Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, game day snack, or a fun appetizer for a party, these taquitos are sure to please. With their crispy exterior and creamy chicken filling, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite dips or toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, these taquitos are ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and rich in flavors from spices.
• Crispy Texture: Baked instead of fried, offering a healthier take on traditional taquitos.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, you will need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe dish
• Cooking spray

Why These Tools Matter

• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and browning of the taquitos.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the creamy filling ingredients without mess.
• Microwave-safe dish: Quickly softens cream cheese for easier mixing.

Ingredients

A delicious baked taquito with a cream cheese chicken inside that the entire family will love!

For the Creamy Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese
• ⅓ cup salsa
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

For Assembly

• 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 8-10 small flour tortillas

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese

Soften 4 ounces of cream cheese in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup salsa, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Add in 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded colby jack cheese, 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro.
3. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos

Take about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture:
1. Place it about an inch from the edge of each tortilla.
2. Roll it up tightly and place it seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Repeat this process with each tortilla, spacing them about an inch apart on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tortillas are lightly browned around the edges.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos warm with sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite sauce! Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these taquitos can be paired with an array of sides and dips to enhance their flavor.

With Dips

• Sour Cream – A classic creamy dip that balances the spices in the taquitos.
• Guacamole – Fresh and creamy, guacamole adds a rich taste that complements the dish.
• Salsa Verde – This zesty green salsa offers a tangy twist that brings freshness to each bite.

As a Main Dish

• Taco Salad – Serve your taquitos on a bed of lettuce, topped with tomatoes and cheese for a hearty meal.
• Rice and Beans – A side of cilantro lime rice and black beans makes for a filling combination that pairs perfectly with taquitos.

For Kids

• Fruit Skewers – Add some colorful fruit skewers for a fun, healthy side that kids will love.
• Cheesy Quesadillas – A simple quesadilla can serve as an additional cheesy delight alongside your taquitos.

How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Creating the perfect batch of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your cooking experience.

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Soften the cream cheese beforehand for easier mixing and to achieve a smooth filling.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas – Using too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to messy taquitos. Stick to about 3 tablespoons per tortilla.
• Bake Until Golden – Keep an eye on the taquitos while baking; they should be golden brown for the best texture.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels or add extra spices like paprika or onion powder for unique flavors.
• Serve Immediately – These taquitos are best enjoyed hot from the oven; serving them right away ensures they stay crispy.
• Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but aim to eat them within two days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Pairing your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with complementary side dishes will enhance your meal and create a satisfying dining experience. Here are some excellent ideas:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing salad with corn, lime, chili powder, and cheese adds vibrant flavor.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide protein and texture that pairs wonderfully with taquitos.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime brightens up your plate with every bite.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa offer an enjoyable crunch before or alongside taquitos.
5. Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa brings brightness and acidity to balance out the richness of the chicken filling.
6. Vegetable Medley – Grilled or roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making your meal more wholesome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can be difficult to mix. Always soften it in the microwave for a few seconds before combining with other ingredients.
• Overstuffing Tortillas: Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to burst while baking. Stick to about 3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla for best results.
• Skipping the Cooking Spray: Not using cooking spray on your baking sheet can lead to sticking. Ensure you spray your foil-lined sheet for easy removal after baking.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture and flavor. Always preheat your oven to 425°F before placing the taquitos inside.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking can make taquitos dry. Keep an eye on them, aiming for a light golden brown color around the edges.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

• Place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on high for 30-60 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook taquitos for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are crispy rolled tortillas filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, cream cheese, and spices, then baked until golden.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, corn, or different cheeses based on your preferences.

How do I make these gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos, simply use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even shredded beef if you prefer.

How do I serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?

These taquitos pair well with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any dipping sauce of your choice.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos make an excellent meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. With their delicious cream cheese filling and crisp exterior, they’re perfect as snacks or part of a main course. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients for an added twist!