Chicken and Pepper Jack Taquitos Recipe
These Chicken and Pepper Jack Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired appetizer or meal. Tender shredded chicken is slow-cooked with taco seasoning, chipotle salsa, and cream cheese, then combined with melted pepper jack cheese, rolled into crispy corn tortillas, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a flavorful dinner served with your favorite dips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking and Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken tenders)
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup jarred chipotle salsa
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Taquitos
- 24 (6 inch) thin corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and chipotle salsa. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred and mix: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Add the shredded pepper jack cheese to the chicken mixture, then replace the lid and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully.
- Warm tortillas: Warm a few corn tortillas at a time in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolled.
- Fill and roll: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture evenly onto each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam side down in a shallow layer of oil ready for frying.
- Fry until golden: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the 1/2 cup oil. Fry the rolled taquitos until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides, turning as needed. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the taquitos warm alongside sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping, or your favorite Mexican-style sides.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling prevents them from cracking during frying.
- You can substitute chipotle salsa with any other salsa of your choice for different flavor variations.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- The taquitos can be baked instead of fried by placing them on a baking sheet and cooking at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, for a healthier option.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough to crisp the taquitos quickly without absorbing too much oil.
- Leftover taquitos reheat well in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/chicken-and-pepper-jack-taquitos-recipe/
