If you’re looking for a deliciously spicy twist on a classic comfort food, let me introduce you to my jalapeno popper chicken taquitos! These little wonders are crispy on the outside and bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling that’s just the right kick of heat. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like biting into one of these golden taquitos and discovering the flavorful mix of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and jalapeños. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! I love to whip these up for game day or just because I need a little something indulgent to snack on during the week. Plus, they’re so easy to make—perfect for even the busiest of nights! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get ready to dive into this delightful recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to make the most mouthwatering jalapeno popper chicken taquitos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for a quick option!)
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened, so it mixes easily)
- 1/2 cup jalapeños, chopped (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more cheese, the better!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra flavor kick)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (it adds a nice depth)
- 1 package small flour tortillas (about 8-10, depending on how generous you are with filling)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of your pan)
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go so the cooking process flows smoothly!
How to Prepare *Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos*
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these jalapeno popper chicken taquitos is a breeze, and I promise you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want that creamy, cheesy goodness to coat every bit of chicken!
- Now, take your small flour tortillas and lay them out on a clean surface. Depending on the size of your tortillas, you’ll want to put about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture towards one edge of each tortilla. Don’t overfill, or you’ll have a messy situation on your hands!
- Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, starting from the filled edge. If you find they’re not staying closed, feel free to secure them with a toothpick—just remember to remove it before serving!
- In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium heat. You can test if it’s hot enough by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; if it bubbles and sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully place a few taquitos in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly!
- Once they’re done, use tongs to remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve these beauties hot with your favorite salsa or sour cream for dipping!
And there you have it! Your homemade jalapeno popper chicken taquitos are ready to enjoy. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to whip up—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
- Flavor-packed with the delightful combination of jalapeños and cheese.
- Customizable for your spice level—add more or less jalapeños as you like!
- Great for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in.
- Gluten-free if you use gluten-free tortillas!
- Leftovers (if there are any) are just as delicious the next day.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your jalapeno popper chicken taquitos turn out perfectly every time:
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese: It’s key for that creamy texture that balances the heat from the jalapeños.
- Check your oil temperature: If it’s too hot, the taquitos will burn; too cold, and they’ll be soggy. Aim for a nice gentle sizzle!
- Keep them warm: If frying in batches, keep the cooked taquitos warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying these jalapeno popper chicken taquitos, it’s nice to know what you’re munching on! Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 2 taquitos):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in!
FAQ Section
I often get a few questions about my jalapeno popper chicken taquitos, so let’s clear up some common queries!
Can I bake these taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just spray them lightly with oil to help them crisp up!
How spicy are these taquitos?
It really depends on how many jalapeños you use! If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just a few and taste the filling before rolling them up.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! While cheddar is fantastic, you can mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
What can I serve with these taquitos?
They’re delicious on their own, but I love serving them with salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream for dipping!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a crispy finish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your jalapeno popper chicken taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to keep that crunchy texture intact.
When it’s time to enjoy them again, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to reheat. This will help them regain their crispiness. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them for about 30-45 seconds, but they won’t be as crispy. Enjoy your tasty taquitos again!
Print
Delicious Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy taquitos filled with spicy jalapeno popper chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup jalapenos, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 package small flour tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each tortilla.
- Tightly roll up the tortillas and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the taquitos until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeno amount for desired spice level.
- Serve with salsa or sour cream.
- Can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: jalapeno popper chicken taquitos, taquitos, jalapeno poppers, chicken taquitos