If you’re on the hunt for a fun, flavorful, and low-carb snack or meal, you’re absolutely going to adore this Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe. These crispy, cheesy rolls filled with tender shredded chicken and just the right kick of jalapeño are an instant favorite that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfectly crafted to satisfy cravings without kicking you out of ketosis.
- Crunchy & Cheesy Goodness: The golden baked cheddar forms a crispy shell that’s wildly addicting.
- Super Easy Prep: Just a handful of simple ingredients come together quickly to impress your taste buds.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the jalapeño or add spices to tailor the taquitos to your desired spice kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in bringing texture, flavor, and that unmistakable cheesy richness to your Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe. From creamy cheese to tender chicken, the balance is just right.
- Chicken Breast (1 cup cooked + shredded): The hearty protein base that’s juicy and perfect for rolling.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 ounces shredded): Offers superb meltability and forms the crisp shell around the filling.
- Jalapeño (1, deseeded + minced): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat without overwhelming the flavors.
- Cream Cheese (½ cup, softened): Creates a creamy texture that binds the filling beautifully.
- Chives (2 tablespoons): Infuses a fresh, mild onion flavor for a subtle complexity.
- Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe is how effortless it is to tweak. Whether you want to switch up the protein, adjust spice levels, or add new flavors, these variations make it easy to customize your culinary creation.
- Beef or Pork Filling: Substitute shredded chicken with cooked ground beef or pulled pork for a delicious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
- Cheese Choices: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese to bring creaminess or an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Infusions: Swap chives for cilantro, parsley, or green onions for different fresh herb notes.
How to Make Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates the perfect surface for the cheese to crisp without sticking, ensuring those taquitos come out beautifully golden.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, minced jalapeño, fresh chives, and kosher salt. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended and rich with flavor — this filling is the heart of your keto taquitos!
Step 3: Form the Cheese Squares
Grab your shredded cheddar cheese and spread roughly ¼ cup in neat squares spaced about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet(s). These will bake into a wonderfully crisp shell that wraps around your filling.
Step 4: Bake the Cheese Squares
Bake the cheese for 9 to 12 minutes until it’s beautifully browned around the edges. Watch closely—it’s that golden color that signals perfect crispness without burning.
Step 5: Assemble and Roll
Let the cheese cool for about 3 minutes—it needs to be cool enough to handle, but still flexible. Spoon the chicken filling onto one edge of each cheese square, then carefully roll into tight taquitos. These are best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Pro Tips for Making Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe
- Use Warm Cheese Squares: Roll the filling while cheese is warm and pliable to avoid cracks and breaks.
- Cook Chicken Ahead: Boil or roast chicken in advance to speed up the assembly process on busy days.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give cheese squares enough space to crisp up individually for perfect texture.
- Customize Safely: If adding extra spices or veggies, keep moisture low to retain cheese crispiness.
How to Serve Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring the dish to life—shredded lettuce adds crunch, while a dollop of cool sour cream and tangy salsa complement the spicy, cheesy filling perfectly. Sprinkling extra chives or cilantro on top is a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even a vibrant avocado salad. Keeping the sides light and fresh balances out the rich, crunchy taquitos for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these taquitos upright in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a fun finger-food presentation. You might also arrange them beautifully on a platter with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay crispy and delicious when reheated properly, making for easy snacks or meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet, and once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll have ready-to-bake keto snacks anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen taquitos in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy cheese exterior intact.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is ideal for its flavor and crisping ability, you can try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack if you want a bit more spice. Just make sure the cheese melts well enough to form a sturdy shell.
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How do I cook the chicken for this Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe?
Boiling chicken is a quick and easy method: simply simmer chicken breasts in water or broth until cooked through, about 15–20 minutes, then shred with forks. Roasting or using leftover rotisserie chicken also works great.
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Are these taquitos suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling and cheese squares in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat. Freezing unbaked taquitos makes them convenient for quick meals throughout the week.
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Can I make these taquitos spicier?
Yes! Leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also serve with spicy salsa or hot sauce to tailor the heat to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the crispy edges and gooey, savory filling of this Keto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe. Whether it’s a quick snack or part of a fun meal, these taquitos bring joy and flavor to the table with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love just like I did!
PrintKeto Chicken and Cheddar Taquitos Recipe
These Keto Taquitos are a low-carb, high-protein snack featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheese and jalapenos, wrapped in crispy baked cheddar cheese shells. Perfect for a ketogenic diet, they are baked until golden and served with optional lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 Taquitos
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Taquitos:
- 1 cup Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded (see notes for boiling chicken*)
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded or 12 square slices
- 1 Jalapeno, deseeded and minced
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons Chives
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
Optional Serving Recommendations:
- Shredded Lettuce
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast, softened cream cheese, minced deseeded jalapeno, chives, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended to create the flavorful filling.
- Create Cheese Squares: On the prepared baking sheet, place 12 flat squares of shredded cheddar cheese, approximately 1/4 cup of cheese per square. Leave about 1 inch of space between each square. You may need to use two baking sheets to fit all the cheese squares comfortably.
- Bake Cheese Shells: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes. The cheese is done when it starts browning around the edges, indicating it has crisped up and will form a sturdy shell.
- Cool Cheese Squares: Remove the baking sheets and let the cheese squares cool for about 3 minutes until they are cool enough to handle but still pliable for rolling.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon the prepared chicken filling along one edge of a cheese square and carefully roll it towards the opposite edge, creating a taquito.
- Serve: Serve the taquitos warm with optional toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream to enhance flavors and texture.
Notes
- For boiling chicken: place chicken breasts in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Shred once cooled.
- Make sure the cheese is not fully hardened before rolling to avoid cracking.
- These taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity for desired spice level.
