Irresistible Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Crispy weekend warriors often crave these delightful chicken taquitos that blend creamy cheese with zesty flavors.

Rolled tortillas packed with savory chicken promise a quick meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Each bite delivers a perfect crunch that speaks to comfort food lovers.

Professional kitchens and home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create remarkable results.

Mexican-inspired classics like these transport you straight to a cozy cantina with minimal effort.

Rich cream cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth contrast against the golden, crisp exterior.

These taquitos will make you the star of any casual gathering or game day spread.

What Makes Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos Addictive

• Quick preparation meets minimal cleanup, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks craving delicious meals without extensive kitchen time.
• Loaded with creamy cheese, zesty salsa, and tender chicken, these taquitos guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
• Easily swap ingredients like using different proteins, adding extra spices, or trying alternative cheeses to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare a large batch, freeze unbaked taquitos between parchment layers, and bake directly from frozen for effortless future meals that save time and reduce daily cooking stress.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base that binds the filling and adds richness.
• Shredded Chicken: Protein-packed main ingredient for hearty texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds melty goodness and extra flavor to the filling.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and color.

• Salsa: Adds moisture and zesty flavor to the filling.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the overall taste with tangy citrus notes.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice typical in Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and depth to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic garlic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas for wrapping the filling.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior.

Rolling Up Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light spritz of cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

• Soft cream cheese
• Zesty salsa
• Fresh lime juice
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Protein And Extras

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Roll And Prepare

Take each tortilla and spread a generous scoop of the chicken mixture across the lower third. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides. Position each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Crisp And Golden

Lightly coat the tops of the rolls with cooking spray or a brush of oil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Present these delectable rolls immediately. Accompany with sides like tangy sour cream, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or drizzle with a zesty cilantro dressing.

Tricks for Perfectly Chicken Taquitos

• Boost Cheese Fusion: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing with other ingredients.
• Wrap Wisely: Roll tortillas tightly to prevent filling from falling out during baking, creating perfect crispy taquitos every time.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust salsa type or add extra chili powder to control spiciness based on personal preference or family taste.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare and freeze uncooked taquitos between parchment paper layers for quick, convenient meals anytime.
• Crisp Perfection Hack: Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking to achieve uniform golden edges and consistent crunchiness.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taquitos

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Restore crispiness by placing taquitos on a baking sheet and heating at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain their crunchy exterior.
• Crisp up frozen or refrigerated taquitos in an air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes, turning halfway through for even heating.

Sides and Dips for Chicken Taquitos

• Create a zesty salsa verde with tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice to complement the creamy chicken taquitos and add a tangy kick.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Mix light beer, tomato juice, lime, and spices to craft a spicy, tangy cocktail that enhances the taquitos' bold flavor profile.
• Whip up a creamy sauce blending sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime zest, and a pinch of salt to drizzle over the crispy taquitos for extra richness.

How to Switch Up Chicken Taquitos with a Twist

• Gluten-Free Taquitos: Swap regular tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or plant-based shredded meat alternatives like jackfruit or soy crumbles.
• Low-Carb Option: Use large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortilla wraps instead of traditional flour tortillas, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from cashews or tofu, and use dairy-free cheese shreds for a lactose-free option.

Cream Cheese And Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sinful Mexican cream cheese and chicken taquitos deliver crispy golden perfection with creamy, zesty filling. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these little rolls promise a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked and shredded chicken

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (236 ml) shredded Mexican or Colby Jack cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• ⅓ cup (79 ml) salsa (mild or medium, as preferred)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 8–10 small flour tortillas
• Cooking spray or a light brushing of olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a sizzling 425F (220C). Strategically line a baking sheet with parchment paper and apply a light mist of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Craft the flavor-packed filling by whisking cream cheese, zesty salsa, tangy lime juice, warm cumin, spicy chili powder, aromatic garlic powder, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
3. Introduce shredded chicken, melty cheese, and finely chopped green onions into the creamy mixture, gently folding until each ingredient is thoroughly integrated and evenly distributed.
4. Transform tortillas into crispy rolls by carefully spreading the chicken mixture along the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly, ensuring a compact and secure seal, then position each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Enhance the exterior by delicately misting or brushing the taquito tops with cooking spray or oil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and delightfully crisp edges.
6. Present the sizzling taquitos immediately, accompanied by classic garnishes like cool sour cream, vibrant salsa, creamy guacamole, or a drizzle of herbaceous cilantro dressing to elevate the dining experience.

Notes

• Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free or low-carb tortillas for dietary restrictions and create a versatile meal option.
• Experiment with different protein alternatives like shredded turkey, pulled pork, or black beans for vegetarian versions that maintain the same delicious flavor profile.
• Prep and freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick weeknight meals that can be baked directly from frozen with a slight increase in cooking time.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly shred chicken breasts in a stand mixer for a faster and more convenient filling preparation method.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg