Meals

BBQ Chicken Taquitos

BBQ Chicken Cheddar Taquitos

These BBQ Chicken Cheddar Taquitos are filled with tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, creamy cheese, and plenty of sharp cheddar. Rolled inside flour tortillas and baked until golden and crispy, they make an easy dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack.

Serve them with extra barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a cool sour cream dip for a simple recipe everyone can enjoy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Servings: 5
Yield: 10 taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy outside and cheesy inside
  • Sweet and smoky barbecue flavor
  • Uses cooked or rotisserie chicken
  • Easy to assemble
  • Baked instead of deep-fried
  • Perfect for parties and game day
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Easy to customize
  • Delicious as an appetizer or meal

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Filling

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • ¾ cup thick barbecue sauce
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion, optional
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

For Assembly

  • 10 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Optional Dipping Sauces

  • Barbecue sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Chipotle ranch
  • Sour cream
  • Honey mustard

How to Make BBQ Chicken Cheddar Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

A metal baking sheet helps the tortillas become especially crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the cooked shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Rotisserie chicken works especially well because it is tender, flavorful, and convenient.

Remove the skin and bones before shredding.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and barbecue sauce.

Stir until smooth and evenly blended.

Using softened cream cheese prevents lumps and makes the filling easier to spread.

Step 4: Season the Filling

Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the barbecue mixture.

Use salt carefully because the chicken, cheese, and barbecue sauce may already contain plenty.

Step 5: Combine the Filling

Pour the barbecue mixture over the shredded chicken.

Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, red onion, and green onions.

Stir until the chicken is completely coated and the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

Wrap the tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel.

Microwave them for approximately 20–30 seconds, or until warm and flexible.

Warm tortillas are easier to roll and less likely to crack.

Step 7: Add the Filling

Place one tortilla on a clean work surface.

Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of filling in a narrow line near one edge.

Leave a small border around the sides and avoid adding too much filling.

Step 8: Roll the Taquitos

Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.

Place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Arrange the taquitos with a little space between them so hot air can circulate around every side.

Step 9: Prepare the Seasoned Oil

Combine the olive oil or melted butter with the garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Lightly brush the mixture over the tops and sides of the taquitos.

This helps the tortillas become golden and crisp.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through if desired.

The taquitos are ready when the tortillas are crisp and golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 11: Rest

Remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Allow the taquitos to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.

The filling will be very hot immediately after baking.

Step 12: Serve

Serve the taquitos warm with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, or chipotle ranch.

Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or fresh cilantro.

The Best Chicken to Use

Any cooked and shredded chicken can be used, including:

  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Baked chicken breasts
  • Poached chicken
  • Grilled chicken
  • Leftover barbecue chicken
  • Slow-cooker shredded chicken
  • Canned chicken, thoroughly drained

Dark meat remains especially moist, while chicken breast provides a leaner filling.

The Best Barbecue Sauce

Use a thick barbecue sauce that will cling to the chicken without making the filling watery.

Good flavor options include:

  • Sweet and smoky
  • Honey barbecue
  • Hickory smoke
  • Spicy barbecue
  • Brown sugar barbecue
  • Carolina-style barbecue

If using a thin sauce, begin with ½ cup and add more only as needed.

The Best Cheese for Taquitos

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and pairs naturally with barbecue sauce.

Monterey Jack or mozzarella adds a smooth cheese pull.

Other good options include:

  • Colby Jack
  • Pepper Jack
  • Smoked cheddar
  • Gouda
  • Mexican cheese blend
  • Cheddar and mozzarella blend

Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

How to Keep Taquitos from Unrolling

Warm the tortillas before filling so they roll easily.

Place each taquito seam-side down and arrange them close enough that they support one another without touching completely.

You can also secure each roll with a toothpick. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

How to Keep the Tortillas from Cracking

Cold or dry tortillas are more likely to split.

Warm them in the microwave under a damp paper towel, then work with one tortilla at a time.

Keep the remaining tortillas covered while assembling the taquitos.

Do not overfill or roll them too tightly.

How to Make Extra-Crispy Taquitos

For the crispiest baked taquitos:

  • Use a metal baking sheet
  • Leave space between the rolls
  • Brush every side lightly with oil
  • Bake at 425°F
  • Turn them halfway through baking
  • Serve immediately after resting

You can place the taquitos under the broiler for approximately one minute at the end, but watch them carefully because tortillas burn quickly.

Air-Fryer BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.

Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with oil.

Arrange them seam-side down in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.

Air-fry for approximately 7–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Cook in batches if necessary.

Fried BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Heat approximately one inch of neutral oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.

Place the taquitos seam-side down in the oil and fry in small batches.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, turning until every side is golden.

Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to drain before serving.

Recipe Variations

Bacon BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the chicken filling.

Finish with green onions and serve with ranch dressing.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Use spicy barbecue sauce and Pepper Jack cheese.

Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Taquitos

Add ½ cup finely chopped, thoroughly drained pineapple.

Combine the pineapple with chicken, barbecue sauce, cheddar, and cooked bacon.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Taquitos

Add two tablespoons of ranch dressing or one tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the filling.

Serve with additional ranch for dipping.

Buffalo BBQ Taquitos

Replace ¼ cup of the barbecue sauce with Buffalo sauce.

Use cheddar and Monterey Jack, then serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.

BBQ Chicken and Corn Taquitos

Add ½ cup drained corn and a small amount of diced red bell pepper.

Cilantro and lime juice make a delicious finishing touch.

Can I Use Corn Tortillas?

Yes, but corn tortillas crack more easily than flour tortillas.

Warm them individually in a lightly oiled skillet or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave until flexible.

Use smaller portions of filling and secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Taquitos

These taquitos pair well with:

  • Coleslaw
  • Corn salad
  • Potato wedges
  • French fries
  • Baked beans
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Green salad
  • Corn on the cob
  • Avocado salad
  • Pickles
  • Fresh fruit

For a party platter, serve them with several dipping sauces and fresh vegetable sticks.

Can I Prepare Them Ahead?

Yes. Prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can assemble the taquitos several hours before baking. Arrange them seam-side down, cover the pan tightly, and refrigerate.

Brush them with oil immediately before baking.

You may need to add approximately 2–3 minutes to the baking time if the taquitos are cold.

Storage

Allow leftover taquitos to cool completely.

Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Store dipping sauces separately to prevent the tortillas from becoming soft.

How to Reheat Taquitos

Reheat the taquitos in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

You can also air-fry them at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.

Microwaving is convenient, but the tortillas will become softer.

Can You Freeze BBQ Chicken Taquitos?

Yes. These taquitos freeze well before or after baking.

Arrange uncooked taquitos on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Bake them directly from frozen at 425°F for approximately 20–25 minutes.

Cooked taquitos can also be frozen. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest and most flavorful choices for this recipe.

Should the chicken be cooked first?

Yes. Always use fully cooked chicken in the filling.

Can I leave out the cream cheese?

Yes. Add additional shredded cheese or a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce if the filling needs more moisture.

Why are my taquitos soggy?

The filling may contain too much sauce, or the taquitos may have been arranged too closely together. Use thick barbecue sauce and leave space between the rolls.

Can I use large burrito tortillas?

Yes, but cut them in half or use more filling to make larger taquitos.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?

Keep the filling away from the ends of the tortillas and place the rolls seam-side down.

Can I make mini taquitos?

Yes. Use small flour tortillas and approximately two tablespoons of filling per roll.

Can I cook them in an air fryer?

Yes. Air-fry them at 375°F for approximately 7–10 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

What dipping sauce works best?

Barbecue sauce, ranch, chipotle ranch, honey mustard, and sour cream are all excellent options.

Pro Tips

Use thick barbecue sauce so the filling stays creamy without becoming watery.

Warm the tortillas before rolling and avoid overfilling them.

Place the taquitos seam-side down and lightly brush every side with seasoned oil.

For the best texture, serve them shortly after baking while the tortillas are crisp and the cheddar filling is hot and melted.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Cheddar Taquitos combine smoky barbecue chicken, rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crisp flour tortillas in one easy handheld meal.

Bake them for a weeknight dinner, serve them as a game-day appetizer, or freeze a batch for quick snacks. Add bacon, jalapeños, pineapple, or ranch seasoning to create your own flavorful variation.

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