Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
There’s something downright irresistible about crispy, golden taquitos bursting with creamy, flavorful chicken filling. My Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a weeknight hero: easy enough for a busy evening, but special enough to share with friends at your next get-together. Each bite delivers a crave-worthy blend of melted cheese, tender chicken, and gentle spices, all wrapped up in a perfectly crunchy shell. Even better, this recipe bakes instead of fries, making it lighter yet just as satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding picky kids, or just treating yourself, this dish hits every note—the ultimate comfort food, made simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe matters, contributing something important to the final result. From the succulent chicken to the blend of cheese and spices, each component is chosen for flavor, creamy texture, and appealing color. Don’t skip or swap at random—here’s why each one shines!
- Shredded Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken (rotisserie works wonders) soaks up all the creamy, cheesy flavor and creates that hearty, satisfying bite.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to perfection, it melds with the chicken for the luscious, rich filling that makes these taquitos stand out.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts into the mixture for gooey goodness; try pepper jack for a little spicy kick!
- Sour Cream: Gives the filling an extra creamy tang that keeps every bite juicy and never dry.
- Salsa or Rotel (drained): Brings color, moisture, and a boost of zesty Mexican flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, aromatic depth—fresh garlic is too sharp here, so stick with powder.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the savoriness without overpowering the filling.
- Ground Cumin: Classic earthy warmth that ties together all the flavors in true taquito style.
- Chili Powder: Just a hint adds gentle heat and color, perfect even for sensitive palates.
- Salt and Pepper: Vital for bringing out all the other flavors—taste as you mix!
- Small Flour or Corn Tortillas: The vessel for our delicious filling; warm them first so they roll and bake up beautifully crisp.
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps the taquitos crisp in the oven without deep-frying or excess oil.
- Chopped Cilantro and Dipping Sauce (optional): For that final fresh hit and fun dipping—totally up to you, but highly recommended!
How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of oil, which keeps the taquitos from sticking and encourages even browning. This step is all about setting yourself up for golden, crispy perfection—don’t skip the prep!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, sour cream, drained salsa, and all the seasonings. Mix everything together thoroughly until the filling is smooth and evenly blended. You want every bite of this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe to deliver the goods—creamy, cheesy, and kissed with just the right spice.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To keep tortillas from cracking as you roll, stack them and microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds under a damp paper towel. This simple trick keeps them soft and pliable, which is a total lifesaver when making taquitos that stay closed and bake up perfectly.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the creamy chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll each one up tightly into a little log. Place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Rolling firmly helps keep the filling inside during baking, and the seam side down means your taquitos stay sealed and gorgeous.
Step 5: Olive Oil Spray & Bake
Lightly mist the tops of the taquitos with olive oil spray. This extra burst helps achieve that irresistible crunch without any deep-frying. Pop them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll know they’re ready when you see that gorgeous crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Take the taquitos out of the oven and serve them piping hot. Dress them up with fresh cilantro, your favorite salsa, a drizzle of sour cream, or even guacamole. There’s just nothing like biting into a fresh batch of this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe—creamy filling, crunchy exterior, and bursts of tasty toppings in every bite!
How to Serve Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are your ticket to next-level flavor and eye appeal. Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro over your baked taquitos, or even a squeeze of lime for freshness. Top with extra cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for a table presentation that wows. Don’t forget a dish of your favorite salsa or guac for dipping!
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of your Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe with sides that add color and crunch. Try a fresh corn and black bean salad, vibrant Mexican rice, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Each one brings something unique to the table, making your meal feel like a little fiesta—even on an ordinary weeknight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, stand the taquitos on end in a mason jar or line them up on a platter for a playful, shareable vibe. Serve mini taquito “tacos” in muffin liners or offer a DIY dipping bar with salsas, guacamole, and crema. However you present them, this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is designed to spark conversation and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the taquitos cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling fresh and the tortillas from turning soggy, so you can enjoy that crispy-creamy contrast the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a make-ahead dream! Assemble and roll your taquitos, then freeze them before baking on a tray until solid—after that, pop them into a freezer bag. When you crave a quick snack or dinner, bake straight from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the oven time).
Reheating
For the best crunch, reheat taquitos in a hot 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 10-12 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll sacrifice crispiness for convenience. If you love that signature crunch, always go for the oven—your future self will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves loads of time and brings great flavor. Just shred it and toss into the filling—perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
What’s the best way to keep the taquitos from unrolling while baking?
Rolling the tortillas tightly helps a lot, and always place them seam-side down on your baking sheet. If you want extra insurance, secure with a toothpick while baking (just remember to remove them before serving!).
Can I make these Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your other ingredients. Just warm the corn tortillas well so they’re easy to roll without splitting.
What other cheeses work well in this filling?
Monterey Jack is classic for its melt factor, but feel free to swap in cheddar, pepper jack, or even Colby for a different flavor. If you like things spicy, use all pepper jack cheese for a fiery twist!
Can I add veggies to the Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Of course! Finely diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even spinach can be folded into the filling. Just don’t go overboard—too many veggies can make the filling runny and tough to roll.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe a try—every bite is pure comfort with just the right hit of creamy, cheesy goodness. Let your oven do the work, round up your favorite toppings, and watch these taquitos disappear faster than you can say family dinner!
Print
Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Creamy Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, these taquitos are baked to crispy perfection and can be served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa or Rotel (drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray
- Chopped cilantro and dipping sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, salsa, and seasonings until well combined.
- Assemble the taquitos: Warm the tortillas, spoon chicken mixture onto each, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Spray taquitos with olive oil, bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Serve hot with optional cilantro, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Swap Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- These taquitos can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
