Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful Mexican-inspired dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or craving a quick snack, these taquitos offer a flavor-packed experience. The combination of seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar all wrapped in a crispy tortilla makes them a standout choice for your next meal.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Filling
• For the Taquito Wraps
• How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Filling
• Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
• Step 4: Bake the Taquitos
• Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
• How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
• Pair with Dips
• Add a Side Salad
• Include Some Extras
• How to Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
• Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
• Reheating Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?
• Can I use different types of cheese?
• How do I spice up my taquito filling?
• Can I prepare these ahead of time?
• What toppings pair well with Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious taquitos ready in no time.
• Flavorful Filling: The blend of cream cheese, chicken, and spices creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or even as game day snacks.
• Baked Not Fried: These taquitos are baked for a healthier twist without sacrificing crunch.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to the filling for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before we start making our Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, let’s gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or spatula
• Cooking brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and crispiness when baking your taquitos.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:

For the Filling

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup salsa
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Taquito Wraps

• 10 small flour or corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Shredded chicken
2. Cream cheese
3. Cheddar cheese
4. Salsa
5. Garlic powder
6. Onion powder
7. Cumin
8. Salt and pepper

Stir until well-mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Fill the Tortillas

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla:
1. Spread it evenly in a line.
2. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Taquitos

Lightly brush each taquito with cooking spray or olive oil:
1. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
2. Remove once they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy warm with sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping!

These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are sure to impress anyone who tries them! Enjoy this easy dinner idea that brings delicious flavors to your table in under an hour!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are delicious and versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some great serving suggestions.

Pair with Dips

• Sour Cream: A classic choice that adds a cool and creamy element to each bite.
• Guacamole: This avocado-based dip brings a fresh flavor that complements the taquitos perfectly.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for a zesty kick; fresh salsa verde works wonderfully.

Add a Side Salad

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This dish adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the taquitos.
• Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw can add freshness and texture, enhancing your meal experience.

Include Some Extras

• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, pickled jalapeños offer a spicy contrast to the creamy filling.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

To make your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Use just enough filling to roll them tightly without bursting; about 2-3 tablespoons per tortilla works well.
• Brush Generously with Oil: A good coat of cooking spray or olive oil ensures a crispy exterior when baked.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cumin or add chili powder for extra heat based on your taste preferences.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy taquitos right after baking while they’re hot and crispy for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos pair well with many side dishes. Here are some delightful options to complement your meal.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices is always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side packed with protein.
3. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served alongside salsa make for an excellent appetizer option before the main attraction.
4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salad adds brightness and crunch, perfect for balancing the rich taquitos.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn with butter is simple yet delicious, enhancing the Mexican theme.
6. Black Bean Salad: A cold salad with black beans, corn, and cilantro offers refreshing flavors to offset the warmth of the taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling that doesn’t mix well.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Avoid the temptation to add too much filling. Stuffing them too full can cause them to burst during baking.
• Not sealing properly: Ensure you roll the taquitos tightly and place them seam-side down. This helps keep the filling inside while baking.
• Skipping the oil: Lightly brushing the taquitos with oil or cooking spray is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Inadequate baking time: Keep an eye on your taquitos in the oven. If they aren’t golden brown, give them a few extra minutes for perfect crispness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

• To freeze, place uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat taquitos on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds until warm. Note that they may not be as crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook taquitos for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are rolled tortillas filled with creamy chicken and cheese, baked until crispy. They make delicious appetizers or main dishes.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile in your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.

How do I spice up my taquito filling?

For added flavor, try mixing in jalapeños or other spices like chili powder into your filling for extra heat in your Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What toppings pair well with Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?

Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro. They add freshness and enhance the overall taste!

Final Thoughts

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. They’re also versatile; feel free to customize the fillings and toppings based on your preferences. Whether served as appetizers or as part of dinner, these taquitos are sure to impress!