Save to Pinterest Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are my go-to solution when I need something everyone will love on short notice With crispy outsides and a creamy flavor-packed chicken filling these taquitos are just as perfect for family dinners as they are for parties or after-school snacks
Every time I serve these there are never any leftovers I started making them to use up rotisserie chicken and now they are a constant request from my family and friends they do not last long on the tray
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded for tender bites and absorbs all the flavors Try to use freshly cooked or store-bought rotisserie for best texture
- Cream cheese: Softened to create a rich creamy filling Use a block style for smooth blending
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a melty and slightly sharp flavor Choose a sharp cheddar for extra taste
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps everything moist Use full-fat for best results
- Green onions: Chopped fresh for color and mild onion bite Look for firm crisp stalks
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped for brightness and a touch of herbal flavor Rinse well before using
- Lime juice: Lifts the filling with citrusy zest Use freshly squeezed for best flavor
- Ground cumin: Offers signature warmth and earthy notes Smell it to ensure freshness
- Chili powder: Gives gentle heat and color Pick a blend that is mild or spicy depending on your preference
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth and enhances other spices
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness
- Salt and black pepper: Seasons the filling perfectly Taste and adjust if needed
- Small flour tortillas: Soft flexible and easy to roll Choose fresh tortillas with no cracking
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil: Helps crisp the taquitos in the oven Use a light hand to avoid sogginess
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit This high heat gives you crispy taquitos without frying Line a large baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it so the taquitos do not stick
- Mix the Filling:
- In a big bowl combine shredded chicken cream cheese cheddar sour cream green onions cilantro lime juice cumin chili powder garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated The cream cheese should disappear into the mixture leaving a creamy filling with green and golden flecks
- Fill the Tortillas:
- Lay each tortilla flat and scoop about a quarter cup of filling near the lower third of the round Use the back of a spoon to spread the filling into a log shape This ensures even distribution and makes rolling easier
- Roll the Taquitos:
- Starting at the edge with filling gently but tightly roll the tortilla into a cylinder Try to keep it snug so it does not unroll Place each rolled taquito seam-side down onto your prepared baking sheet
- Arrange and Crisp:
- Continue with the remaining tortillas and filling spacing taquitos so they are not touching For the golden crispy finish spray their tops lightly with cooking spray or brush on a thin layer of oil
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place your tray in the hot oven Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until the taquitos turn golden and feel crisp when tapped The cheese inside should be melty and the outsides evenly browned
- Serve and Savor:
- Take taquitos out and let cool for a minute or two Serve hot alongside salsa guacamole or extra sour cream for dipping
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is how the cream cheese and lime come through in every bite I remember making these for my nephews the first time and watching them stage an impromptu contest for who could eat the most Each batch since has been a reason to gather in the kitchen and laugh
Storage Tips
To keep leftover taquitos crisp store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels Refrigerate for up to three days Reheat in the oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for about eight minutes or until heated through Never microwave unless you do not mind a softer texture
Ingredient Substitutions
For dairy free taquitos use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheddar If you need gluten free choose certified gluten free corn tortillas Just be sure to warm the tortillas so they roll without cracking Shredded turkey works just as well as chicken especially after holiday meals
Serving Suggestions
These taquitos are delicious on their own but even better with a trio of dips like pico de gallo avocado crema and chipotle ranch To round out the meal serve with a simple salad of chopped romaine and a squeeze of lime For a party platter set out extra toppings like chopped jalapeños and pickled red onions
Cultural and Historical Notes
Taquitos have roots in Mexican American kitchens especially in border states where rolled tacos became popular as street food Their portability and crispy edges make them a staple for busy weeknights and festive gatherings My twist adds cream cheese for an extra creamy bite reminiscent of Tex Mex enchiladas
Seasonal Adaptations
Add fresh diced jalapeño to the filling in summer for more heat Use leftover holiday turkey in winter for a fun spin Try roasted sweet potatoes for a vegetarian autumn version
Success Stories
Every time I share these at game nights they disappear before anything else Friends have asked for the recipe and incorporated it into their own weekly rotations One neighbor now makes double batches for after soccer practice so the kids and grown ups all have something special to look forward to
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze assemble taquitos and lay them uncooked on a baking sheet Freeze until solid then transfer to a zip top bag When ready to serve bake from frozen for about twenty two minutes at four hundred twenty five degrees You get the same crispy result and dinner is done in a flash
Save to Pinterest Serve with your favorite dips and enjoy the crisp cheesy filling These taquitos never last long so consider doubling the batch for family nights
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent taquitos from cracking during rolling?
Warm tortillas briefly before filling to make them more pliable and less likely to tear or crack when rolled.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well. Shred it finely for easy blending with cream cheese and spices.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Swap flour tortillas for warmed corn tortillas. Be sure they’re soft to prevent breaking while rolling.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftover taquitos?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crisp, about 10 minutes. This keeps the exterior crunchy and the filling warm.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, mix the chicken filling ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake taquitos when ready to serve for best texture.
- → Which dips pair well with these taquitos?
Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are ideal. Try a spicy chipotle sauce for extra flavor.