Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos
Creamy jalapeño and chicken filling wrapped in flour tortillas, topped with corn chips and cheese, then baked until golden. These handheld taquitos combine the heat of pickled jalapeños with melted cream cheese and shredded Mexican blend cheese for a savory, crunchy appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter, Land O Lakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped fresh
- 1 cup chicken, finely chopped cooked
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely choppedfresh jalapeños1:1heat vegetarian
fresh adds more bite and removes brined flavor
- 4 ounces Mexican blend shredded cheese, Land O Lakes Farmstyle Cut
- ½ cup corn chips, crushedpanko breadcrumbs1:1textureadds gluten
adds crunch without corn flavor
- 16 6-inch flour tortillas
- ¼ cup butter, Land O Lakes melted
- salsa(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until sizzling.
- 2
Add garlic and cook until slightly softened.
- 3
Add chicken, milk, cream cheese, and jalapeños to the skillet, stirring until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and crushed corn chips.
- 5
Heat oven to 400°F.
- 6
Spread chicken mixture over each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on an ungreased baking sheet.
- 7
Brush each taquito with melted butter.
- 8
Bake until golden brown, turning halfway through, then serve with salsa for dipping.
Tips
Turn taquitos halfway through baking to ensure even browning on both sides.
Soften cream cheese before mixing for smoother incorporation into the chicken mixture.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Prepare chicken mixture and assemble taquitos up to 4 hours ahead; brush with butter and bake when ready.
Serve hot with salsa for dipping.
Common Mistakes
Do not overbake past golden brown to avoid dry, brittle tortillas.
Do not skip turning halfway through baking to avoid uneven browning.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
fresh adds more bite and removes brined flavor