Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
These Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a healthier, oven-baked twist on the classic fried taquito. With a creamy chicken filling and a crispy, golden tortilla shell, they’re perfect for an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–28 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
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)
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) to make them more pliable. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the taquitos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Notes
For added flavor and nutrition, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the chicken mixture.
If you prefer a different meat, you can swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey.
For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
Cheddar is a classic choice, but try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a more varied flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
