Short Description
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy chicken filling wrapped in soft tortillas and fried to golden perfection will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for a snack, party appetizer, or even a quick weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These taquitos are irresistibly crispy and packed with flavor. The creamy chicken filling combines the richness of cream cheese with the warmth of chili powder and cumin, while the golden, crunchy exterior provides the perfect contrast. Not only are they simple to make, but they can be customized with your favorite garnishes and dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomatoes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Fry Taquitos: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry taquitos in batches, turning until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Drain: Remove taquitos from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Serve: Garnish with your choice of toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans or a mixture of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
- Baked Taquitos: For a healthier version, bake the taquitos at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until crispy, instead of frying them.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor to the filling.
2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
3. Can I bake these taquitos instead of frying them?
Yes! You can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Can I freeze these taquitos?
Absolutely! After frying, let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
5. What kind of tortillas are best for taquitos?
Small flour tortillas work best for rolling, but you can also use corn tortillas if preferred. Just be sure to warm them up slightly before rolling.
6. How do I prevent the taquitos from opening while frying?
Make sure to roll the tortillas tightly, and use toothpicks to secure the ends if needed. Fry them seam-side down to help seal the rolls.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap the Mexican cheese blend for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese for a richer filling.
8. What are good dipping sauces for taquitos?
Some great dipping options include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a creamy ranch dip.
9. Can I make these taquitos in advance and store them in the freezer?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but un-fried taquitos. Once frozen, fry them directly from the freezer.
10. How do I make the taquitos extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and versatile dish that will satisfy your craving for something crispy, creamy, and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them for a party or enjoying them as a quick meal, these taquitos are sure to become a go-to favorite.
Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy chicken filling wrapped in soft tortillas and fried to golden perfection will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for a snack, party appetizer, or even a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
12 small flour tortillas
Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional garnishes: cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Fry Taquitos: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry taquitos in batches, turning until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Drain: Remove taquitos from the oil and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Serve: Garnish with your choice of toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, or diced tomatoes, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Spicy Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for some extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans or a mixture of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
- Baked Taquitos: For a healthier version, bake the taquitos at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until crispy, instead of frying them.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg