Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos with Creamy Avocado Sauce

you’re hosting a casual get-together, and you want to impress your guests with something irresistibly crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Enter Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos with Creamy Avocado Sauce—the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make.

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This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks because it involves simple steps, minimal ingredients, and a straightforward cooking process. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and savory chicken wrapped in a crispy tortilla makes for an unbeatable snack or meal. Plus, with a delicious avocado sauce to balance the heat, these taquitos are both flavorful and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a fun dish to serve at a party or an easy meal to enjoy at home, these taquitos check all the boxes. They are quick to prepare, customizable, and can even be made ahead of time for busy days. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos:

• 6 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, seeded, and diced
• 1 pound ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken
• 8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, softened
• 12 ounces (3 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
• 30 corn tortillas
• Oil, for frying

For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:

• 1 large avocado
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• Kosher salt, to taste

To Garnish:

• Sliced jalapeño pepper
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Protein Options: If you prefer beef, substitute the chicken with lean ground beef or shredded cooked beef.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for variety.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or swap them for mild green chilies. If you love heat, keep some jalapeño seeds in the mix.
• Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas provide an authentic texture, but you can use flour tortillas for a softer bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Jalapeños

• If using ground chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then cook the chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully cooked.
• If using shredded cooked chicken, simply warm it in a skillet with a bit of oil to enhance its flavor.
• Add the diced jalapeños and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
• Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• Once the chicken and jalapeños have cooled slightly, mix in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm the tortillas for a few seconds on each side until pliable. This helps prevent them from cracking when rolled.
• Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in a line down the center of each tortilla.
• Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place a small dab of the mixture on the inside edge to help it stay rolled.

Step 4: Fry the Taquitos

• In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 inch of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully place 2-3 taquitos seam-side down into the oil, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Fry, turning as necessary, until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• Repeat until all taquitos are fried.

Baking Alternative: If you prefer a healthier option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

• In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or milk to reach the desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Arrange the taquitos on a serving plate.
• Drizzle the creamy avocado sauce over the top or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
• Garnish with sliced jalapeño, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to Prevent Tortillas from Cracking

Corn tortillas can be fragile, especially when rolling. To prevent them from cracking:

• Warm them in a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.
• Keep them covered with a towel while assembling to retain moisture.

How to Tell When Taquitos Are Done

• The taquitos should be golden brown and crispy on all sides.
• If frying, ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of tortilla into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• If baking, check for an even golden-brown color.

What to Do If the Taquitos Open While Frying

• Make sure the seam is placed down in the oil first.
• Use a small dab of filling to “glue” the tortilla closed.
• If necessary, secure with a toothpick (just remember to remove it before serving).

Efficient Meal Prep Tips

• Make Ahead: The taquitos can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Freezing Instructions: Arrange uncooked taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Best Sides and Pairings

• Mexican Rice: A simple, flavorful rice dish pairs perfectly with the crispy taquitos.
• Black Beans or Refried Beans: Adds heartiness and protein.
• Fresh Pico de Gallo: A refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Extra dipping options for variety.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the tortillas soggy.

Conclusion

These Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos with Creamy Avocado Sauce are a game-changer for anyone looking to master a simple yet incredibly delicious dish. Their crispy texture, rich cheesy filling, and zesty avocado sauce make them an instant favorite, whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Beginner cooks will love this recipe because it’s easy to follow, quick to prepare, and adaptable to different ingredients and cooking methods. Whether frying or baking, these taquitos deliver restaurant-quality results without the complexity.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out. Share your experience, any creative twists you made, or your favorite pairings in the comments. Happy cooking!