BBQ Chicken Taquitos Bake

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy golden, crispy taquitos loaded with juicy rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, creamy cheese, and a hint of onion. These baked taquitos are brushed with oil for extra crunch and packed with flavor thanks to garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of bouillon. Simple to assemble—just mix the filling, roll in tortillas, and bake until perfectly crisp. Serve these savory snacks with extra BBQ sauce or cool ranch dressing for added zing, making them an ideal option for gatherings, weeknight meals, or anytime you crave bold, classic flavors.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:31:14 GMT
A plate of BBQ chicken taquitos. Save
A plate of BBQ chicken taquitos. | lilicooks.com

BBQ chicken taquitos come together in just over half an hour using rotisserie chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce This recipe saves dinnertime when I do not want to fuss but still crave that sticky smoky flavor rolled up and crispy on the outside inside it is creamy tangy and bold

I whipped these up one Friday night for my family movie marathon and now everyone begs for taquito night

Ingredients

  • Shredded rotisserie chicken: using just the white meat gives the best texture and stays juicy ask for fresh made chicken at the deli counter
  • Cream cheese: make sure it is soft so it blends smoother into the chicken giving the filling its creamy bite
  • BBQ sauce: choose a bold or smoky style that is not too watery my go to is one with molasses for extra depth
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: stretches and melts the best I buy a block and shred at home for extra creamy results
  • Diced red onions: they give a crunchy sweet punch choose a reddish onion that feels heavy and is tight skinned
  • Garlic powder: for a mellow savory layer always check for freshness by its aroma
  • Smoked paprika: this spice deepens the BBQ flavor I only use ones with a deep red color
  • Chicken bouillon powder: for that background savoriness a little pinch goes a long way try to use a low sodium version
  • Salt: only a touch since the BBQ sauce is usually salty
  • Black pepper: freshly ground always adds a lot more flavor than preground
  • Vegetable oil: for brushing helps the tortillas crisp up always check your oil is fresh not stale or bitter
  • Flour tortillas: choose taco size so rolling is easy look for pliable soft packs at the market

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
Mix the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese in a large bowl Use a fork to work out any cream cheese lumps Next pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until the entire mix is evenly coated Add the mozzarella diced red onion garlic powder smoked paprika chicken bouillon salt and black pepper Stir and blend very well until homogeneous
Fill and Roll the Taquitos:
Place two to three tablespoons of the BBQ chicken mixture into the center of each flour tortilla Roll each tortilla tightly so filling is tucked inside Lay the rolled taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet Continue till all filling is used You should have fifteen or sixteen taquitos
Brush and Season:
Using a pastry brush lightly coat the tops and sides of the taquitos with vegetable oil Sprinkle with a pinch more garlic powder and a dash of salt to finish
Bake the Taquitos:
Bake on the middle rack at four hundred twenty five degrees for eighteen to twenty minutes The tortillas will turn golden and crisp especially at the edges Let cool for a few minutes before serving since filling will be hot
Serve:
Plate the taquitos and drizzle with ranch and extra BBQ sauce as dip The double sauce combo is mouthwatering
BBQ chicken taquitos with sauce. Save
BBQ chicken taquitos with sauce. | lilicooks.com

One of my favorite moments was letting everyone dip their own taquitos into their sauce of choice There is always playful debate over which sauce wins but ranch usually edges out BBQ

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in a toaster oven or back in the main oven at three hundred fifty degrees till crisp again Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy edge

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have rotisserie chicken any tender cooked chicken works well Cream cheese can be swapped for whipped cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter filling Smoked gouda or provolone make lovely substitutes for mozzarella if you prefer a spin

A BBQ chicken taquito with sauce on it. Save
A BBQ chicken taquito with sauce on it. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with ranch or extra BBQ sauce on the side For a more complete meal add a fresh slaw or a crisp salad My family loves corn on the cob and a cold soda float alongside for that classic backyard BBQ spirit

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works well. Just shred and mix with the other ingredients for the filling.

→ How do you keep the taquitos from unrolling during baking?

Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet to help them hold their shape while baking.

→ What sauces pair best with these taquitos?

Classic ranch and extra BBQ sauce make great dips. Try spicy mayo or blue cheese dressing for variety.

→ Can I freeze the taquitos before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble then freeze on a tray. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

→ How can I make these spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or extra black pepper to the filling for a kick of heat.

BBQ Chicken Taquitos Bake

Crunchy taquitos packed with BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and a touch of ranch for the perfect bite.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 15-16 taquitos

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (white meat only)
02 4 ounces softened cream cheese
03 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
04 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
05 1/3 cup diced red onions
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
09 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 Vegetable oil for brushing tortillas
12 Flour tortillas (taco-sized)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken and softened cream cheese. Add the BBQ sauce and stir to incorporate. Mix in the Mozzarella cheese, red onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended.

Step 02

Place 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ chicken mixture in the center of each flour tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on a baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the filling is used, making approximately 15 taquitos.

Step 03

Brush the tops and sides of the taquitos with vegetable oil. Sprinkle lightly with additional garlic powder and salt. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 425°F (220°C), or until the tortillas are golden and crispy.

Step 04

Allow the taquitos to cool for a few minutes as the filling will be hot. Serve with ranch and extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips

  1. Using oils other than vegetable oil may alter how quickly the tortillas brown. Monitor closely and adjust baking time if needed.

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, Mozzarella cheese)
  • Contains gluten (flour tortillas)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~