BBQ Chicken Taquitos are a tasty treat that combines shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese, all tightly rolled in crispy tortillas. They’re perfect for snacking or serving at a party!
These taquitos are not only super fun to eat but also a great way to use leftover chicken. I love dipping them in ranch or extra BBQ sauce. Who can resist a crunchy, cheesy bite? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor, but any cooked chicken works just fine. You can use leftover chicken from other meals or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a low-sugar BBQ sauce. You can even make your own if you prefer—all it takes is ketchup, vinegar, and spices!
Cheese: I like using cheddar, as its melting qualities and bold flavor shine in these taquitos. If you want a different taste, Mexican blend cheese or pepper jack for a little spice work great too!
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and add a wonderful flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure your tortillas are certified gluten-free. Flour tortillas can also be used if that’s what you have on hand, but they’ll be softer.
How Can I Make Sure My Taquitos Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is easy with a couple of tips! Whether you choose to pan-fry or bake, the technique matters.
- For Pan-Frying: Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet but don’t drown them. Cook them seam side down first to keep them from unrolling.
- For Baking: Preheating your oven is crucial. Lightly oiling the taquitos helps them crisp up. Make sure to turn them halfway through for an even crunch.
Remember to let them cool just a bit after cooking; they stay crispy as they set for a minute!
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or a few tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan frying or baking)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Extra BBQ sauce (for drizzling, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 15-20 minutes for cooking, so you can enjoy these delicious BBQ Chicken Taquitos in under 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the BBQ sauce.
2. Warm the Tortillas:
To make the tortillas easy to roll, warm them up! You can do this by heating them in a skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds on each side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for about 30 seconds.
3. Assemble the Taquitos:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ chicken filling and place it near one end of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. Place the rolled taquito seam side down on a plate and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Cook the Taquitos:
You can choose to pan-fry or bake your taquitos:
- Pan-frying: Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the taquitos seam side down and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray or brush them with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway, until they’re crisp and lightly browned.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, arrange the taquitos on a serving plate. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired and add a dollop of sour cream on top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a nice touch.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy BBQ Chicken Taquitos as a snack or appetizer. They’re packed with flavor and will surely be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is great for convenience, but you can also use leftover chicken, shredded boiled chicken, or even grilled chicken. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before mixing it with the BBQ sauce.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can substitute with flour tortillas or even whole wheat tortillas. Just note that flour tortillas will be softer, but they will still be delicious wrapped around your filling!
How Do I Make These Taquitos Spicier?
For some extra heat, you can add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or use a spicy BBQ sauce in the filling. Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar can also amp up the spice factor!
Can I Make These Taquitos in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to cover them tightly to prevent drying out. They can also be frozen—just let them thaw before cooking for the best results!
