Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Few dishes capture the essence of flavorful, handheld comfort food quite like taquitos. These crispy, golden rolls of seasoned filling wrapped in a warm tortilla are a beloved staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Among the many variations, Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos stand out as a perfect balance of creamy richness and savory, tender chicken wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy shell. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or a main course, these taquitos deliver bold flavors and textural contrast that delight every palate.

Taquitos, sometimes called rolled tacos or flautas, have humble origins but have become a celebrated part of food culture across the United States and beyond. Traditionally made by rolling small tortillas around a filling—often shredded beef or chicken—and then frying them until crispy, taquitos are prized for their convenience and flavor-packed bites. The addition of cream cheese in the filling adds a luscious creaminess that elevates the dish from simple street food to an indulgent treat.

Cream cheese itself is a versatile ingredient that brings moisture and tangy richness to many recipes, and its inclusion in taquitos helps keep the chicken filling tender and flavorful. When combined with carefully selected spices, shredded chicken, and sometimes other ingredients like green chilies or cilantro, cream cheese creates a filling that is smooth yet hearty, complementing the crispy tortilla wrapper perfectly.

One of the great appeals of cream cheese chicken taquitos is their versatility. They can be baked or fried, made mild or spicy, and customized with a variety of toppings and dipping sauces. This adaptability makes them a fantastic choice for family dinners, game-day snacks, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Plus, they are a crowd-pleaser that is relatively easy to prepare in batches ahead of time.

Beyond their delicious taste, these taquitos offer a wonderful opportunity for home cooks to practice several fundamental cooking techniques—from poaching and shredding chicken to seasoning and rolling tortillas properly. Mastering this recipe opens the door to a variety of other taquito and rolled taco creations, each with unique fillings and flavor profiles.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through every step of creating the perfect cream cheese chicken taquitos—from selecting the best chicken and seasoning it to preparing the ideal creamy filling, rolling and securing each taquito, and achieving that perfect crispy texture through frying or baking. We will also explore tips for making the recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor, creative variations, and complementary sides and sauces that bring out the best in every bite.

Whether you’re new to Mexican-inspired cooking or a seasoned fan looking for a new twist on a classic, this detailed recipe and exploration will equip you to make irresistible cream cheese chicken taquitos that can become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tortillas, and get ready to dive into the flavorful, crispy, creamy world of cream cheese chicken taquitos.

Detailed Instructions: Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, poached, or slow-cooked)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or finely chopped cilantro

• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 12 small corn tortillas (6-inch size)

• Vegetable oil for frying (if frying)

• Cooking spray (if baking)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.

2. Add the chopped green onions (or cilantro), jalapeño (if using), and all the seasonings: garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the ingredients are evenly combined and the cream cheese fully coats the chicken.

4. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed — a little more salt or spice can really enhance flavor.

Tip: For extra flavor, you can warm the chicken slightly before mixing to help the cream cheese melt a bit, making the filling creamier.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

1. To prevent cracking when rolling, warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30–40 seconds, or heat them individually on a hot dry skillet for 15–20 seconds per side.

2. Keep tortillas warm and pliable by covering them with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Lay a warm tortilla flat on your work surface.

2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cream cheese filling along one edge of the tortilla, spreading it lengthwise but leaving about 1/2 inch on the edges free.

3. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, folding in the sides slightly to secure the filling.

4. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate or tray to prevent unrolling.

5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Cook the Taquitos

You have two main options: frying or baking.

Option A: Frying (for Crispiest Results)

1. Pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1 inch into a heavy skillet or frying pan and heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully add taquitos seam-side down in batches (do not overcrowd).

3. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

4. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the taquitos and drain on paper towels.

5. Keep warm in a low oven if making multiple batches.

Option B: Baking (Healthier Option)

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

3. Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet.

4. Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray to help them crisp.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the taquitos are golden and crispy.

6. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1–2 minutes — watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer cooked taquitos to a serving platter.

2. Serve with your favorite sides and dips, such as:

   • Salsa or pico de gallo

   • Guacamole or sliced avocado

   • Sour cream or Mexican crema

   • Hot sauce or chipotle mayo

   • Fresh lime wedges for squeezing

Pro Tips for Perfect Taquitos

• Avoid soggy tortillas: Always warm tortillas before rolling. Cold tortillas crack and cause the filling to spill.

• Tight rolling: Roll the taquitos tightly and secure seam-side down during cooking to keep filling inside.

• Oil temperature: Maintain the oil at a steady 350°F while frying to get crisp without absorbing excess oil.

• Double cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded cheese over the taquitos just before baking or broiling.