Frozen Snack Face-Off: How Many Calories in El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos?

Hey there, snack lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a stash of frozen goodies in your freezer for those late-night cravings or quick party fixes And lemme tell ya, one of my absolute faves is the El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos. But, hold up—how many calories are we talkin’ here? I got curious (and a lil’ worried about my waistline), so I dug into the deets. Spoiler it’s not as scary as you might think! Let’s break down the calories, nutrition, and why these crispy lil’ rolls are still worth every bite

The Big Calorie Reveal Right Up Front

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re wonderin’ how many calories are packed into each of these El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos, I’ve got the number for ya. One taquito clocks in at 115 calories Yup, just 115! That means if you scarf down two (which, let’s be real, is super easy), you’re lookin’ at 230 calories total. Not too shabby for a quick, satisfying snack, right?

Now, I know some of y’all are super into the nitty-gritty, so here’s a full nutritional breakdown for a serving of two taquitos (about 85 grams):

This table is your cheat sheet if you’re trackin’ macros or just wanna know what you’re puttin’ into your bod. Notice that the fat ain’t crazy high, and you’re gettin’ a decent hit of protein to keep ya goin’. But more on that later—let’s chat about what makes these taquitos a freezer must-have.

Why El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos Are My Go-To

I stumbled on these bad boys a while back when I needed somethin’ quick for a game night with buddies Popped ‘em in the microwave, and bam—crispy, cheesy, chicken-y goodness in minutes They’re made with real chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped up in a flour tortilla that gets nice and crunchy. It’s like a lil’ Mexican fiesta in every bite, and I ain’t even kiddin’ when I say they’re a crowd-pleaser.

But what really got me hooked is how dang versatile they are. Need a fast after-school snack for the kiddos? Done. Want a munchy-crunch for movie night? Perfect. Hostin’ a party and don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen? These taquitos got your back. Plus, at just 115 calories a pop, I don’t feel like I’m totally derailin’ my day if I sneak a couple.

Servin’ Sizes: How Many Should Ya Eat?

Now, let’s talk portions, ‘cause I know I ain’t the only one who’s accidentally eaten half a box in one sittin’. Officially, a serving is two taquitos, which weighs in at about 85 grams and, as we said, 230 calories. That’s a reasonable amount for a snack or a light meal if you pair it with some salsa or guac (more on dippin’ in a sec). But these often come in packs of 20 or even 44, so it’s real easy to keep goin’ if you ain’t payin’ attention.

Here’s my lil’ tip: If you’re watchin’ calories, stick to two or three at a time. That’s 230 to 345 calories, which fits nicely into most folks’ snack budget. If you’re splurgin’ for a party or a cheat day, hey, live a little—just don’t be shocked if you tally up closer to 500 or 600 calories after a few handfuls. Been there, done that, no regrets.

Cookin’ ‘Em Up: Fast and Crispy Every Time

One of the best things about these frozen taquitos? They’re stupid-easy to prep. Whether you got a microwave, oven, or air fryer, you’re golden. Here’s how I’ve done it, based on my trial and error (and a few burnt batches, oops):

• Microwave (Quick Fix): Pop 3 taquitos on a microwave-safe plate. Zap ‘em on high for about 1 minute and 15 seconds if they’re straight from the freezer. Let ‘em sit for a minute before divin’ in—trust me, they’re hot as heck inside.
• Oven (Classic Crunch): Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread out as many taquitos as you want on a baking sheet, about an inch apart. Bake ‘em for 12 minutes if frozen, then let ‘em cool for a minute. This way gets ‘em nice and crispy.
• Air Fryer (Game Changer): If you got an air fryer, set it to 380°F. Toss in about 6 taquitos in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Give ‘em a minute to rest, and you’ll get that extra-crispy texture that’s just chef’s kiss.

Word of caution: Make sure the insides hit at least 165°F for safety. Ovens and microwaves can be funky, so adjust the time if needed. And don’t be like me the first time—don’t bite in right away unless you wanna scorch your tongue!

Dippin’ and Pairin’: Take These Taquitos to the Next Level

Alright, let’s talk flavor boosts. These taquitos are tasty on their own, but they turn into straight-up party starters when you got the right dips. I’m a sucker for salsa—somethin’ chunky with a lil’ kick pairs perfect with the cheesy fillin’. Guacamole is another fave; the creamy avocado just vibes so well with the crunch. If you’re feelin’ basic (no shade), sour cream or even ranch dressing works like a charm.

Wanna get fancy? Whip up a quick dip with some sour cream, a dash of hot sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder. Takes two minutes and makes ya feel like a kitchen wizard. Or, if you’re feedin’ a crowd, set out a lil’ dip buffet—salsa, guac, queso, whatever you got. Watch ‘em disappear faster than you can say “fiesta.”

Oh, and if you’re turnin’ these into a meal, toss a side salad or some steamed veggies next to ‘em. It balances out the indulgence and tricks ya into feelin’ healthier. I ain’t sayin’ it’s a diet food, but it helps, ya know?

The Calorie Conundrum: Are They “Bad” for Ya?

Now, I ain’t no nutritionist, but I’ve been around the block enough to know folks get antsy about calories and “junk food.” So, let’s chat straight. At 115 calories per taquito, these ain’t exactly kale chips, but they ain’t a total diet-buster neither. Two of ‘em give ya 230 calories, which is less than a lotta fast-food snacks or even a big ol’ candy bar.

Here’s the real talk, tho. They got 12 grams of fat for two, with 2 grams bein’ saturated. That’s not terrible, but it adds up if you’re eatin’ a bunch. Sodium’s at 300 milligrams for two, which is about 13% of your daily limit if you’re stickin’ to 2,000 calories a day. So, if you’re watchin’ salt for blood pressure or whatever, keep an eye out.

On the flip side, you’re gettin’ 8 grams of protein in a pair, which ain’t half bad for keepin’ ya full. Carbs are at 24 grams (23 net after fiber), so if you’re low-carb or keto, these might not be your jam. But for most of us, it’s a decent balance for a quick bite.

My take? Enjoy ‘em in moderation. They’re a treat, not a daily staple. If you’re countin’ calories or tryin’ to slim down, pair ‘em with somethin’ light and don’t go overboard. If it’s a party or a rough day, heck, eat a few more and call it good. Life’s too short to stress over every lil’ snack.

Hacks for Keepin’ the Calories in Check

I’ve had my fair share of “oh crap, I ate too many” moments with these taquitos, so I’ve come up with a few tricks to keep things under control without losin’ the fun. Here’s what works for me:

• Portion It Out: Before cookin’, decide how many you’re gonna eat and stick to it. Put the rest of the box back in the freezer so you ain’t tempted. Outta sight, outta mind.
• Add Fillers: Throw some low-calorie extras on the plate. A big pile of shredded lettuce or a spoonful of salsa adds volume without pilin’ on calories. Makes ya feel like you’re eatin’ more.
• Split the Snack: If you’re hangin’ with friends or fam, share the love. Split a batch so you ain’t polishin’ off a whole tray solo. Plus, it’s more fun that way.
• Swap the Dip: Go for lighter dippin’ options like salsa over heavy queso or sour cream. Cuts down on sneaky calories without skimpin’ on taste.
• Burn It Off: If you overdo it, no biggie. Take a quick walk or do a lil’ dance party in your livin’ room. Fun fact: It takes about 32 minutes of walkin’ to burn off 115 calories for an average person. Crank some tunes and get movin’!

These lil’ hacks help me enjoy my taquitos without the guilt trip. ‘Cause let’s be real—nobody wants to feel like trash after a tasty snack.

Why These Taquitos Are a Party Staple

I gotta say, one of the best uses for these El Monterey taquitos is when you got people over. They’re like the unsung hero of party apps. You don’t gotta spend hours preppin’, and they come out lookin’ and tastin’ like you put in way more effort than you did. I’ve thrown ‘em on a tray with a couple dips for game days, movie nights, even random holiday get-togethers, and they’re always a hit.

Kids dig ‘em too, which is a lifesaver if you got picky eaters. My nephew won’t touch veggies, but he’ll devour these like they’re goin’ outta style. And since they’re quick to cook, I ain’t stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is havin’ fun. Just zap or bake a batch, and you’re the host with the most.

A Lil’ History on My Taquito Obsession

Lemme take ya back to how I got hooked. A couple years ago, I was scramblin’ for somethin’ to feed a last-minute crew at my place. Didn’t have time to cook, and pizza delivery was gonna take forever. Spotted these taquitos in the freezer aisle, figured “why not,” and grabbed a pack. Best decision ever. They were gone in like 10 minutes, and everyone was askin’ where I got ‘em. Since then, I’ve kept a box on hand for emergencies or just when I’m feelin’ lazy. They’ve saved my butt more times than I can count.

But then I started wonderin’ about the calories, ‘cause I’m not tryin’ to balloon up from snackin’. That’s when I checked the numbers and realized they ain’t as bad as I thought. Now, I just plan around ‘em—eat a couple when I want, balance it with lighter stuff other times. It’s all about that harmony, ya feel me?

Wrappin’ It Up: Why You Gotta Try ‘Em

If you ain’t tried El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Flour Taquitos yet, what’re ya waitin’ for? At 115 calories each, they’re a solid pick for a quick, tasty snack that don’t totally wreck your day. They’re packed with chicken and cheese, wrapped in a crispy tortilla, and perfect for everything from solo munchies to full-on parties. Cook ‘em up in a snap, throw on some salsa or guac, and you’re set.

I’m curious—how do y’all like to eat yours? Got a killer dip recipe or a weird combo that just works? Hit me up in the comments or shoot me a message. I’m always down to try new ways to spice up my taquito game. And hey, if you found this helpful, share it with your snack-lovin’ pals. Let’s keep the fiesta goin’!

Nutrition Facts

El Monterey taquitos are generally not considered healthy due to their high fat, sodium, and calorie content.

Nutrition Information