Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Taquitos

Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite with these Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Taquitos! Bursting with the savory flavors of shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and crispy bacon, these taquitos are elevated by a kick of jalapeno and the freshness of green onions and garlic.

Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re ideal for game day snacks, parties, or a fun weeknight treat. Serve them with ranch, sour cream, salsa, or your favorite hot sauce for a deliciously satisfying experience!

Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Taquitos

Ingredients:

Filling

2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded, or cooked chicken

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, or Monterrey jack, or mozzarella

1/2 cup Monterrey jack cheese, shredded, or cheddar cheese, or mozzarella

8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

4 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and finely diced

2 green onions, finely sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced or shredded

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Taquitos

16 corn tortillas, or flour tortillas

2 tbsp oil, or cooking spray

Accompaniments

Ranch, for dipping

Sour Cream

Salsa

Avocado

Hot Sauce

Instructions:

Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Or, preheat air fryer to 350°F.

In a large bowl combine all of the filling ingredients.

To assemble the taquitos add about 2-3 tbsp of the jalapeno popper chicken mix to the center of each tortilla in a line down the center. Tightly roll the taquitos as tight as possible and set them aside, seam side down so they do not unroll.

Cooking Methods

OVEN BAKED

Brush the taquitos with oil or spray with cooking spray.

Place them seam side down on the prepared sheet pan.

Leave about ½” space between the taquitos so they do not touch while they cook.

Bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

For extra crispy taquitos turn the oven onto BROIL low for 2-3 minutes, watch them so they do not burn.

AIR FRYER

Brush the taquitos with oil on all sides or spray with cooking spray.

Working in batches depending on the size of your air fryer add 4 – 6 taquitos seam side down at a time.

Air fry for about 6 – 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

PAN FRIED

In a large skillet or frying pan add 2 tbsp of oil.

Heat on medium heat.

Working in batches, place the taquitos seam side down into the pan.

Pan fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer to a sheet pan with a wire rack and place in the oven to keep warm.

Serve

Serve the taquitos with salsa, cilantro, diced avocado, ranch dressing or sour cream and enjoy!

Notes:

Reheating

Air Fryer – Preheat Air Fryer to 400˚F. Add to the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Oven – Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave – microwave for 30 seconds. Note this method will not make them crispy again.

Storage

Refrigerate in air tight container in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead

You can assemble them and place them in the baking dish. Keep covered in the fridge. Before cooking, brush or spray tops with oil.

You can also make them ahead and freeze, follow freezing instructions below.

Freezing

These can be frozen before or after baking. Freeze in a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Follow reheating instructions.

Nutritions:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as grilled or roasted chicken.

Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but feel free to get creative!

Are these taquitos spicy?

The spiciness depends on the jalapenos you use. If you prefer milder taquitos, you can remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos or use fewer peppers.

Alternatively, you can substitute them with mild peppers.

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and fill the taquitos in advance.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

You can also freeze them before baking for later use.

What can I use instead of bacon?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or substitute it with cooked turkey bacon or plant-based bacon.

You can also add more cheese or vegetables for extra flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again.

You can also reheat them in an air fryer for extra crunch!

How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking when rolling?

To prevent the tortillas from breaking, warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.

What’s the best way to cook the taquitos?

For the crispiest taquitos, bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

You can also fry them in oil for a golden, crunchy texture.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead.

Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make the taquitos, simply assemble and bake them.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

For a dairy-free alternative, consider using vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based cheese spread.

How do I know when the taquitos are done cooking?

The taquitos are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

You can also check that the filling is heated through.

If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).