Cheese Wrapped Chicken Taquitos

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Makes: 12 taquitos

A Note from the Chef

Forget the tortilla! In this ingenious, low-carb twist on a classic, crispy, golden sheets of melted cheese form the perfect vessel for a flavorful, creamy chicken filling. These Cheese-Wrapped Chicken Taquitos are a stunning appetizer, a fun dinner, or the ultimate game-day snack. They’re gluten-free, keto-friendly, and utterly irresistible, proving that sometimes, the best wrap is made entirely of cheese.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded (about 2 breasts)

• 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup (113g) shredded pepper jack cheese

• 1/3 cup sour cream

• 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Wraps:

• 3 cups (340g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

• Optional for Serving:

  • Pico de gallo or salsa

  • Guacamole or sliced avocado

  • More sour cream

  • Lime wedges

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

• Two large baking sheets

• Spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, sour cream, diced green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix vigorously until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy and cohesive. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Cheese “Tortillas”

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. For each taquito, you will make one cheese disc. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella into a thin, even circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Leave at least 2 inches between each circle on the baking sheet, as they will spread slightly. You should fit 4-6 circles per sheet.

3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown.

4. Crucial Step: Remove from the oven and let the cheese discs cool on the sheet for exactly 60-90 seconds. They need to be pliable but not liquid or brittle.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. While the cheese is still warm and flexible, place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the chicken filling in a line just below the center of each cheese disc.

2. Using a spatula or your fingers (carefully, it will be warm), gently lift one edge of the cheese and roll it tightly over the filling, continuing to roll until you have a snug cylinder. The cheese will seal itself.

3. Place the seam-side down on the baking sheet. If the cheese hardens before you can roll, pop the baking sheet back in the oven for 30 seconds to soften it again.

Step 4: Final Bake & Serve

1. Once all taquitos are assembled on the baking sheet, return them to the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese wrap is deeply golden brown and crisp.

2. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes—this allows the cheese shell to fully crisp up.

3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like pico de gallo, guacamole, and extra sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is highly recommended!

Chef’s Tips & Notes

• Cheese is Key: Use pre-shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for best results. It melts consistently and firms up nicely. Full-fat mozzarella can work but may be greasier. Avoid fresh mozzarella.

• Work Quickly: The cheese “tortillas” have a short working window. Roll them as soon as they are cool enough to handle.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the crispiest result.

• Variations: Swap the chicken for seasoned ground beef or turkey. Add black beans or corn to the filling (note: this affects carbs). For extra heat, mix in some minced jalapeño.

Nutrition Information (Per Taquito, without dips)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

The Last Bite

These Cheese-Wrapped Chicken Taquitos are more than a recipe—they’re a celebration of texture and clever cooking. The magic lies in the transformation of simple shredded cheese into a crisp, flavorful shell that shatters with each bite, giving way to the rich, creamy, and slightly spicy filling inside. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but follows a surprisingly simple process. Perfect for when you want to serve something genuinely exciting that caters to various dietary preferences without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Once you try them, you may never go back to a flour tortilla again.

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.