Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos
Try this Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3-4 chicken breasts frozen or thawed
- 1/3 up jarred whole or sliced jalapeã±os roughly chopped (or more, to taste)
- 16 taco-sized tortillas (i prefer flour but corn tortillas also
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (colby jack monterey jack, mexican blend, mozzarella - use your favorite!)
- optional toppings: fresh cilantro additional jalapeã±os, dipping sauces such as ranch, salsa, green goddess dressing, or click here for my cafe rio tomatillo ranch dressing recipe (this is the green dressing you see in the pictures)
- Carbohydrate 2.94355284700667 g
- Cholesterol 62.36895082 mg
- Fat 19.4780755022133 g
- Fiber 0.101279163996379 g
- Protein 3.52842968966 g
- Saturated Fat 10.9435177012373 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (58g)
- Sodium 182.634271635333 mg
- Sugar 2.84227368301029 g
- Trans Fat 2.78375068297533 g
- Calories 197 calories
Step-by-step
- Add chicken, ½ cup water, cream cheese, jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and cumin to crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours. (lesser times are for thawed chicken, greater times for frozen chicken)
- minutes before serving, preheat the oven to 425 and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Use two forks to shred chicken and stir it in with the other contents of the crockpot.
- Heat tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up, this will make them easier to work with.
- Sprinkle cheese in the middle of each tortilla (just divide the cheese evenly between all of the tortillas).
- Top cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of shredded chicken mixture.
- Roll tortillas tightly into a log-shape taquito.
- Place taquitos on baking sheet and spray heavily with cooking spray.
- Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is melty and tortillas begin to brown. (For crispier taquitos, switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes - watch carefully so they don't burn!)
- Serve warm with dipping sauces and toppings if desired.
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquitos: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this slow cooker jalapeño popper chicken taquito recipe. It's the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, ticking all the boxes for a weeknight meal that doesn't sacrifice taste for speed. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to simmer in a creamy, cheesy, and spicy jalapeño sauce, while I focus on other tasks like managing emails, helping with homework, or simply taking a much-needed moment of peace. This recipe is a lifesaver, honestly, and my family absolutely gobbles it up every time. The crispy taquitos, bursting with flavorful chicken and melted cheese, are irresistible, making this a true crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese – Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend all work wonderfully. I like to add a little extra kick by increasing the amount of jalapeños, but you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. The toppings are equally customizable. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while a creamy ranch dressing or a fiery salsa provides the perfect dipping accompaniment. Leftovers are equally fantastic, making this a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights. Simply reheat the taquitos in the oven or microwave and enjoy a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner the next day. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with other slow-cooker fillings. The basic principles can be used to create a variety of slow cooker fillings that can be transformed into delicious taquitos.
Beyond the taste and convenience, this recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. Chicken breasts are a relatively inexpensive protein source, and the other ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. This means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win situation! I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Once you taste the creamy, cheesy, spicy perfection, I guarantee it will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. It's a fantastic dish for family dinners, game nights, or even a casual get-together with friends. The best part? The cleanup is minimal thanks to the slow cooker, freeing up more of your precious time.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy taquitos, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- If you're short on time, use pre-shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
- Feel free to add other spices to the chicken mixture, such as paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, to customize the flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of tortillas – corn tortillas offer a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy chipotle mayo.
This Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Chicken Taquito recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious cooking in the midst of a busy life. Give it a try and experience the joy of a flavorful, satisfying, and convenient dinner without the stress!
