BBQ Chicken Taquitos are crunchy rolls filled with tasty shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce. They’re perfect for a snack or a fun meal!
These taquitos are super easy to make, and the best part? You can eat them with your favorite dipping sauce. I just can’t resist them, especially warm out of the oven! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe—it’s tasty and saves time! If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken or canned chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using shredded jackfruit or a mix of beans.
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you love works well here! I enjoy a sweet and smoky version, but you can choose spicy or tangy based on your preference. If you’re out of BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and a dash of Worcestershire sauce can work too.
Tortillas: For a classic taste, use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are a gluten-free option. Make sure they’re fresh to avoid tearing. You can also use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier twist.
Cheese: I love using cheddar for its sharp flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
How Do You Ensure Your Taquitos Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key! Here are some tips:
- Warm your tortillas before filling them. This keeps them from cracking while you roll.
- Brush the outside of the rolled taquitos with olive oil or melted butter. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Leave space between each taquito for better airflow, which leads to a crunchier result.
- Keep an eye on them while baking. Ovens vary, so start checking at around 15 minutes. You’ll want them golden brown!
Using these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy BBQ chicken taquitos every time! Enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 10-12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing tortillas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll need about 30-40 minutes to have your delicious BBQ Chicken Taquitos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to make your taquitos nice and crispy! While it’s heating, you can also prepare your baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken with 3/4 cup of the BBQ sauce. Stir well and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is going to be the star of your taquitos!
3. Warm the Tortillas:
To make your tortillas easier to roll, warm them up. You can do this by microwaving them for about 20 seconds or heating them in a skillet for a few seconds on each side. This prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
4. Assemble the Taquitos:
Take a tortilla and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. Then, roll up the tortilla tightly, making sure the filling stays inside, and place it seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush for Crispiness:
Once you’ve rolled all your taquitos, lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter. This step is important because it helps them get golden brown and crispy while baking.
6. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Check them around the 15-minute mark—you’re looking for a delicious golden-brown color!
7. Final Touches:
When they are done baking, take them out of the oven and drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the top. Then, it’s time to get them dressed up! Drizzle sour cream on top and sprinkle with diced tomatoes and chopped fresh cilantro for some tasty freshness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ Chicken Taquitos warm with extra sour cream on the side or your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for some happy taste buds!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful BBQ Chicken Taquitos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully cook and shred your chicken first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, season and mix with BBQ sauce before filling your taquitos.
Can I Make These Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the taquitos earlier in the day, place them on the baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap, and then refrigerate. When you’re ready, just brush them with oil and bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can substitute with a mix of ketchup and a little Worcestershire sauce, or use a homemade blend of tomato sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, and your favorite spices.
