These BBQ Chicken Taquitos are a tasty and fun snack! They are filled with shredded chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce, all rolled up in crispy tortillas.
Getting a crispy outside and delicious chicken inside is easy, and the kids will love them. Plus, they are perfect for dipping in ranch or salsa. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for this recipe because it saves time and adds great flavor. If you prefer, you can poach chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and use them in the same way.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best taste. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider a sugar-free version or use a homemade sauce. I often mix sweet and smoky sauces for a balanced flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to swap in a Mexican blend or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Whatever you use, make sure it melts well!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are great for taquitos, but you can also use corn tortillas for a more authentic flavor. Just warm them slightly to avoid cracking when rolling.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Taquitos?
The key to crispy taquitos lies in both the rolling technique and cooking method. Here’s how to get it right:
- Ensure the tortillas are room temperature and slightly warmed before filling. This keeps them flexible and helps prevent tearing.
- For baking, using a light spray of oil on the taquitos before baking ensures a golden finish. Don’t skip this step!
- If frying, the oil should be hot but not smoke. Frying them seam-side down first helps seal them closed.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. If baking, turning them halfway through creates even crispiness. If frying, watch closely as they can brown quickly.
Enjoy making your BBQ Chicken Taquitos! They’re a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love.
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 8-10 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking or frying)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Additional BBQ sauce for drizzling or dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook if baking (or about 10 minutes if frying). In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes for a delicious batch of BBQ Chicken Taquitos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start your journey by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake. If you choose to fry, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with your BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in that savory sauce—this will be the flavor-packed filling for your taquitos!
3. Assemble the Taquitos:
Now, take a tortilla and lay it flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ chicken mixture along one edge of the tortilla. Sprinkle a little cheese on top. This will add a creamy, cheesy layer that melts perfectly when cooked.
4. Roll Them Up:
Carefully roll the tortilla tightly from the edge with the filling, creating a log shape. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you go to keep the filling secure. Repeat this process with the rest of your tortillas and filling.
5. Bake or Fry:
If you’re baking: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a light spray or brush of cooking oil on top. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through until they are crispy and golden.
If you’re frying: Gently place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your taquitos are cooked, place them on a serving plate. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like. These taquitos are best served hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or salsa.
Now, dig into your delicious BBQ Chicken Taquitos and enjoy every crunchy, savory bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken is perfect for these taquitos. Just shred it and mix it with the BBQ sauce for a quick and easy filling.
What If I Don’t Have Flour Tortillas?
No worries! You can use corn tortillas instead. Just warm them slightly to make them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
Can I Make These Taquitos in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the taquitos a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply bake or fry them directly from the fridge; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
How Do I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up!