Zesty Chicken & Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Recipe

Crispy, golden taquitos packed with zesty pepper jack cheese will revolutionize your snack game in this mouthwatering chicken and pepper jack cheese taquitos recipe.

The combination of tender shredded chicken and melted spicy cheese creates an irresistible filling that sizzles with flavor.

Every bite delivers a perfect crunch that breaks into a creamy, savory center.

Rolling these taquitos is simple and fun, making them an ideal dish for casual gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

The recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Spice lovers will appreciate the kick from the pepper jack cheese that adds an extra layer of excitement to this classic appetizer.

Dive into these crispy, cheesy delights and experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Directions for Making Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos

• Flavor Fusion

Blend chicken with zesty seasonings and creamy ingredients in a slow cooker, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb rich flavors.

• Cheesy Transformation

Shred the cooked chicken and fold in spicy pepper jack cheese, creating a melty and delectable filling that promises exciting taste sensations.

• Tortilla Preparation

Gently warm soft tortillas to ensure they’re flexible and ready for rolling without cracking or breaking.

• Crispy Rolling

Carefully spread the savory chicken mixture onto each tortilla, rolling them into tight cylinders that will become golden and crunchy when fried.

• Golden Crunch

Carefully place rolled taquitos into sizzling oil, cooking until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior that promises satisfying crispness.

• Serving Style

Transfer the taquitos onto paper towels to remove excess oil, then plate them alongside your favorite complementary dipping sauce for a delightful meal experience.

Tips to Customize Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos

• Chicken Taquito Tricks: Expert Cooking Tips & Delicious Variations
• Cheese Melt Magic: Swap pepper jack with cheddar, monterey jack, or provolone for different flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own unique zesty punch to the chicken filling.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. Want extra kick? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce directly into the chicken mixture for personalized spiciness.
• Tortilla Transformation: Try corn tortillas for authentic crunch or whole wheat for a healthier twist. Small flour tortillas work perfectly for bite-sized mini taquitos that are great for parties and appetizers.
• Crispy Cooking Hacks: For a healthier alternative to frying, bake taquitos at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with olive oil to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without deep-frying.
• Dipping Sauce Delights: Pair with homemade ranch, fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Create a quick sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with chopped cilantro and lime juice for a tangy, creamy complement.

Serving Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos for Snacks or Meals

• Fiesta Dipping Delights: Drizzle homemade ranch, creamy guacamole, or zesty salsa over taquitos for a flavor explosion that will make taste buds dance.
• Colorful Side Companions: Pair with Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or cilantro-lime rice to create a complete meal that brings vibrant texture and complementary flavors to your plate.
• Cool and Creamy Contrast: Top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped green onions, or quick pickled jalapeños to add a refreshing and tangy element that cuts through the crispy, spicy taquitos.
• Party Presentation Trick: Arrange taquitos on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and add lime wedges for a stunning appetizer spread that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Store Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Properly

• Quick Batch Preparation: Whip up a double batch of taquitos and store half in the freezer for busy weeknights. Stack them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, ensuring quick and easy future meals.
• Refrigeration Strategy: After cooling completely, store taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each taquito individually in aluminum foil to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Reheating Technique: Revive refrigerated or frozen taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This method restores their original crunch and prevents sogginess, making leftovers taste just as delicious as freshly made.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Ingredient Lineup

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Lean protein that absorbs seasoning beautifully and provides the hearty core of the taquitos.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers vibrant southwestern spice blend that infuses the chicken with zesty, bold flavors.
• Jarred Salsa: Adds moisture, tang, and depth with smoky chipotle notes that elevate the chicken's taste profile.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, smooth texture that helps ingredients stick together and adds rich, tangy undertones.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Introduces spicy, melty excitement with its peppery kick and excellent stretchy melting properties.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican wrapper that provides authentic crunch and structural integrity for the taquitos.
• Cooking Oil: Essential for achieving golden, crispy exterior and perfect deep-frying technique.

Tools for Rolling Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos

• Slow cooker: Essential for tender, flavorful chicken mixture.
• Two forks: Perfect for shredding chicken evenly.
• Skillet: Crucial for frying taquitos to golden crispiness.
• Microwave: Quickly warms tortillas for easy rolling.
• Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Measuring tablespoon: Ensures consistent filling amount.
• Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing taquitos from hot oil.

Crispy Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken and pepper jack cheese taquitos promise a flavor explosion from Mexican-inspired cuisine. Rolled tortillas packed with spicy cheese and shredded chicken create a perfect appetizer or snack when you want something deliciously satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken tenders)
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese
• 1 package taco seasoning
• ½ cup jarred salsa (chipotle salsa)
• 24 6-inch corn tortillas
• ½ cup (120 ml) oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine chicken, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa in the slow cooker, creating a robust flavor base that will infuse the meat with zesty and creamy notes.
2. Slow Cooking: Simmer the chicken for three hours until incredibly tender, allowing the seasoning to penetrate deeply and transform the protein into easily shredded strands.
3. Shredding and Cheese Incorporation: Deconstruct the cooked chicken using two forks, then fold in pepper jack cheese until it melts seamlessly into the warm mixture, creating a spicy, creamy filling.
4. Tortilla Preparation: Warm tortillas in the microwave to achieve optimal flexibility, then evenly distribute the chicken-cheese mixture across each one, rolling tightly to form compact cylindrical shapes.
5. Frying Technique: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing rolled taquitos seam-side down to seal and prevent unraveling during the cooking process.
6. Crisping and Finishing: Fry taquitos until they develop a uniform golden-brown exterior, rotating to ensure even cooking and maximum crunchiness. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serving: Plate the crispy taquitos with complementary dipping sauces or side dishes, presenting a complete and appetizing meal ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Tip: Mix seasonings thoroughly to ensure every chicken fiber absorbs maximum flavor before slow cooking.
• Slow Cooking Secret: Low and slow cooking guarantees ultra-tender meat that effortlessly shreds with minimal fork pressure.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add pepper jack cheese when chicken is hot to create a smooth, seamless coating without clumping.
• Crispy Taquito Hack: Always place taquitos seam-side down when frying to prevent unraveling and maintain structural integrity during cooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg