Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup diced green chiles (canned or roasted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Keto “Tortilla” Options
Choose one option depending on what you have.
Option 1: Cheese Wraps (Most Popular)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
This creates crispy, flexible wraps once cooled slightly.
Option 2: Low-Carb Store-Bought Tortillas
- 6 to 8 keto tortillas (check net carbs)
These are easier but vary in quality.
For Crisping
- Cooking spray or melted butter
Optional Toppings and Dips
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa verde
- Pickled jalapeños
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Nonstick skillet or baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Oven or air fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Place shredded chicken in a large bowl.
- Add cream cheese while it is soft.
- Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add green chiles.
- Add olive oil or butter.
- Add all seasonings.
Mix thoroughly until:
- Cream cheese is fully incorporated
- Chicken is evenly coated
- Filling looks creamy but not wet
Taste and adjust salt or spice.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Wraps (If Using)
- Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle cheese into small circles, about 12 to 15 cm wide.
- Keep them thin and even.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until:
- Cheese is melted
- Edges are lightly golden
- Center is still flexible
Remove from oven and wait 30 to 45 seconds.
They should be:
- Warm
- Flexible
- Not brittle
Step 3: Fill and Roll
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling across one side of each wrap.
- Roll tightly into a log shape.
- Place seam-side down.
Work while wraps are warm.
If they cool and stiffen, reheat briefly.
Step 4: Crisp the Taquitos
Oven Method
- Raise oven temperature to 220°C / 425°F.
- Lightly spray or brush taquitos with oil or butter.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.
- Place taquitos seam-side down.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
They are done when:
- Exterior is deeply golden
- Cheese is crisp
- Taquitos hold their shape
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Let taquitos rest for 2 minutes.
This helps:
- Filling set
- Exterior stay crisp
- Prevent burning from hot cheese
Flavor Adjustments
For More Heat
- Add diced jalapeños to filling
- Increase chili powder
- Use hot green chiles
For Extra Creaminess
- Add more cream cheese
- Add sour cream to filling
For Smoky Flavor
- Add smoked paprika
- Use fire-roasted green chiles
