BBQ Chicken Taquitos Bake

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

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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

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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.