Quick & Zesty Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Recipe

Crispy chicken and pepper jack cheese taquitos promise a flavor explosion that’ll elevate your snack game.

These rolled tortilla delights combine savory shredded meat with melty, spicy cheese for an irresistible handheld treat.

Crunchy exterior meets tender, zesty filling in a perfect culinary marriage that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.

Restaurant-quality appetizers emerge straight from your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Ideal for game day, family gatherings, or spontaneous munchies, these taquitos deliver bold southwestern-inspired taste in every single bite.

Compact yet supremely satisfying, they offer a quick solution when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

Bold ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing dish that guarantees smiles around the table.

Why Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Are Spicy, Crispy Goodness

• Savor Slow-Cooker Simplicity: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering feast with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy maximum flavor with minimal prep time.
• Spice Up Your Dinner: Pepper jack cheese adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish, creating a perfect balance of creamy and spicy that'll make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Crispy Comfort Meets Quick Cooking: These taquitos offer a delightful crunch that's both satisfying and quick to prepare, making them an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Roll, Fry, and Enjoy: The simple method of rolling and frying makes this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, turning dinner preparation into a fun and rewarding experience that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients for Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that forms the core of the taquito filling, best when fresh and without excess fat.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds robust Mexican-inspired flavor and spice blend to enhance the chicken's taste.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, smooth texture and helps bind the filling together, room temperature works best.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings spicy kick and melty goodness, shredded for easy mixing and even distribution.
• Chipotle Salsa: Adds smoky heat and moisture to the chicken mixture, enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican base that creates crispy exterior when fried, fresh tortillas work best.
• Cooking Oil: Allows taquitos to achieve golden, crunchy texture through deep frying.

How to Roll and Bake Cheesy Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare Savory Chicken Base

• Chicken
• Taco seasoning
• Cream cheese
• Salsa

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Chicken Blend

Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Stir in pepper jack cheese until fully incorporated. The cheese will melt smoothly, creating a creamy and spicy filling.

Step 3: Warm Tortilla Wrappers

Soften corn or flour tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This prevents cracking and makes rolling easier.

Step 4: Craft Perfect Taquito Rolls

Place a generous spoonful of chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly from one edge to another, ensuring a compact shape.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place rolled taquitos seam-side down into hot oil.

Step 6: Brown and Crisp

Fry taquitos for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Rotate carefully to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried taquitos to a plate lined with paper towels. Allow excess oil to drain, keeping the exterior crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the taquitos immediately while hot. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Tips for Crisp Shells and Melty Cheese

• Lock in Moisture: Slow cook the chicken to ensure it remains incredibly tender and absorbs maximum flavor from the seasonings and salsa.
• Choose the Right Tortillas: Select fresh, soft corn or flour tortillas that are slightly warm to prevent cracking during rolling and frying.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat while frying to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning the taquitos.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place taquitos seam-side down when frying to seal the edges and prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Shred the pepper jack cheese directly into the warm chicken mixture to help it melt smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the filling.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Taquitos

• Refrigeration: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Reheating: Crisp taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain their signature crunch. Alternatively, air fry for 5-6 minutes until heated through and crispy.

What Dips and Sides Work with Chicken Taquitos

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Complement the spicy pepper jack cheese and tangy salsa with a classic margarita. The lime's brightness cuts through the richness of the fried taquitos, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Serve with Cool Cilantro Lime Crema: Whip up a quick dipping sauce using sour cream, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. This creamy, refreshing condiment will cool down the spicy kick of the taquitos.
• Match with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Create a side dish of grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The sweet and tangy flavors will enhance the savory chicken taquitos and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Enjoy with Mexican Beer: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial. The light, crisp beer will cleanse the palate between bites of the crispy, spicy taquitos, making each bite feel fresh and exciting.

Taquito Variations for More Flavor and Fun

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace pepper jack with habanero cheese and add diced green chiles for an extra kick of heat.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Version: Mix in barbecue sauce instead of salsa and use smoked cheddar cheese for a rich, tangy flavor profile.
• Herb Crunch Edition: Incorporate fresh cilantro and green onions into the chicken mixture, then roll taquitos in crushed tortilla chips before frying for added texture.
• Green Chile Chicken Style: Swap regular salsa with green chile salsa and sprinkle roasted green chiles throughout the chicken filling for a New Mexico-inspired variation.

Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken and pepper jack cheese taquitos bring Mexican street flavors straight to home kitchens. Crispy tortillas wrapped around zesty shredded chicken and melted cheese create an irresistible appetizer you cannot stop eating.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main proteins:

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken tenders)
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese

seasoning and sauce:

• 1 package taco seasoning
• ½ cup jarred salsa (chipotle salsa)

base and cooking ingredients:

• 24 6-inch corn tortillas
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) oil

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Instructions

1. Load the slow cooker with chicken, blending taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa for an aromatic fusion of flavors.
2. Allow the chicken to simmer and become incredibly tender over three hours, absorbing the zesty seasoning and creamy elements.
3. Carefully deconstruct the cooked chicken using two forks, creating delicate, shredded strands.
4. Incorporate pepper jack cheese into the warm chicken mixture, letting it melt and create a rich, spicy coating.
5. Gently warm tortillas in the microwave until they become soft and flexible, preventing potential cracking during rolling.
6. Distribute the chicken and cheese mixture evenly across each tortilla, ensuring a consistent filling.
7. Carefully roll the tortillas tightly, forming compact cylindrical shapes with sealed edges.
8. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, preparing for a crispy golden exterior.
9. Strategically place rolled taquitos into the hot oil, seam side down, to seal and prevent unraveling.
10. Fry each taquito until achieving a uniform golden-brown crispness, rotating to ensure even cooking.
11. Transfer the crispy taquitos onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintain a perfect crunch.
12. Plate the taquitos alongside preferred dipping sauces or complementary side dishes for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Slow cooking transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed, tender filling that melts in your mouth.
• Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, creating a creamy, zesty blend that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick-warming tortillas prevent cracking, ensuring smooth rolling and picture-perfect taquitos every single time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg