Keto chicken cheese taquitos have become my absolute go-to for a quick, satisfying bite that doesn’t derail my low-carb lifestyle. I remember the first time I tried making them; I was skeptical if cheese alone could hold up as a “shell,” but oh boy, was I wrong! The aroma of melted cheese, combined with the savory chicken filling, is pure comfort. These crispy, cheesy wonders are so addictive. If you’re craving that satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness without the carbs, you’ll adore these low carb chicken cheese taquitos. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
These taquitos are a game-changer for healthy eating:
- Incredibly satisfying crunch without the carbs.
- Packed with cheesy, savory flavor that hits the spot.
- Super quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- These are truly easy keto chicken taquitos.
- Versatile enough for a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
- A fantastic way to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors on a low-carb diet.
- These easy keto chicken taquitos are a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
- They provide a good source of protein to keep you full.
Ingredients for Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
Here’s what you’ll need for these fantastic keto chicken taquito ingredients. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple components that come together beautifully. I always make sure my chicken is already cooked and shredded, which saves so much time. Using softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth filling, and the shredded mozzarella is what makes those crispy shells. These keto chicken cheese roll-ups are surprisingly easy to assemble!
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken works great!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild, your preference.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened – essential for a creamy filling.
- 1/4 cup sour cream – adds a lovely tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – for a savory kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season as you like.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for shells) – this is the magic ingredient for crispy shells.
How to Make Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
These keto chicken taquito cooking instructions are designed to be super simple, even for beginners. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together!
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a nice 375°F (190°C). This ensures your taquitos get that perfect crisp.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened, and 1/4 cup sour cream. Add the 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and forms a delicious filling.
- Step 3: Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing sticking.
- Step 4: Now for the shells! Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese onto the parchment paper in small, round piles. Make sure to leave a little space between each pile so they can melt evenly. These are your base for the keto chicken cheese taquitos.
- Step 5: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the mozzarella to be melted and just starting to turn lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let those melted cheese circles cool for just a minute or two. They need to be pliable enough to shape but not so hot they’re impossible to handle.
- Step 7: Time to shape! Working quickly, take a spoonful of the chicken filling and place it onto one half of a melted cheese circle. Then, carefully fold the other half over to create a taquito shape. Alternatively, you can drape the cheese circle over the handle of a wooden spoon to get that classic taquito curve. These keto chicken taquito cooking instructions make it easy!
- Step 8: Place your formed keto chicken taquitos back onto the baking sheet. If you can, try to place them seam-side down for extra stability.
- Step 9: Bake them again for another 5-8 minutes. This second bake is where they really get that gorgeous golden-brown color and satisfying crunch.
- Step 10: Once they’re perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. Serve your amazing keto chicken cheese taquitos right away with your favorite low-carb dip. Enjoy the crunch!
Pro Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
I’ve learned a few tricks to make these keto chicken cheese taquitos absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips for the crispiest, most flavorful results!
- Ensure your mozzarella is spread thinly and evenly for the shells. This helps them bake up crisp rather than chewy.
- Don’t overfill the cheese shells with the chicken mixture. Too much filling can make them difficult to fold and prone to breaking.
- Let the cheese shells cool for at least 1-2 minutes before shaping. Trying to shape them too hot will result in a messy, melted blob!
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can wrap your filling in low-carb tortillas and then bake or air fry them. For more on low-carb baking, check out our homepage.
What’s the secret to perfect Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos?
The absolute secret to the best keto chicken cheese taquitos is achieving that perfect crispy cheese shell. This comes from baking the mozzarella in thin, even layers and not over-baking, which can make them brittle. It’s all about that golden, melty crunch!
Can I make Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, I strongly recommend forming and baking the taquitos just before serving for the best crispy texture. The cheese shells can get soggy if pre-made. For more information on food storage, you can refer to our privacy policy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos?
A common pitfall is trying to shape the cheese shells while they’re too hot, which leads to a mess. Another mistake is over-mixing the filling, which can make the chicken mixture mushy. Also, be sure to use good quality shredded cheese for the best melt and crisp. You can learn more about our about me page for more tips.
Best Ways to Serve Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
These amazing keto chicken cheese taquitos are so versatile! They’re perfect as a standalone snack, but I love serving them with a side of creamy guacamole or a fresh pico de gallo for a burst of freshness. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a simple side salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette. And of course, no taquito experience is complete without a delicious dip! A classic keto chicken cheese taquito dip like sour cream mixed with a little salsa verde or a spicy ranch really elevates the flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings!
Nutrition Facts for Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
When you’re looking for healthy chicken cheese taquitos keto options, these taquitos offer a satisfyingly low-carb profile. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone sticking to a ketogenic diet without sacrificing flavor or that irresistible crunch. Each serving is designed to be a guilt-free indulgence. For more details on nutritional information, please see our terms of use.
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
Once your delicious keto chicken cheese taquitos have cooled completely, storing them properly is key to maintaining their texture. I like to place them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper if stacking, to prevent them from sticking together. You can keep these chicken cheese taquitos low carb in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully! Wrap each taquito tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is simple. For the crispiest results, I recommend popping them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving is an option, but they won’t be as crunchy. If you have questions about our storage recommendations, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos
What are keto chicken cheese taquitos?
Keto chicken cheese taquitos are a low-carb take on the classic Mexican dish. Instead of corn or flour tortillas, the “shell” is made from baked, melted cheese, typically mozzarella or cheddar, which forms a crispy, golden casing. Inside, you’ll find a savory filling of shredded chicken mixed with cheese and seasonings. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy taquito flavor without the carbs!
How to make keto chicken cheese taquitos without them falling apart?
The key to making keto chicken cheese taquitos that hold their shape is in the cheese shell. Ensure you bake the mozzarella into a pliable, slightly golden disc, and then work quickly while it’s still warm enough to mold but not so hot it melts everywhere. Don’t overfill the shells; a moderate amount of filling helps prevent them from breaking. Letting the cheese shells cool for a minute or two before shaping is also crucial. For more on food safety, you can check out our GDPR information.
Can I use different cheeses for the taquito shells?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is fantastic for its meltability and crisping power, you can experiment with other shredded cheeses for your shells. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. Just be aware that the flavor and texture might vary slightly. For the best keto chicken cheese taquitos, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar often gives a great balance of crispiness and flavor.
What dipping sauces are good for keto chicken cheese taquitos?
There are so many delicious low-carb options! A classic sour cream or crema is always a winner. Guacamole, salsa (check for added sugar), or a spicy avocado crema are also fantastic choices. For something a bit richer, a keto-friendly queso dip or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing pairs wonderfully with these taquitos.
Variations of Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic keto chicken cheese taquitos, you’ll love experimenting with different flavors and methods. For those who enjoy a little heat, creating spicy keto chicken cheese taquitos is as simple as adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken filling. You can also swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. If you’re looking for a different cooking method, while these are primarily baked keto chicken cheese taquitos, you can achieve a similar crispness in an air fryer. Just place your filled cheese shells in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, checking for crispness. Another fun variation is to use low-carb tortillas as the base, filling them with the chicken mixture and then pan-frying or baking them for a more traditional, yet still low-carb, taquito experience.
PrintKeto Chicken Cheese Taquitos: 2 Amazing Tips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Enjoy these delicious Keto Chicken Cheese Taquitos, a perfect low-carb snack or meal that satisfies crunchy and cheesy cravings. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and results in addictive, crispy cheese-wrapped taquitos.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for shells)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This is your keto chicken cheese taquito filling.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the mozzarella cheese in small, round piles on the prepared baking sheet, about 2-3 tablespoons per pile, leaving space between them. These will form your keto chicken cheese taquito shells.
- Bake the mozzarella piles for 5-7 minutes, or until melted and lightly golden around the edges.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cheese shells cool for 1-2 minutes until they are pliable but not brittle.
- Working quickly, shape each melted cheese circle into a taquito form by draping it over a spoon or rolling it slightly. Alternatively, you can place a spoonful of the chicken filling onto one half of the cheese circle and fold the other half over.
- Place the formed keto chicken taquitos back onto the baking sheet, seam-side down if possible.
- Bake for another 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese shells are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve your keto chicken cheese taquitos immediately with your favorite low-carb dip.
Notes
- For spicier keto chicken cheese taquitos, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- You can substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Experiment with different low-carb tortillas for a softer taquito variation.
- Baking the mozzarella cheese shells is key to achieving the crispy texture for your keto chicken cheese taquitos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg