Quick Description
Cheesy, crispy, and packed with protein, these taquitos use melted cheese instead of tortillas to wrap up savory chicken filling. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and perfect for dipping into ranch, salsa, or hot sauce.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: 8 taquitos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/Monterey Jack)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, makes filling creamier)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make Cheese “Tortillas”
- Place small piles of shredded cheese (about ¼ cup each) on the parchment.
- Spread each pile into a thin circle (like a tortilla shape).
- Bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, with edges starting to crisp.
Step 3: Add Filling
- While cheese circles are still warm and pliable, spoon shredded chicken mixture onto the center.
Step 4: Roll Up
- Carefully roll each cheese circle over the chicken into a taquito shape.
- Place seam-side down on the tray so they set as they cool.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, ranch, or buffalo sauce.
Additional Notes
- Work quickly when rolling cheese “tortillas” since they harden as they cool.
- Mix chicken with cream cheese for a creamier filling.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Dietary Info (per taquito, approx.):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 1 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Labels: High-protein, keto, gluten-free, low-carb
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Try ground beef, shredded pork, or turkey.
- Cheese Wrap: Use pre-made cheese wraps (like Folios) if short on time.
- Spices: Taco seasoning instead of individual spices.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce before rolling.
- BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Mix chicken with sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Breakfast Taquitos: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven/air fryer for crispiness.
- Freeze before baking; reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
Q: Can I air fry these instead of baking?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 5–6 minutes until golden.
Q: My cheese tortillas crack when rolling—what can I do?
A: Roll them while they’re still warm and flexible. If needed, return to oven briefly to soften.
Q: Are these spicy?
A: Not unless you use pepper jack or add chili powder.
Optional Personal Story
The first time I tried these taquitos was during a keto challenge—I missed the crunch of real tacos, but these cheese wraps changed everything. They taste indulgent but keep you on track with your protein goals. Even my carb-loving family devoured them with salsa!
Call-to-Action
Skip the tortillas and let cheese do the wrapping! These Keto Cheese Taquitos are high-protein, low-carb, and so satisfying—you’ll want to make double.
