Mediterranean Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Mediterranean Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are a lighter, oven baked twist on a comfort food favorite, infused with Mediterranean flavors. Instead of heavy frying, these taquitos are brushed with olive oil and baked until golden and crisp. The filling is creamy, savory, and well balanced, combining tender chicken, cream cheese, herbs, garlic, and Mediterranean add-ins like olives and spinach. They are perfect as an appetizer, family dinner, or party snack and pair beautifully with yogurt based dips or fresh salads. These taquitos deliver crunch on the outside and a rich, flavorful center without feeling heavy.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 taquitos
Ingredients
For the Filling
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella or mild cheese
½ cup finely chopped spinach
¼ cup chopped olives (kalamata or green)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Assembly
12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Optional for Serving
Greek yogurt
Fresh parsley or dill
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
Add shredded chicken, mozzarella, spinach, and olives to the bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
Warm tortillas slightly so they are flexible and easy to roll.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling along one edge of each tortilla.
Roll tortillas tightly into taquitos and place seam side down on the baking tray.
Brush each taquito lightly with olive oil for crispness.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp.
Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes to set the filling.
Garnish with herbs and serve warm with yogurt or dip of choice.
Tips
Use fully softened cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Finely chop spinach to avoid excess moisture.
Do not overfill tortillas or they may burst.
Brushing with olive oil helps achieve crisp texture without frying.
Turn taquitos halfway for even browning.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shred chicken finely for easier rolling.
Taste filling before rolling and adjust seasoning.
Let taquitos rest briefly after baking for better structure.
Serve immediately for best crunch.
Variations
Add sun-dried tomatoes for deeper Mediterranean flavor.
Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken.
Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.
Add chili flakes for gentle heat.
Swap mozzarella with feta for tangier taste.
Add chopped roasted red peppers for sweetness.
Make them gluten-free using corn tortillas.
Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
Use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version.
Turn into mini taquitos using smaller tortillas.
Q & A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze baked taquitos?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months and reheat in oven.
Are these taquitos spicy?
No, they are mild unless spice is added.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes, air fry at 190°C for about 10 minutes.
What dip works best?
Greek yogurt with lemon and garlic is ideal.
Do they stay crispy?
They stay crisp for about 30 minutes after baking.
Can I skip olives?
Yes, replace with capers or leave out.
Are corn tortillas better than flour?
Both work; flour rolls more easily.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, this recipe is great for leftovers.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are creamy and mild in flavor.
Nutrition
(Per Taquito, Approximate)
Calories: 165
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Calcium: Moderate
Sodium: Moderate
Conclusion
Mediterranean Crispy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos offer everything you want in a satisfying baked snack: crunch, creaminess, and bold but balanced flavor. They fit easily into weeknight meals, gatherings, or meal prep plans and feel indulgent without being heavy. With flexible ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe is one you can return to again and again while keeping it fresh with small variations.