- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 10–12 small flour tortillas
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions, jalapeños, or hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
🥣 Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Stir until fully mixed and slightly thickened.
🌮 Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Pro Tip: Don’t overfill — it makes rolling harder and can cause leakage during baking.
🍴 Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Brush the tops lightly with oil or melted butter for extra crispiness. Bake for 15–18 minutes , flipping halfway through for even browning.
🌶️ Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream — and watch them disappear faster than you expect.
Tips for Perfect Taquitos Every Time
✅ Use small flour tortillas – They roll better and hold more filling.
✅ Cook from scratch or use store-bought rotisserie chicken – both work well.
✅ Brush with melted butter or oil before baking for deeper color and crunch.
✅ Flip halfway through baking – Ensures even crispiness on both sides.
✅ Let cool slightly before dipping – Prevents the filling from melting out too fast.
✅ Make ahead and freeze – Unbaked taquitos store beautifully in the freezer for future meals.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Taquitos
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some fun twists to try:
🫑 Veggie Lover’s Version
Add finely chopped peppers, onions, or spinach to the filling mix.
🥒 Guac & Grub
Top finished taquitos with guacamole and diced tomatoes for a fresh finish.
🧄 Ranch Cream Cheese Style
Mix ranch seasoning into the cream cheese for a zesty, crowd-pleasing variation.
🧀 Bacon & Blue Cheese
Add crumbled bacon and blue cheese for a bold, smoky flavor profile.
🌽 Mini Taquitos
Use smaller tortillas and cut rolls into bite-sized pieces — perfect for appetizers or potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Q: Are taquitos freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely — assemble and freeze before baking. Bake straight from the freezer at 400°F for 20–22 minutes.
Q: Can I fry these instead of baking?
A: Yes — deep-fry at 375°F (190°C) for extra crispiness.
Q: How long do baked taquitos last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
A: Definitely — brown and season beef just like taco meat and mix with cream cheese.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated — or messy.
With just a few simple ingredients and a quick trip to the oven, you can whip up a batch of golden, cheesy, flavorful bites that satisfy cravings, impress guests, and keep your family coming back for more.
So next time you're wondering what to make for dinner or need a quick appetizer, reach for the tortillas and get rolling.
Your tastiest night ever is just one recipe away.
