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Crispy Chicken and Pepper Jack Cheese Taquitos Recipe

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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