Hey there, taquito lovers! I’ve been on a frozen Mexican food kick lately, and El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos have become my go-to snack. But as someone who’s trying to keep track of what I eat, I wanted to dig deep into the calorie content and nutritional facts of these crispy little treats. So, I did some research and thought I’d share everything I’ve learned about these popular frozen taquitos!
Quick Calorie Breakdown
Let’s get straight to the point – each El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquito (1.5 oz) contains:
- 115 calories per taquito
- 6g of fat (9% DV)
- 12g of carbs (4% DV)
- 4g of protein
- 0.5g of fiber (2% DV)
Pretty straightforward, right? But there’s a lot more to these crispy rolled treats than just numbers!
Detailed Nutritional Information
I want to give you the full picture of what you’re getting when you bite into one of these taquitos. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 115 (481 kJ) | – |
| Total Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 150mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugars | 0.5g | – |
| Protein | 4g | – |
| Calcium | 20mg | – |
| Iron | 1mg | – |
| Vitamin A | 100mg | – |
| Vitamin C | <1mg | – |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet
Calorie Burn Time
Ever wonder how long it would take to burn off those taquito calories? Based on a 35-year-old female who’s 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs, here’s how long it would take to work off one taquito (115 calories):
- ♀️ Swimming: 10 minutes
- ♀️ Jogging: 13 minutes
- ♀️ Cycling: 18 minutes
- ♀️ Walking: 32 minutes
Not too bad! I could eat a couple taquitos and then take my dog for a nice walk to balance things out.
What Makes These Taquitos Special?
El Monterey doesn’t just make any ordinary frozen taquitos. These Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos have some standout qualities
- Made with real chicken and Monterey Jack cheese
- Seasoned with authentic Mexican spices
- Wrapped in crispy fresh-baked flour tortillas
- Contains 7g of protein per serving
- Available in convenient 20-pack and 44-pack options
How to Cook El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
One of the best things about these taquitos is how versatile they are when it comes to cooking methods. Depending on how much time you’ve got and the texture you’re going for, you have several options:
Air Fryer (My Personal Favorite!)
- Set to 380°F
- Place 6 taquitos in air fryer basket
- Cook for 6 minutes if frozen
- Let stand for 1 minute before eating
- Result: SUPER crispy exterior with melty inside!
Microwave Oven (Quickest Option)
- Place 3 taquitos on a microwave-safe plate
- Cook on HIGH for 1 minute 15 seconds if frozen
- Let stand for 1 minute before eating
- Result: Ready in just over 2 minutes total!
Traditional Oven (Best for Large Batches)
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Spread taquitos evenly 1″ apart on baking sheet
- Bake for 12 minutes if frozen
- Let stand for 1 minute before eating
- Result: Evenly crispy and perfect for serving a crowd!
Remember, for food safety and quality, the internal temperature should reach 165°F And be careful – these babies come out HOT!
Serving Suggestions & Dipping Ideas
These taquitos are incredibly versatile! They’re perfect for:
- After-school snacks
- Game day appetizers
- Movie night munchies
- Holiday party finger foods
- Quick lunches
But honestly, the dipping sauces are where you can really take these taquitos to the next level! Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Classic salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
- Creamy guacamole
- Cool sour cream
- Ranch dressing (don’t knock it till you try it!)
- Queso dip for extra cheesiness
Creative Recipe Ideas Using El Monterey Taquitos
Why stop at just serving them plain? El Monterey suggests some creative ways to use these taquitos in more elaborate dishes
El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Enchilada Bake
Transform your taquitos into a hearty enchilada bake! Just arrange them in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly. Total prep time is about 5 minutes with a total cooking time of 35 minutes.
El Monterey Fully Loaded Taquito Nachos
This is one of my favorites for game day! Arrange taquitos on a platter and top with nacho fixings like cheese, jalapeños, black beans, and sour cream. Prep time is just 5 minutes with a total time of about 25 minutes.
Comparing to Other Snacks
To put the 115 calories per taquito in perspective, here’s how they compare to some other popular snacks:
- A medium apple with skin: about 95 calories
- A medium banana: approximately 105 calories
- Original Glazed Krispy Kreme Doughnut: around 190 calories
- Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate (5 pieces): about 112 calories
So if you’re watching your calorie intake, having 1-2 taquitos as a snack is comparable to many other common treats!
Why El Monterey Taquitos Are Great for Busy Families
We’re all busy these days, and finding quick, satisfying foods that the whole family enjoys can be a challenge. These taquitos have become a staple in my freezer because:
- They cook up in minutes
- Kids absolutely love them
- They’re versatile for different meals and occasions
- At 115 calories each, they can fit into most eating plans
- They provide 7g of protein per serving, making them more satisfying than many snacks
- They’re made with real, recognizable ingredients
El Monterey Brand Overview
It’s worth mentioning that El Monterey is America’s #1 frozen Mexican food brand according to Circana POS Data (ending December 2023). They don’t just make taquitos – they offer a whole range of Mexican-inspired frozen foods including:
- Classic Burritos & Chimichangas
- Signature Burritos & Chimichangas
- Breakfast items
- Signature Entrées
So if you enjoy these taquitos, you might want to check out their other products too!
How to Incorporate Taquitos into a Balanced Diet
Just because these are convenience foods doesn’t mean they can’t be part of a balanced diet! Here are some ways I incorporate El Monterey taquitos into healthier meals:
- Serve 2-3 taquitos with a large side salad for a balanced lunch
- Add a side of black beans and corn for extra fiber and nutrients
- Include some fresh pico de gallo or other veggie-based toppings
- Balance the meal with fresh fruit for dessert
- Watch portion sizes – it’s easy to eat more than planned!
Where to Buy El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos
These popular taquitos are widely available at most major grocery stores and supermarkets in the frozen food section. They come in different pack sizes (20-count and 44-count), so you can choose based on your household size or how frequently you enjoy them.
Final Thoughts
At 115 calories per taquito, El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos can definitely be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. They’re a convenient, tasty option for busy days, and their versatility makes them perfect for everything from quick snacks to creative meals.
I personally love keeping a bag in my freezer for those days when cooking feels overwhelming or when unexpected guests drop by. With multiple cooking methods and endless serving possibilities, they’re one of those rare convenience foods that doesn’t feel like a major compromise.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy El Monterey taquitos? Do you have a special dipping sauce or serving method? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
FAQs About El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos
Q: How many calories are in one El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquito?
A: Each taquito contains 115 calories.
Q: Are El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos high in protein?
A: They contain 4g of protein per taquito, with 7g of protein per serving.
Q: How long do I microwave El Monterey taquitos?
A: For 3 frozen taquitos, microwave on HIGH for 1 minute and 15 seconds, then let stand for 1 minute before eating.
Q: What’s the best way to cook El Monterey taquitos for the crispiest texture?
A: The air fryer method (380°F for 6 minutes) or traditional oven (400°F for 12 minutes) will give you the crispiest results.
Q: Are El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos low in carbs?
A: Each taquito contains 12g of carbs, which is 4% of the daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Q: How much sodium is in El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos?
A: Each taquito contains 150mg of sodium, which is 6% of the daily value.
Remember, moderation is key with any food – even the most delicious taquitos! Enjoy them as part of a varied diet, and they can be a convenient, tasty addition to your meal rotation.
Is it GERD Friendly?
No. This product is not gerd friendly as it lists 3 ingredients that is not GERD friendly and 7 ingredients that could be GERD friendly depending on the source.
Is it Sesame Free?
Yes! We believe this product is sesame free as there are no sesame ingredients listed on the label.