If you’re craving a delicious, crispy, and cheesy dish, these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are sure to become your new favorite. The perfect blend of seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar wrapped in golden tortillas offers a satisfying crunch. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or as a party appetizer, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and sure to impress. Ready in just under 30 minutes, these taquitos make the ideal meal for busy days or casual gatherings.
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Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. They’re quick to make, family-friendly, and a hit at any occasion. The cream cheese adds a rich, velvety texture to the taquitos, balancing perfectly with the savory chicken and sharp cheddar. Baked, not fried, these taquitos offer all the flavor without the extra grease, making them a healthier option for those who still want a satisfying snack or dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos:
- Shredded Chicken: A hearty base for the filling. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Cream Cheese: This is the key ingredient, providing the taquitos with a creamy, smooth texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it complements the cream cheese and chicken perfectly.
- Salsa: Adds moisture and a burst of flavor. Choose your spice level to match your preference.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the filling with a savory depth of flavor.
- Onion Powder: Brings a mild, savory flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- Cumin: Adds authentic Mexican flavor.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas: Both work well. Corn offers a more traditional flavor, while flour is easier to roll.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Helps achieve a crispy, golden finish when baked.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for alternatives based on dietary preferences, consider these substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese options to cater to those avoiding dairy.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the filling or using a spicy salsa.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps for crispy, golden perfection:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the taquitos cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Tortillas: If you’re using corn tortillas, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This will help prevent cracking when you roll them. For flour tortillas, this step is optional but still helpful.
- Fill and Roll the Taquitos: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the seam is placed on the bottom to keep the filling intact. Arrange the rolled taquitos on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush each taquito with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden and crispy.
Tips & Tricks
To perfect your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, here are a few tips and tricks:
- Prevent Unrolling: Place the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. You can also use toothpicks to secure them while baking, but remember to remove them before serving.
- Even Crisping: Make sure to lightly brush the taquitos with oil before baking to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Leftover Storage: If you have any leftover taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with several sides and dips:
- Dips: Serve with sour cream, fresh guacamole, or your favorite salsa for added flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a simple side salad, cilantro lime rice, or Mexican street corn to create a well-rounded meal.
- Air Fryer Option: For an even crispier version, cook these taquitos in an air fryer at 380°F for 7-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
These taquitos are perfect for meal prep:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the taquitos up to the rolling stage. Simply cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the unbaked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
While these taquitos are delicious year-round, they are especially great for cozy dinners or party appetizers during the colder months. The combination of warm, melted cheese and seasoned chicken makes them a perfect comfort food. Additionally, since they’re baked, not fried, you’re cutting down on unnecessary fat while still getting that satisfying crunch.
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are not only tasty but can also be customized for a variety of dietary needs, making them an inclusive option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a quick dinner, these taquitos will always be a hit!
Enjoy your homemade Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos!
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate comfort food that blends creamy, savory, and crispy all in one delicious bite. These easy-to-make taquitos are perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer for your next party. With the right balance of seasonings and a perfect golden finish, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, these taquitos will definitely become a family favorite. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite dips like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for an extra kick of flavor!
FAQs About Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for these taquitos?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for these Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. It saves you time and adds great flavor to the filling. Simply shred the chicken and measure out about 2 cups for the recipe.
2. How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling during baking?
To ensure the taquitos stay rolled up while baking, place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. You can also secure them with toothpicks before baking; just remember to remove them before serving.
3. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the taquitos up to the rolling stage and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great option for meal prep. If you want to freeze them, simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
More Relevant Recipes
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Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate combination of creamy, savory filling wrapped in crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick dinner or as an appetizer, they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and spices is baked to golden perfection for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-mixed.
- Warm the tortillas if using corn tortillas to prevent cracking. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray each taquito with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the taquitos are golden and crispy.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add jalapeños or use a spicy salsa in the filling.
- If using corn tortillas, warm them in the microwave for 15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to prevent cracking.
- These taquitos can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- You can freeze unbaked taquitos for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
