These BBQ chicken taquitos are a fun and tasty treat! With tender chicken and zesty barbecue sauce rolled in crispy tortillas, they’re perfect for snacking or meals.
Honestly, who can resist a crunchy taquito? I love to dip them in ranch dressing or guacamole for an extra kick. Trust me, they’re a hit at any party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to. It’s already cooked and has great flavor. If you don’t have it, boiled chicken works too. You can even use canned chicken if you’re in a pinch!
Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite brand that you enjoy! If you prefer homemade, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices for a quick version. The flavor makes a huge difference!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a nice blend. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese options or skip it altogether. Adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can mimic a cheesy flavor too.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are ideal, but corn tortillas work if you want a gluten-free choice. Just make sure they’re warm enough to roll without cracking.
Onions: Chopped onions add flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan. Green onions or even cooked shallots could be a good substitute if you want a milder taste.
How Do I Fry Taquitos Without Making a Mess?
Frying can seem daunting, but here’re some simple tips to get perfect crispy taquitos:
- Use a deep, heavy skillet or a pot to reduce splatter.
- Heat the oil until it shimmers but is not smoking. A good test is to drop a small piece of tortilla, and if it sizzles, you’re ready.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Too many taquitos at once can lower the oil temperature.
- Turn them carefully with tongs for even cooking. They need about 3-4 minutes to get crispy.
- Always drain on paper towels to soak up extra oil and keep them crispy.
This way, you’ll get deliciously crunchy taquitos every time without the grease trap!
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taquitos:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10-12 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for drizzling)
- Extra barbecue sauce (for drizzling)
For Garnishing:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes for frying, so you can expect to have your delicious BBQ chicken taquitos ready in about 35 minutes. They make a fantastic snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onions (if using), ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and evenly coated with the barbecue sauce.
2. Warm the Tortillas:
Gently warm the tortillas to make them easier to roll. You can do this in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. This softens them without making them crispy.
3. Roll the Taquitos:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place it near one end of a warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to keep ingredients inside. Repeat this for all tortillas.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1/2 inch of cooking oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You know it’s ready when it shimmers. A good test is to drop a small piece of tortilla, and it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Taquitos:
Carefully place the taquitos seam side down into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy all over.
6. Drain the Excess Oil:
Once fried, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the taquitos on a serving plate. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce and sour cream, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your BBQ chicken taquitos immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They’re perfect as a snack or as part of a fun meal with sides like guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy BBQ Chicken Taquitos!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it up and mix it with the other ingredients as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
You can make a quick homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Alternatively, any sauce you enjoy or even hot sauce can work if you like it spicy!
Can I Bake These Taquitos Instead of Frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
How Do I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness, or microwave them for a quicker option, though they won’t be as crispy.
