BBQ Chicken Taquitos are tasty rolled-up treats filled with juicy BBQ chicken and cheese, all nicely wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for parties or a fun snack!
Who doesn’t love a crunchy, cheesy bite? I like to serve them with some cooling ranch dip. It’s hard to eat just one—trust me, I’ve tried! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great due to its flavor and convenience. If you don’t have it, poaching chicken breasts is easy and healthy. Just boil them for 15-20 minutes until cooked, then shred!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Consider using a spicy variety if you enjoy heat. You can also make your own by mixing ketchup with vinegar and spices.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use any melty cheese you like! Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice kick.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll. Corn tortillas work too, but they might crack. If gluten-free is a priority, look for gluten-free tortillas.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of flavor but is optional. You could use green onions or just skip it if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Roll Taquitos Without Breaking the Tortillas?
Rolling taquitos can seem tricky, but warming the tortillas makes all the difference! Here’s how:
- Microwave the tortillas briefly to make them pliable. Use a damp paper towel to keep them soft.
- Place the filling near one edge of the tortilla, not too close to the edge (about 2-3 tablespoons is perfect).
- Roll tightly but gently, tucking the filling inside as you go, and place seam side down to hold it closed.
This method helps avoid cracks and keeps your fillings secure. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Taquitos:
- 8-10 small to medium flour tortillas (6-inch size works well)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes, which makes it a quick, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your taquitos bake evenly and become crispy.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, your BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together well, so the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
To make your tortillas easier to roll, warm them in the microwave. Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they are soft and pliable.
4. Fill and Roll the Taquitos:
Take a tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ chicken mixture near one edge. Roll it tightly, like a cigar, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush with Oil:
Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with cooking spray or a little oil. This helps them get nice and crispy as they bake.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the taquitos for extra cheesy goodness.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, you can drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top if you like. This adds a nice touch of flavor!
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over your taquitos for a burst of color and flavor.
10. Serve:
Serve your BBQ chicken taquitos warm with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Taquitos! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw it is overnight in the refrigerator or by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, you can cook it and shred it for your taquitos!
How Do I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Can I Make These Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos ahead of time. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with BBQ Chicken Taquitos?
These taquitos pair wonderfully with guacamole, salsa, or even a fresh salad. You can also set out a variety of dips like ranch dressing, sour cream, or extra BBQ sauce for a fun dipping station!