If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy, comforting recipes that don’t skimp on flavor. And let me just say—Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are exactly that kind of recipe. They’re warm, crispy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just whipping up a fun weeknight dinner, these taquitos deliver big on both flavor and convenience.
What Are Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos?
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and crispy. Shredded chicken is mixed with tangy cream cheese, zesty green chiles, and plenty of melty cheese, then rolled in a tortilla and baked or fried until golden. Think of them as a fusion between your favorite cheesy dip and a crunchy, handheld snack. Anything but boring!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy – Less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
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Versatile – Great for dinner, snacks, or party appetizers.
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Family-friendly – Kids love them. Adults love them. Win-win.
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Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for later.
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Baked or fried – You’ve got options depending on your mood!
What Do Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a crisp, golden tortilla that gives way to a luscious, savory filling. The cream cheese adds a mild tanginess and smooth texture, the chicken brings substance, and the green chiles kick in just the right amount of heat. It’s creamy, cheesy, and crispy all in one perfect bite. Honestly, I’m kicking myself for not having shot it the last time I made them—they’re that good.
The Benefits of These Taquitos
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Great use for leftover chicken
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Budget-friendly ingredients
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Easy to customize for different diets
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Perfect for meal prep and freezing
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the dreamiest Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos:
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped green chiles (canned is fine)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
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Optional: Olive oil spray or a bit of vegetable oil for crisping
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowl
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Spoon or spatula
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Baking sheet or frying pan
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Cooking spray or brush (if baking)
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Tongs or spatula (if frying)
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can tweak this recipe in so many ways:
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Swap green chiles for jalapeños if you like it spicy
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Add a handful of corn or black beans for texture and flavor
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost
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Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun cheese twist
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Sub cooked turkey or pulled pork for the chicken
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, sour cream, green chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
This helps prevent cracking when you roll them. Just a few seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel works wonders.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Cook Your Way
To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the taquitos with olive oil or brush with a bit of vegetable oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
To Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet. Fry taquitos seam-side down until golden brown on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
They pair beautifully with:
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Guacamole
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Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
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Sour cream or Mexican crema
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A simple side salad
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Cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice
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Refried or black beans
Tips for Perfect Taquitos Every Time
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Don’t overfill – It’ll make rolling tough and they might burst.
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Warm the tortillas – Prevents cracking.
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Use toothpicks if frying and worried about them unrolling.
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Double the batch – They freeze and reheat beautifully!
Storage Instructions
These taquitos are meal prep gold!
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Lasts up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes (oven keeps them crispier!).
General Info
Taquitos originated as a Mexican-American creation and have since become a beloved staple across homes and party platters alike. While traditional versions often use corn tortillas and simple shredded meats, this cream cheese version adds a rich, comforting twist that modern kitchens can’t resist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely! Drain well and shred it up—it’s a great time-saver.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and make sure all your ingredients are GF-friendly.
Can I air fry these?
Oh yes! Air fry at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.
What if I don’t like spicy?
Skip the chiles or use mild ones. You can also add more cheese or sour cream to mellow it out.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are everything I love in a weeknight recipe: fast, easy, ultra-satisfying, and totally freezer-friendly. Whether you’re diving in solo or serving a crew, these crispy bites will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Don’t be surprised if they become a regular in your rotation—I’ve made them three times this month already!
More Recipes Featuring Creamy Goodness
If you loved these taquitos, you have to check out:
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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
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Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese
Nutritional Information (Per Taquito, Approximate)
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Calories: 180
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Protein: 12g
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Carbs: 14g
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Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 1g