Crispy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Your Ultimate Easy Appetizer or Meal
Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly delicious Baked Chicken Taquitos. Bursting with a rich and creamy filling of shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, savory bacon bits, smooth cream cheese, and plenty of shredded cheddar, these taquitos offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the golden-brown tortilla, followed by a warm, gooey, and flavor-packed center. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a game-day snack.
Forget the deep fryer; these taquitos are oven-baked to crispy perfection, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing any of the indulgent taste. The simple process means less mess and less stress, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests or family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe promises a delightful experience and rave reviews.
Why These BBQ Chicken Taquitos Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
These BBQ Chicken and Cheese Taquitos are more than just a dish; they’re a versatile culinary hero that fits seamlessly into almost any occasion. Their universal appeal and adaptability make them a must-have in your recipe repertoire.
- Effortlessly Delicious: The flavor profile is a guaranteed hit – a harmonious blend of smoky BBQ, creamy ranch and cream cheese, salty bacon, and savory chicken, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
- Incredibly Versatile: Need an easy dinner that the whole family will adore? Craving a satisfying after-school snack? Or perhaps a show-stopping appetizer for your next game day or party? These baked chicken taquitos tick all the boxes, proving their versatility time and again.
- Crowd-Pleaser: There’s something inherently appealing about individual, hand-held bites of deliciousness. These taquitos are consistently a hit, ensuring you hear nothing but compliments from everyone who tries them.
- Customizable: While the core recipe is fantastic on its own, it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. From extra BBQ sauce to fresh herbs or a spicy kick, you can easily tailor them to your taste preferences.
- Healthier & Convenient: Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content, making these a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken means less prep time for you.
If you’re looking for more fantastic football tailgate recipes or crowd-pleasing chicken recipes, be sure to explore our collection of favorite family appetizers.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken and Cheese Taquitos
The magic of these taquitos lies in their simple yet incredibly effective blend of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate crunchy, creamy, and savory experience. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: This is the foundation of the filling’s incredible creaminess. It’s essential to use softened, room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Ranch Dressing: A secret weapon for adding a tangy, herby depth of flavor. Any brand of your favorite ranch dressing will work perfectly, contributing to the overall deliciousness.
- BBQ Sauce: The star flavor! Choose your absolute favorite barbecue sauce – whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. The type of BBQ sauce you select will largely dictate the dominant flavor profile of your taquitos, so pick one you truly love.
- Bacon Bits: These add a wonderful smoky, salty crunch that elevates the taquitos from great to absolutely outstanding. You can easily purchase pre-made bacon bits for convenience. For an even fresher, more robust flavor, consider making your own: simply dice raw bacon into ½-inch pieces, cook them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crisp, then drain on a paper towel.
- Shredded Chicken: The core of our taquito filling. The simplest and most time-saving solution is to use shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Alternatively, you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs in the oven or slow cooker. Our crockpot shredded chicken or slow cooker BBQ chicken recipes are excellent options if you prefer to make it from scratch.
- Cheddar Cheese: This contributes to the gooey, cheesy goodness. Pre-shredded cheddar works fine for convenience, but shredding your own from a block often results in a creamier melt. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses too – Pepper Jack is a fantastic choice if you desire a little extra spicy kick! Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
- Flour Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are ideal for rolling tightly and achieving that satisfying crispness. If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, corn tortillas can be used, though they may require extra care when softening to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Butter: Melted butter is brushed onto the taquitos before baking to help them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and incredibly crispy exterior. You can melt it quickly in the microwave or in a small pot over medium heat.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Baked Chicken Taquitos
Crafting these delicious taquitos is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy, flavorful, and gooey BBQ chicken taquitos:
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your softened, room temperature cream cheese, ranch dressing, your favorite BBQ sauce, bacon bits, shredded chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spoon or a sturdy spatula to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean counter surface. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the chicken filling onto the tortilla, spreading it into a neat line across the center, from one side to the other. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and lead to burst taquitos during baking.
- Roll Tightly: Carefully and tightly roll up the tortilla around the chicken mixture. The key to a good taquito is a firm, compact roll. Place the assembled taquito seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps to prevent it from unrolling while baking. Continue this process until all your taquitos are assembled.
- Brush with Butter: Once all the taquitos are on the baking sheet, use a pastry brush to lightly coat each one with melted butter. This butter layer is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 10 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip each taquito over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Serve Immediately: Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and serve them hot. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their crispiest and cheesiest.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Homemade Chicken Taquitos
While the recipe is simple, a few extra tips can elevate your homemade chicken taquitos from good to truly exceptional. These insights will help you achieve maximum crispness, flavor, and ease of preparation.
- Softening Tortillas for Easy Rolling: If you find your tortillas are breaking or cracking as you try to roll them, they need a little pre-treatment. Stack a few tortillas, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 20-30 seconds. This steam bath will make them pliable and much easier to roll without tearing.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to stuff as much delicious filling as possible into each tortilla, but overfilling is a common mistake. Too much filling can make the taquitos difficult to roll tightly, leading to messy leaks during baking. Stick to the recommended 1/3 cup per tortilla for optimal results.
- Achieve Ultimate Crispness with Butter: Brushing the taquitos generously with melted butter (or even a light cooking spray/avocado oil) is crucial for that golden, crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step! For extra crispness, ensure they are placed seam-side down first to seal, then flip them halfway through baking.
- Experiment with Seasonings and Add-ins: The base filling is fantastic, but it’s also a great foundation for culinary creativity.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños (seeded and deveined for less heat) into the chicken mixture.
- Veggie Boost: Finely diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or sautéed onions can add extra texture and flavor. Just be sure any vegetable additions are well-drained to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- Hawaiian BBQ Twist: For a unique sweet and savory profile, add some finely diced pineapple (canned, well-drained) to your BBQ chicken mix.
- Other Cheeses: Beyond cheddar, consider a smoky gouda, a creamy Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
- Make a Big Batch: These taquitos reheat wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Don’t hesitate to double the recipe – you’ll be glad to have extra on hand for quick snacks or future meals.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your taquitos space to breathe on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they will steam rather than crisp up, resulting in a softer texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Taquitos
Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic way to get exceptionally crispy taquitos with minimal oil. Prepare them exactly as you would for oven baking: make the chicken mixture, assemble, and brush with melted butter or spray lightly with cooking spray/avocado oil. Instead of preheating your oven, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching (you’ll likely need to work in batches). Air fry for about 6-8 minutes, then flip them over, mist with oil again, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Air frying often yields an even crispier result than oven baking!
The beauty of these BBQ Chicken Taquitos is their versatility. They are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right garnishes and dips truly takes them to the next level. For a simple garnish, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and some blue cheese crumbles add a pop of color and flavor. You can also add diced tomatoes, extra bacon bits, sliced scallions, or more shredded cheese.
These taquitos also taste incredible when served with any of the following drizzled over the top or served on the side for dipping:
- Blue cheese dressing or crumbles
- Creamy Ranch dressing
- Your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Extra barbecue sauce for dipping
- Fresh Guacamole
- Zesty Homemade Salsa
- Southwest Ranch dressing
- Cool sour cream or Greek yogurt
- A refreshing squeeze of lime juice
- A light side salad or corn salad
Yes, these chicken taquitos are excellent for freezing, making them a fantastic make-ahead option! To freeze them, simply transfer the cooled, baked taquitos to freezer bags or an airtight container once they have completely cooled. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat them directly from frozen. They can be warmed in the microwave for a quick bite or, for best results, in a preheated oven or air fryer to regain their crispness.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Keep in mind that corn tortillas can be a bit more fragile and prone to cracking, so it’s extra important to soften them thoroughly before rolling. Cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable. Ensure all other ingredients (like BBQ sauce and ranch dressing) are also certified gluten-free.
For ultimate convenience, shredded rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. It’s pre-cooked, flavorful, and easy to shred. However, if you prefer to cook your own chicken, any cooked and shredded chicken will work. You can boil, bake, grill, or slow-cook chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them with two forks or in a stand mixer. Using leftover barbecue chicken also adds an extra layer of flavor.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Taquitos
These taquitos are fantastic fresh, but they also store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to ensure they stay delicious:
- Make Ahead: To get a head start, you can prepare the chicken filling mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all the filling ingredients, transfer the mixture to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. About 30 minutes before you plan to assemble and bake, remove the filling from the fridge to allow it to come closer to room temperature, which makes it easier to work with.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover baked chicken taquitos, let them cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, cooked taquitos freeze exceptionally well. Once they are completely cooled, place them in freezer bags or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. The great news is that they can be reheated directly from the freezer.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: The quickest way to reheat taquitos is in the microwave. Place a few taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through. Be aware that the microwave tends to soften the tortillas, so they won’t be as crispy.
- Oven: To restore some of that delightful crispness, reheat taquitos in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the tortillas begin to crisp up again.
- Air Fryer: For the best crispness when reheating, use an air fryer. Place cold or frozen taquitos in a preheated 350°F (175°C) air fryer and cook for 5-8 minutes (longer if frozen), flipping halfway, until hot and crispy.
BBQ Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 24 small flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, bacon bits, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese. Mix with a spoon or spatula until well combined.
- For each taquito, lay a tortilla flat on the counter and spoon about 1/3 cup of chicken filling, spreading it into a line across the tortilla from one side to the other. Roll up the taquito tightly around the chicken mixture and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet seam side down.
- Continue assembling all the taquitos, then brush generously with melted butter using a pastry brush.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the taquitos and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as extra bacon bits, ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles, fresh cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Mix the chicken filling together up to 24 hours in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to rolling the next day for easier assembly.
Storing instructions: Store leftover baked taquitos in an airtight container or freezer bag in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: The quickest way to reheat is in the microwave (30 seconds at a time until warm, though they will soften). For crispier results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 896mg | Potassium: 228mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 3mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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More Simple Chicken Recipes We Love
If you enjoyed these BBQ Chicken Taquitos, you’ll surely love these other fantastic chicken dishes from our kitchen:
- Baked BBQ Chicken Breast
- BBQ Chicken Salad
- White Chicken Chili
- Copycat Chipotle Chicken
- Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
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Craving More Taquito Adventures? Try These!
Once you master the art of the baked taquito, a world of flavor variations awaits. Expand your taquito horizons with these delicious recipes:
- Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Taquitos (just like these, for easy navigation!)
- Zesty Green Chile Taquitos
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
These Baked BBQ Chicken Taquitos are the epitome of crunchy, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Packed with a delectable filling of cream cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, savory ranch dressing, crispy bacon bits, melty cheddar cheese, and a generous amount of shredded chicken, they are baked to golden perfection. They are incredibly quick and easy to make, proving that homemade deliciousness can also be wonderfully convenient. Enjoy every bite of this irresistible dish!