There’s something magical about the crunch of a perfectly fried taquito.
Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos are not just a snack; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re winding down after a long day or gearing up for game night, these taquitos are a quick solution that brings joy to the table.
Filled with creamy goodness and a spicy kick, they’re sure to impress your loved ones.
Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.
Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos
These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos are a game-changer for busy weeknights.
They come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dinner or a last-minute party snack.
The combination of creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Plus, they’re versatile enough to please everyone, from picky eaters to spice lovers.
You’ll find yourself making these again and again!
Ingredients for Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos
Creating these Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos is a breeze, especially with the right ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked shredded chicken: This is the heart of your taquitos. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own for a fresh taste.
Cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the spice of the jalapeños. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This brings a sharp, cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Diced jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, they provide that signature kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Garlic powder: A must-have for depth of flavor. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and savory note, rounding out the flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. They elevate the flavors of the other ingredients.
Flour tortillas: Choose small ones for easy rolling. They hold everything together and provide a soft, chewy base.
Cooking oil: For frying, you’ll need enough to submerge the taquitos. Canola or vegetable oil works well.
Sour cream and salsa: Optional, but they make fantastic dipping sauces that add creaminess and zest.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a delicious taquito experience!
How to Make Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos
Making Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos is a fun and straightforward process.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plateful of deliciousness in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
The filling should be creamy and packed with flavor, ready to be wrapped in those tortillas.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling easier, warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
This softens them, making them pliable and less likely to crack when you roll them up.
Trust me, this little step makes a big difference!
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Now comes the fun part!
Take a warm tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center.
Roll it tightly, folding in the sides as you go to create a neat taquito.
Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
You’ll have a beautiful lineup of taquitos ready for frying!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of cooking oil over medium heat.
You want the oil to be hot enough for frying, but not smoking.
A good test is to drop a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
Step 5: Fry the Taquitos
Carefully add the taquitos to the hot oil, seam side down, in batches.
Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crunch without burning!
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once they’re crispy, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve them warm with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.
Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the burst of flavors in every bite!
Tips for Success
Don’t overfill the tortillas; 2-3 tablespoons of filling is just right.
Keep the oil at a steady temperature to ensure even frying.
For a healthier option, brush the taquitos with oil and bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
Let the taquitos cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining your filling. A sturdy bowl works best.
Skillet: A deep skillet is ideal for frying. A Dutch oven can also be used.
Spatula: Use a slotted spatula to flip and remove taquitos from the oil.
Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil after frying.
Microwave: Handy for warming tortillas quickly. A stovetop can work too.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra heat boost.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables for a meatless version.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in pepper jack cheese or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor and texture.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh cilantro or chives to the filling for a burst of freshness.
Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free alternative that’s just as delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Dips: Serve with creamy guacamole or zesty salsa for an extra flavor boost.
Fresh Sides: A side of crunchy coleslaw or a light salad complements the richness of the taquitos.
Drink Pairings: Enjoy with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita to elevate your meal.
Presentation: Arrange taquitos on a colorful platter, garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch.
FAQs about Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos
Can I make Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance. Just store them in the fridge and fry them when you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for parties or busy weeknights!
What can I use instead of chicken in the taquitos?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, black beans or sautéed vegetables work wonderfully. You can also use shredded beef or pork for a different twist on the classic taquito.
How do I store leftover taquitos?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier option, brush the taquitos with oil and bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. They’ll still be deliciously crispy!
What dips pair well with Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos?
Sour cream and salsa are classic choices, but guacamole or a spicy ranch dip can elevate your taquito experience even further. Get creative with your dips!
Final Thoughts
Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos are more than just a dish; they’re a delightful experience that brings people together.
The satisfying crunch, combined with the creamy, spicy filling, creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re enjoying them during a casual weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, these taquitos are sure to impress.
They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this culinary adventure.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again!
Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crunchy snack filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 small flour tortillas
Cooking oil for frying
Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly, folding in the sides as you go to create a taquito.
Heat about 1 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the taquitos, seam side down, in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Notes
For extra crunch, you can bake the taquitos at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying. Brush them with a little oil before baking.
For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or include some diced serrano peppers in the filling.
