Trader Joe’s Recipe – Chicken Verde & Bean & Cheese Taquito “Nachos”
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When you need a quick, fun, and totally crowd-pleasing snack or meal, these Trader Joe’s taquito nachos are the way to go. Crispy bean and cheese taquitos are layered with pre-cooked chicken verde, melty cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. These give nacho vibes, but they’re so much better! These Trader Joe’s taquitos are easy (little to no cooking involved) and perfect for game day food, a casual dinner, or even a quick party appetizer when friends come over.
It’s the kind of Trader Joe’s recipe I love because it feels clever and fun, but it takes less than 20 minutes to throw together. I made these as a game day appetizer alongside some BBQ Chicken Nachos, and honestly, they disappeared faster than the actual nachos. They’re crispy, cheesy, and way more filling than regular nachos.
The best part? You can use all Trader Joe’s products, which makes this recipe so quick and easy. I garnished with lime and cilantro, but that’s optional (and more for the “Instagram shot” if I’m being honest).
Trader Joe’s Taquito “Nachos” Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Trader Joe’s appetizer recipe:
- Trader Joe’s Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos – Crispy, vegetarian-friendly, and a fun (and oh so clever on my part) alternative to chips.
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Verde – Adds protein and flavor to make this dish hearty and satisfying. This is pre-cooked, so all you’re doing is heating it up.
- Trader Joe’s Mexican Cheese Blend – For that cheesy nacho vibe.
- Sour cream – This is optional, but it adds tang and creaminess to balance the heat. I mix a little sour cream with lime juice to make a creamy lime crema to drizzle on top.
- Salsa – My homemade salsa recipe works perfectly, but Trader Joe’s chunky salsa in a jar is a great shortcut.
- Guacamole – Either make it yourself or grab Trader Joe’s pre-made guac. Even sliced avocado works if that’s what you have.
- Lime wedges + cilantro – Totally optional, but adds freshness, brightness, and color.
Ingredient Swaps + Add-Ons:
- Use any flavor of taquitos from Trader Joe’s! Beef or chicken work too.
- Get a little crazy and swap the shredded cheese for Trader Joe’s queso dip if you want extra creaminess.
- Add more toppings like pickled jalapeños, pickled onions, shredded lettuce, or hot sauce for more flavor and spice
- Swap the sour cream for plain greek yogurt for a little extra protein.
- Add beans! Black beans would be awesome.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Taquito Nachos
This is one of those recipes that tastes good, looks good, but takes almost NO effort. Here’s how I make it:
Step 1 – Bake the taquitos. Heat the oven according to the instructions on the package and bake the taquitos until golden and crispy.
Step 2 – Layer and melt. Line a sheet pan with parchment. Place taquitos in a single layer or stacked, and start layering the toppings. Add the chicken (you may need to drain a little liquid off the chicken so the taquitos don’t get soggy), cheese, and, if you choose to add beans, add them here. Pop the pan in the oven with the broiler on, and cook until the cheese is nice and melty and the chicken browns slightly.
Step 3 – Make the lime crema. Mix the sour cream with the juice of half of a lime. Stir and add more lime juice until it becomes thin enough to drizzle.
Step 4 – Add toppings. Transfer to a serving platter (or keep on the sheet pan for easy cleanup). Spoon salsa, lime crema, and guacamole on top, and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro if you’ve got it.
Step 5 – Serve immediately. These are best eaten hot and fresh out of the oven while they’re crispy.
Why You’ll Love These Trader Joe’s Taquito Nachos
- A clever twist on nachos that looks cool and is totally crowd-pleasing.
- Made with all Trader Joe’s shortcuts, which means it is insanely quick and easy.
- Perfect for game day appetizers or football party food.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and Trader Joe’s staples.
Taquito Serving Suggestions
- Make it a party platter with chips, bean dip, queso, and salsa on the side.
- Serve as a fun dinner with a side salad or grilled veggies.
- Margarita night, anyone? These are perfect for any fiesta or taco night.
- Cut the taquitos in half before stacking if you’re serving a larger crowd.
- Create breakfast-style taquitos! Make the perfect Mexican breakfast by swapping the chicken for eggs!
- Keep it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra beans or tofu on top instead.
Storage + Make Ahead Tips For Trader Joe’s Taquitos
- These taquito nachos are best fresh, but you can prep the toppings ahead (homemade salsa, guacamole, lime crema).
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until crisp.
- If making for a crowd, bake taquitos in batches, then assemble right before serving.
Trader Joe’s Bean & Cheese Taquito “Nachos” with Chicken Salsa Verde
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Black Bean & Cheese Taquitos
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde
- 1 cup Trader Joe’s Mexican Cheese Blend
- ½ cup sour cream
- Juice of one lime
- 1 container or jar of Trader Joe’s Salsa
- 1 container of Trader Joe’s guacamole
- Lime wedges and chopped cilantro *optional for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the taquitos. Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the taquito package (usually 400°F). Take the taquitos out of the package and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup). Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for the amount of time listed on the package, flipping them halfway through so both sides get crispy. They’re done when they look golden brown and the edges feel crunchy.
- Prepare the chicken verde. Since it’s already cooked, all you need to do is heat it. Empty the chicken into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30–45 second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.
- Make the lime crema. In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain greek yogurt. Squeeze in the juice of one lime. Stir with a spoon until it’s smooth and thin enough to drizzle with a spoon. Set aside.
- Layer the nachos. Once the taquitos are crispy, take them out of the oven. Start layering the ingredients. Place the taquitos close together in a single layer, almost like you’re building the “chips” for nachos. Sprinkle the warmed chicken evenly on top of the taquitos. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese and all over the chicken.
- Melt the cheese. Turn your oven to the BROIL setting. Put the sheet pan with the taquitos, chicken, and cheese into the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- Add toppings. Take the “nachos” out of the oven. Spoon salsa and guacamole over the top or serve it on the side to dip them in. Drizzle the lime crema across everything. If you’re using cilantro, sprinkle a little on for color. Add lime wedges on the side for anyone who wants extra zing.
- Serve and enjoy. Bring the whole tray straight to the table (careful, the pan will be hot). Serve right away while the taquitos are still crispy and the cheese is melted.
Notes
Trader Joe’s Taquito “Nachos” FAQ’s
Yes! Cook taquitos at 400°F in the air fryer until crispy, then add cheese and melt.
Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classics, but you can also add pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, diced jalapeños, or queso fresco. My easy pickled onions recipe would be a great topping!
Bake them right before serving, or keep warm in the oven at 200°F. Avoid adding wet toppings too early — add salsa and guac at the very end.
Absolutely! Any taquito or flauta, like chicken, beef, or pork, will work!
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