Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup white or yellow onion, diced; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed; 10 hard stand and stuff taco shells; 1 cup refried beans; 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and bold Mexican flavors, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken simmered in fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles, combined with luscious cream cheese and melted Mexican cheese, all nestled inside crispy taco shells. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, these tacos bring comfort and excitement together in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with a mix of shredded white chicken, diced red tomatoes, light green pieces of cooked green chiles, and translucent cooked onions. The mixture looks soft and slightly chunky, with a rustic texture. A wooden spoon is scooping the mixture from the pan, showing the layers of the ingredients combined. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver amazing flavor and texture. Each element serves a purpose — from the creamy softness of the cream cheese to the gentle heat from the taco seasoning and green chiles, to the satisfying crunch of the taco shells.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps soften the onions perfectly.
White or yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and a bit of bite that complements the savory chicken.
Shredded cooked chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base for these tacos.
Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that brings warmth and depth to the filling.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained: Adds smoky, tangy flavor that brightens the mix.
Diced green chiles, drained: Introduces a mild heat and vibrant color to the dish.
Cream cheese, cubed: Melts into creamy richness to unify the flavors.
Hard stand and stuff taco shells: Provide the perfect crunchy vessel for the filling.
Refried beans: Adds creaminess and substance to the base of each taco.
Mexican blend shredded cheese: Melts on top for irresistible gooeyness and color.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F — this ensures it’s nice and hot by the time your tacos are ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to keep those crispy taco shells from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This soft base releases sweet, mellow flavors that elevate the chicken filling.

Step 3: Build the Chicken Mixture

Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the skillet along with taco seasoning, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly — this step intensifies every single taste.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the cubed cream cheese until it completely melts into the filling. This creates a luscious, creamy texture that takes the mixture from simple to spectacular. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper to taste!

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Arrange your taco shells standing tall in the prepared baking dish. Spread about a tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each shell — this creamy layer acts as a delicious base and helps hold the filling in place.

Step 6: Fill and Top

Next, generously fill each shell with the creamy chicken mixture, almost to the top. Then, pile on the Mexican cheese blend, making sure each taco is beautifully topped with cheesy goodness that will melt and bubble in the oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. The shell will turn irresistibly crispy while the cheese melts into a golden, gooey topping, creating a perfect harmony of textures.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe

The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with ten yellow corn taco shells standing upright and arranged in two rows. Each taco shell is filled with a chunky, creamy mixture that includes shredded, light-colored meat, finely chopped red and green vegetables, and a smooth orange sauce binding the ingredients together. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the taco filling looks soft and moist, tightly packed inside each shell without any toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a personal touch by layering on your favorite garnishes. Bright cilantro, tangy lime wedges, cool sour cream, and fresh diced avocado or tomatoes create refreshing contrasts that balance the richness of the baked filling.

Side Dishes

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Mexican sides like Mexican street corn, zesty salsa and chips, or a crisp cabbage slaw for an added crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these tacos with colorful plates and bowls of assorted toppings, encouraging everyone to build their own masterpieces. Or, slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve as party appetizers for a festive gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty—if not better!

Freezing

Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe anytime you want an easy, flavorful meal.

Reheating

Reheat frozen tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, to preserve that beloved crunchy shell texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can poach or grill chicken breasts beforehand and shred them for this recipe. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it into the filling, as baking time focuses more on melting cheese than cooking raw meat.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m looking for a lighter option?

You could try using a reduced-fat cream cheese or even a dollop of Greek yogurt stirred into the filling after cooking for a tangy, lighter creaminess, though it won’t be quite as rich and thick.

Are hard taco shells the only option for this recipe?

While the recipe shines with crunchy taco shells, you can use soft tortillas if you prefer. Just skip the baking step or bake until just warmed to keep them pliable and avoid toughness.

Can I add extra veggies to the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or black beans when simmering the chicken mixture for added nutrition and texture without overpowering the creamy filling.

How spicy is this recipe typically?

It generally has a mild to moderate heat mainly from the taco seasoning and green chiles. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and chiles, tailoring it to your family’s preference.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tacos Recipe is a game-changer for taco night. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and irresistibly creamy with just the right crispy crunch. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these tacos will have everyone asking for seconds — and maybe even thirds!