BBQ chicken taquitos are a fun and tasty snack! They are packed with shredded chicken and savory barbecue sauce, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Yum!
Making these taquitos feels like a party! I love serving them with a little dip on the side—because who doesn’t love extra sauce? It’s a delicious way to enjoy leftovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star of these taquitos! You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you want a healthier twist, baked chicken breast works great too. No chicken? Try shredded jackfruit for a plant-based version!
Barbecue Sauce: A tangy barbecue sauce brings flavor. If you’re out, you can use salsa or hot sauce for a kick! For a homemade option, mix ketchup with a splash of vinegar and some spices.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic for these, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack or even vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free. Just make sure it melts well for that gooey texture!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas make for a soft base. If you prefer something crunchier, corn tortillas are a fantastic choice. They have a nice flavor, though you might need to warm them more to roll without cracking.
How Do I Ensure My Taquitos Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispiness in taquitos is key! Here’s how to achieve it:
- First, warm the tortillas! Softening them makes them easier to roll without breaking.
- Use a light coating of cooking spray or oil. This helps them get golden brown and crispy when baked.
- Make sure to place them seam side down on the baking sheet. This keeps them from unrolling during cooking.
- Don’t crowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between each taquito allows hot air to circulate, leading to better crisping!
- Keep an eye on them while baking. If they start to get too dark, you can cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
For the Taquitos:
- 10-12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for drizzling)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for baking or frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for baking, so you can have delicious BBQ chicken taquitos ready in approximately 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to crisp up your taquitos perfectly. While the oven is heating, you can prepare the baking sheet too!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is thoroughly coated in that tasty BBQ flavor! This is where the magic happens, so make sure every piece is covered.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas slightly. You can do this in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or on a skillet for a few moments. This helps prevent them from cracking when you roll them up!
4. Assemble the Taquitos:
Take a tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the center. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the chicken for that gooey goodness. Now, roll the tortilla tightly into a cylindrical shape, placing the seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Crisp Them Up:
Now it’s time to make them crispy! Lightly spray the tops of your taquitos with cooking spray or brush a little oil over them. This will help achieve that delicious golden color as they bake.
6. Bake the Taquitos:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the taquitos bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn crispy and golden brown. Yum!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce and, if you like, add a drizzle of sour cream. Sprinkle over some chopped cilantro and diced tomatoes for color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to dig in! Serve your BBQ chicken taquitos with some extra barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crunchy, flavor-packed snack!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds terrific flavor to your taquitos. Just shred it, mix with the barbecue sauce, and you’re good to go!
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can use salsa, hot sauce, or a mixture of ketchup and vinegar for a tangy kick. Experiment with different flavors to your taste!
How Do I Prevent the Tortillas from Breaking?
Warming the tortillas before rolling is key! Heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or use a skillet to soften them, making them easier to roll without cracking.
How Do I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
