These BBQ Chicken Taquitos are crunchy, tasty treats filled with shredded chicken and zesty barbecue sauce. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy bite? I love serving them with a side of salsa for dipping. They always disappear fast at my gatherings! 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for quick meals. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or cook your own. If you’re vegetarian, try using shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for a different flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand, or make homemade BBQ sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices! For a lighter option, try a sugar-free sauce or a tangy mustard-based sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are traditional, but you could use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just warm them up first so they roll easily.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you’re out, try using guacamole or even sour cream for a similar texture.
How Can I Make My Taquitos Extra Crispy?
A key to getting that perfect crispy texture is all in the preparation. Here are some steps to help you succeed:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Spray or brush the taquitos with oil before baking or frying. This helps them turn golden and crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; leave some space between each taquito to allow air circulation.
- If frying, heat the oil properly to ensure they cook quickly, creating a crispy outer layer without absorbing too much oil.
Following these tips will give you perfectly crispy BBQ chicken taquitos every time!
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 10-12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking or frying)
- Sour cream or ranch dressing (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Taquitos recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and an additional 15-20 minutes to cook. So in total, you can enjoy these tasty treats in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you plan to bake the taquitos. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is fully coated and the flavors are well combined. This will be the tasty filling of your taquitos.
3. Soften the Tortillas:
To prevent your tortillas from cracking when you roll them, warm them up a bit! You can do this by microwaving them for about 15 seconds or lightly heating them on a skillet. Just make sure they are flexible.
4. Fill & Roll:
Take one tortilla and spread about 2 tablespoons of the BBQ chicken mixture down the center. Then sprinkle roughly 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for each tortilla!
5. Cook the Taquitos:
Once all your taquitos are rolled and on the baking sheet, lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking oil. This will help them become crispy while baking. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they turn golden brown and crispy. If you prefer, you can shallow fry them in hot oil until they’re nice and crispy instead.
6. Drizzle and Garnish:
When done, remove the taquitos from the oven (or frying pan) and drizzle some extra barbecue sauce over the top. It adds that extra layer of flavor! Finish by garnishing with diced avocado and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm BBQ Chicken Taquitos alongside sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or a satisfying weeknight meal!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful BBQ Chicken Taquitos!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose your favorite flavor to match your taste.
Can I Freeze Leftover Taquitos?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked taquitos before baking! Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are Some Alternatives to Chicken?
If you’re looking for alternatives, shredded beef or pulled pork can work great! For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust any seasoning as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps to maintain their crispiness!
