm and melty inside, complementing every crisp bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, serve your Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe hot with your favorite accompaniments. Scoop up bites with salsa, sour cream, or a dollop of guacamole for added creaminess and zing. These taquitos are downright addictive and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or sliced jalapeños instantly elevate your taquitos with pops of color and flavor. Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese for a salty contrast or add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to spice things up even more.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad with avocado. The combination makes for a well-rounded meal with refreshing, hearty, and creamy elements all coming together harmoniously.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, arrange the taquitos upright in a festive serving dish or platter surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces. For a casual dinner, set them alongside a colorful slaw to add crunch and brightness. You can even cut them in half and stack for a fun finger-food tower that guests will love grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos taste great reheated the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separated prevents sogginess, ensuring they maintain their crispy texture when warmed.
Freezing
This Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe also freezes beautifully. Arrange rolled but unbaked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy easy, quick snacks anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F until heated through and crisp, about 10–12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delightful crunch, but if pressed for time, 1–2 minutes on high will do.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas work well too and tend to be more pliable. Keep in mind they might bake up a bit softer compared to the crispy finish of corn tortillas, but the creamy filling will still shine.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the cream cheese and shredded cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, you can enjoy this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe while keeping it dairy-free. Just ensure those substitutes melt well and have good flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped bell peppers, corn kernels, or diced jalapeño peppers can introduce more texture and flavor. Sauté vegetables lightly beforehand to soften and dry excess moisture so your filling stays creamy and not watery.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a gentle warmth balanced by creamy cheese and fresh lime. The cayenne and chile powder add some heat, but it’s mild enough to please most palates. Adjust the spice levels as you prefer by reducing or increasing those ingredients.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken for the filling?
The easiest method is to use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Alternatively, you can pulse chicken in a food processor for a finer texture, but be careful not to over-process and turn it into a paste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is truly a kitchen gem. It’s straightforward, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion when you want a satisfying snack or meal without fuss. The blend of spices, cheeses, and tender chicken wrapped in crispy tortillas is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself making these taquitos again and again.
Print
Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crispy Mexican-inspired appetizer or snack, filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cheeses, and flavorful spices all wrapped in corn tortillas and baked to golden perfection. They are easy to prepare and perfect for parties or casual meals.
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
Tortillas and Baking
- 8–12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt, to taste
Optional for Serving
- Salsa (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the taquitos from sticking and to help them crisp up evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, chile powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and onion powder until smooth. Add minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped scallions, stirring to combine. Fold in the shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the mixture is evenly incorporated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas according to package instructions or briefly microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel until soft and pliable. This prevents cracking when rolling.
- Roll Taquitos: Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
- Spray and Season: Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with a little kosher salt to enhance crispiness and flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the tortillas are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot taquitos with your choice of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping and added flavor.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent them from cracking and makes rolling easier.
- You can substitute cooked shredded turkey or beef for the chicken if desired.
- For extra crispiness, flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
- If you prefer spicier taquitos, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
