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This hearty Mexican-inspired dish combines the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers with crispy taquitos for a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon wrapped in a golden tortilla creates the ultimate comfort food with a kick.
I first made these taquitos for a game day gathering, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer on the table. Now they've become my go-to solution whenever I need to feed a hungry crowd or want to stock my freezer with delicious grab-and-go meals.
Ingredients
- Rotisserie chicken: shredded for convenience and rich flavor
- Cream cheese: creates the creamy base that holds everything together
- Cheddar and Monterrey jack cheeses: melt beautifully and add sharp flavor
- Bacon: adds smoky crunch and irresistible flavor
- Jalapeño peppers: provide the perfect amount of heat; adjust to your preference
- Green onions: add freshness and color to balance the rich ingredients
- Garlic: adds depth of flavor; always use fresh for the best taste
- Corn tortillas: traditional choice that gets extra crispy when cooked
- Oil: helps achieve that golden crispy exterior
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This preparation ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, both cheeses, chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling. The cream cheese should bind everything together nicely.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Microwave corn tortillas wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds or heat in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side. This crucial step makes them pliable and prevents cracking when rolling.
- Assemble the Taquitos:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in a line down the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly starting from one edge and continuing until you have a cigar-shaped taquito. Place seam-side down on your work surface to prevent unrolling.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- For oven baking, brush taquitos with oil and arrange on prepared baking sheet with space between each one. Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- For air frying, brush with oil and cook in batches at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until perfectly crispy. Avoid overcrowding the basket for best results.
- For stovetop cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry taquitos for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown all around. Keep warm in oven while cooking remaining batches.
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My family has a tradition of making these for our annual Super Bowl party, and everyone fights over the last taquito. My secret is adding an extra jalapeño with some seeds for those who love spice, and a milder version for those who prefer less heat.
Make Ahead Magic
These taquitos are perfect for meal prepping busy weeknights. You can assemble them completely, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to serve, simply brush with oil and bake as directed. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to prepare food in advance.
Creative Variations
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are endless ways to customize these taquitos. Try buffalo chicken with blue cheese, spinach artichoke with parmesan, or barbecue chicken with smoked gouda. You can also make them vegetarian by substituting the chicken with black beans, corn, and extra cheese. The basic technique remains the same regardless of filling variations.
Dipping Delights
These taquitos are wonderful on their own but reach new heights when paired with the right dips. Ranch dressing complements the jalapeño flavors beautifully, while guacamole adds creamy freshness. Salsa provides acidity to cut through the richness, and sour cream cools any spiciness. Set up a dipping station with small bowls of different options so everyone can customize their experience.
Serving Suggestions
Transform these taquitos from appetizer to full meal by serving them with Mexican rice and refried beans. For a lighter option, pair with a crisp side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. They also make excellent party food when cut in half and arranged on a platter surrounded by various dipping sauces and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They provide a slightly softer texture compared to corn tortillas.
- → Are these taquitos spicy?
They have a mild heat from the jalapenos. For less spice, use fewer jalapenos or remove the seeds entirely.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking.
- → What are the best dipping sauces for these taquitos?
Ranch dressing, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole work wonderfully as dipping sauces for these taquitos.
- → How do I make them extra crispy in the oven?
Brush the taquitos with a bit of oil and broil them for 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- → Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken will work perfectly for the filling.
- → How do I reheat taquitos while preserving their crispiness?
An air fryer or oven works best for reheating. Microwaving will warm them up, but they won't stay crispy.