The El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos are a top-tier freezer aisle find at Costco, delivering fantastic flavor and unbeatable convenience—but only if you use an air fryer to get them perfectly crispy. They pack a savory punch of charbroiled chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, making them a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in minutes.
How Much Do The El Monterey Taquitos Cost at Costco?
The El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos cost $13.99 at Costco. The box contains 30 taquitos, which makes the price just $0.47 per taquito.
The Costco item number for this product is 18668.
What’s Inside The Box?
Inside the box, you’ll find 30 frozen flour tortilla taquitos filled with charbroiled chicken breast and cheese. The packaging is straightforward, with the taquitos ready to be cooked directly from frozen. They are made by El Monterey, a brand that, according to the box, has been family-owned since 1964 and prides itself on authentic “Mexican-style” recipes.
How Do You Cook Costco’s Chicken and Cheese Taquitos?
The best way to cook Costco’s Chicken and Cheese Taquitos is in an air fryer. While the oven works well, microwaving can leave the tortillas soft and chewy. For a truly crispy, restaurant-quality texture without adding extra oil, the air fryer is the undisputed champion.
Official Cooking Instructions (Oven)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the frozen taquitos on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them stand for 1 minute before serving.
Pro-Tip: The Best Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool for a minute before enjoying.
How Do They Actually Taste? A Detailed Flavor Review
Overall, the El Monterey Taquitos have a fantastic savory flavor with an incredibly crispy texture when air-fried. The charbroiled chicken isn’t just a generic filling; it has a noticeable shredded texture and a genuine smoky flavor. This pairs perfectly with the creamy, fully melted Monterey Jack cheese, which provides a rich counterpoint without being overly greasy. The flour tortilla bakes up to a perfect crunch, making for a very satisfying bite.
Are The Costco El Monterey Taquitos Healthy?
Let’s be clear: these aren’t a health food, but they can fit into a balanced diet as a fun, indulgent snack. For context, their nutrition profile is very similar to other frozen appetizers. The 10 grams of protein per serving is a nice bonus, making them more filling than simple carb-based snacks like chips.
El Monterey Taquitos Ingredients & Nutrition Facts
According to the nutrition panel, a serving size of two taquitos contains 250 calories, 13g of total fat, 340mg of sodium, and 10g of protein.
The main ingredients include wheat flour, charbroiled chicken breast, water, Monterey Jack cheese, and vegetable oil. For a full list of ingredients and potential allergens like wheat, milk, and soy, please refer to the packaging.
What Tastes Good With Chicken Taquitos? (Serving Ideas)
Chicken taquitos are versatile and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Here are a few ideas for what tastes good with them:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve them with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or queso dip.
- Side Dishes: Pair them with Spanish rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
- Toppings: Top them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
The Final Verdict: Are Costco’s El Monterey Taquitos Worth Buying?
Yes, the El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos from Costco are definitely worth buying for their taste, convenience, and value. They deliver a satisfying, flavorful experience that’s perfect for quick dinners, after-school snacks, or game-day appetizers. While not a health food, their value and ease of preparation make them a freezer staple.
| Metric | Rating (out of 5) | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Savory, cheesy, and satisfyingly crispy when air-fried. |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent value at just $0.47 per taquito. |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | From freezer to table in under 10 minutes. |
| Nutrition | ⭐⭐ | High in calories and sodium; best as an occasional treat. |
- Buy them if: You’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable meal or appetizer that the whole family will enjoy.
- Pass on them if: You are looking for a low-calorie, low-sodium, or unprocessed food option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a recall on El Monterey taquitos?
There is no current recall on this product. For the most current safety information, it is always best to check the official FDA website or the manufacturer’s site at elmonterey.com.
Are El Monterey taquitos fried?
No, these El Monterey taquitos are not pre-fried. They are designed to be baked or air-fried, which gives them a crispy texture that is less greasy than deep-frying.
What happened to Costco taquitos?
Costco’s inventory can change based on location and season. While some specific brands may come and go, the El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos (Item #18668) are a popular and currently stocked item in many warehouses. If you can’t find them, it may be a temporary stock issue.