BBQ Chicken Taquitos are crispy rolls filled with tender chicken and tasty barbecue sauce. They’re super easy to make and great for snacks or meals!
Honestly, who can resist that crunch? I like to dip them in extra sauce—it just makes them even better! Plus, they disappear quickly at parties, so be ready! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect for these taquitos. You can use rotisserie chicken for easy prep. If you’re vegetarian, try using shredded jackfruit or even chickpeas mixed with barbecue sauce.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for lower sugar options, there are brands that offer healthier alternatives. Experiment with different types like smoky or spicy to find your favorite!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to roll, but corn tortillas work too if you want a gluten-free option. Just be sure to warm them to avoid cracking!
Cheese: Cheddar is great, but feel free to swap with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little heat. Vegan cheese is an option for non-dairy diets.
How Do I Get My Taquitos Extra Crispy?
Achieving the perfect crispiness for your taquitos is key! Here are some tips:
- Always warm the tortillas before filling; this makes them more flexible and less likely to crack.
- If baking, use cooking spray to coat the outside. This helps achieve a golden crust as they bake.
- For frying, make sure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of tortilla in; if it bubbles right away, it’s ready.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this allows them to get nice and crispy without steaming each other!
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taquitos:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 8-10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for baking or frying)
For Garnishing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep and assembly, and 15-20 minutes for baking or frying. It’s a quick and fun dish to whip up for game day, a party, or even just a weeknight treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you plan to bake the taquitos. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if you’re using it), and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is nicely coated with the flavorful mixture.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas slightly. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 20-30 seconds. This will keep them from cracking when you roll them up!
4. Fill and Roll the Taquitos:
Take about 1/4 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture and place it near one edge of each tortilla. Top it off with a little shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then place it seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this for all the tortillas!
5. Bake or Fry:
For baking: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
If you prefer frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C) and carefully fry the rolled taquitos for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy. Drain on paper towels afterward.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the taquitos from the oven or pan and drizzle with some extra barbecue sauce. Garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken taquitos!
This recipe yields about 8-10 delicious taquitos, perfect for sharing—or not!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken or Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it and mix it with the barbecue sauce as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking or frying. Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time if baking them straight from the fridge.
How Can I Make These Taquitos Spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or using spicy barbecue sauce. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes inside before rolling for an extra kick!
