Chicken and Pepper Jack Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chicken and Pepper Jack Taquitos are packed with bold flavors and crispy, golden perfection. The tender chicken, seasoned with taco seasoning and combined with creamy cream cheese and spicy pepper jack cheese, creates a filling that’s both creamy and flavorful. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these taquitos are easy to prepare but will impress everyone who tries them. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or dinner, and serve up beautifully with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping!

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken tenders)

• 1 package taco seasoning

• ½ cup jarred salsa (chipotle salsa preferred)

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

• 24 (6-inch) corn tortillas (thin tortillas preferred)

• ½ cup oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Chicken: In a slow cooker, add the chicken, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.

2. Shred Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks. Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese and let the cheese melt (about 5-10 minutes).

3. Prepare Tortillas: Warm a few tortillas at a time in the microwave for about 20 seconds to prevent them from splitting.

4. Fill & Roll: Spread 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam side down in the hot oil.

5. Fry Taquitos: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the taquitos until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. Serve: Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 taquitos

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Taquitos: Add some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian taquito.

• Cheese Swap: Use a different cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend if you prefer a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat taquitos in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked chicken instead of using the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken. Just mix it with the cream cheese, salsa, and taco seasoning, and then proceed with adding the pepper jack cheese.

2. Can I make these taquitos in the oven instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the taquitos. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

3. Can I freeze these taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze the taquitos before frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to make the taquitos, just warm the filling and proceed with the rolling and frying steps.

5. What dipping sauces go well with these taquitos?

These taquitos are delicious with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or even a creamy cilantro-lime sauce for dipping.

6. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas tend to give the taquitos a more authentic flavor and crispness when fried.

7. How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking while rolling?

Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or heat them on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to soften them, which will help prevent cracking.

8. Can I make smaller taquitos?

Yes, you can use smaller tortillas (like 4-inch ones) to make mini taquitos. Just reduce the amount of filling per taquito and adjust the cooking time as needed.

9. Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook taquitos in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the taquitos in a single layer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

10. How do I make these more flavorful?

Feel free to add extra spices to the filling, such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika, to enhance the flavor. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking or frying for an extra cheesy layer.

Conclusion

These Chicken and Pepper Jack Taquitos are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a crispy shell. Whether you make them as a fun appetizer, a party snack, or a satisfying meal, they are sure to please everyone. With easy ingredients and simple steps, these taquitos are a great addition to your recipe repertoire, and they’re always a crowd favorite when served with your favorite dipping sauces!

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