air fryer cheesy chicken taquitos cut in half and placed on a plate — Makes: *1 Serving*
Per Serving: *20g Protein | 200 Cal*

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If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and high-protein meal, you’ve come to the right place! These cheesy chicken taquitos are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. With just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed dish in no time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

High Protein: Each tortilla is packed with protein from chicken, cottage cheese, and light shredded cheese, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.
Quick: This easy recipe takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weekdays!
Deliciously Crispy: The air fryer gives these taquitos a perfect crispy texture without the need for extra oil.
Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or use leftovers for a quick meal.

Ingredients

2 high-protein tortillas (you can use corn tortillas or flour tortillas in a pinch, but that will lower the protein content!)
2 oz shredded chicken breast (leftover chicken is great for this, or you can meal prep some chicken breasts to use in various recipes for the week!)
1/8 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1.5 oz light shredded cheese (1/4 cup + 1/8 cup) - you can use queso fresco, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, colby jack cheese, or whatever else you like

Instructions

Mix the Filling: Place chicken, cottage cheese, and shredded cheese in a medium bowl. Mix well until everything is well combined.
Prepare the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Lay tortillas on a clean, flat surface.
Add the Filling: Spoon half of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, spreading it out evenly.
Roll and Fold: Roll each tortilla tightly and fold the bottom to keep the filling from falling out.
Air Fry: Place seam side down in the air fryer basket to keep the creamy chicken filling inside the taquitos. Air fry in a single layer at 380°F for 7-8 minutes or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
Serve: Slice each taquito in half and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, chicken-filled taquitos! If you'd like, you can garnish your homemade chicken taquitos with some green onions, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

recipe graphic with a photo of the air fryer cheesy chicken taquitos with the recipe title

Tips for Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover taquitos, you’ll want to keep them crispy and delicious when reheating. Here are some tips:

Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method keeps them oh-so crispy and delicious.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This method will crisp up your taquitos as well, but they likely won’t get quite as crispy as with an air fryer.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the taquitos for 1-2 minutes. This method won’t create as much crispiness. Be sure to place a paper towel under the taquitos to absorb excess moisture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

What to Serve with These Taquitos

These crispy chicken and cheese taquitos are delicious on their own, but pairing them with some tasty sides will take your meal to the next level. Here are some great options:

Guacamole: The creamy, rich flavor of homemade guacamole pairs perfectly with the crispy taquitos.
Salsa: A zesty salsa verde, homemade salsa, or pico de gallo can add a burst of flavor and a bit of spice.
Black Beans: A healthy and hearty option that adds protein and fiber to your meal.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich taquitos.
Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice adds a sweet and tangy element.

How to Make These to Store in the Freezer

Want to have these delicious taquitos ready to go for future meals? They're a great freezer meal! Here’s how you can them ahead of time to stock your freezer:

Prepare the Taquitos: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where the taquitos are rolled and ready to be cooked.
Flash Freeze: Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching each other. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the taquitos are frozen solid.
Store: Transfer the frozen taquitos to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date and contents.
Cook from Frozen: When you’re ready to enjoy your taquitos, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the frozen taquitos in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also bake them in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.

Cheesy Chicken Taquitos

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FAQs

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of cheese you like. Just keep in mind that the nutritional content will change accordingly.
Yes, you can customize the creamy chicken filling with your favorite ingredients. Try adding some diced bell peppers, onions, green chiles, black beans, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can even add a little taco seasoning if you'd like.
No problem! You can bake these in the oven at 375°F on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
You can substitute the shredded chicken with mushrooms, black beans, tofu, or a meat substitute of your choice for a delicious vegetarian version.

Enjoy Your Meal!

These crispy chicken and cheese taquitos are a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a busy mom or professional meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a quick dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!