Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

These easy Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. The delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty homemade BBQ sauce makes these taquitos a standout dish. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a family meal, these taquitos deliver flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delightful taquitos without hassle.
• Flavor Packed: The homemade BBQ sauce infuses the chicken with rich flavors, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners, these taquitos can be served with various dips and sides to suit any occasion.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later! These taquitos reheat beautifully for a quick meal anytime.
• Kid-Approved: Children love the crispy tortillas filled with cheesy goodness and savory chicken—a great way to please picky eaters!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This tool ensures perfectly tender chicken by allowing it to cook slowly while soaking up all the BBQ flavors.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the BBQ sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the chicken.
• Whisk: A must-have for blending sauces smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain in your delicious BBQ mixture.

Ingredients

These easy Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, cheese, and homemade BBQ sauce. Cooking the chicken in the crock pot makes it so tender and full of delicious BBQ flavor!

For the BBQ Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Filling

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes and softened)
• 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded Monterey jack cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Assembly

• 18 small whole grain tortillas
• cooking spray
• kosher salt

How to Make Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the barbecue sauce until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared barbecue sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-3 ½ hours or on high heat for 2 hours.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a large bowl, leaving any extra sauce in the slow cooker. Add cornstarch to this liquid and whisk until completely dissolved. Increase heat to high and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. To this shredded chicken, add about ¾ cup of the thickened sauce from the slow cooker along with cream cheese, shredded Monterey jack cheese, and chopped cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Assemble Taquitos

If needed (to prevent tearing), warm tortillas in the microwave between two paper towels until soft enough to roll. Working one at a time, spoon about ¼ cup of chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly.

Step 7: Bake Taquitos

Place seam-side-down taquitos on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling—feel free to freeze some at this stage if desired. Lightly spray taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle them with kosher salt before baking.

Step 8: Serving Suggestions

Bake for about 12-16 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce if desired! Enjoy your homemade Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation, making your meal more enjoyable.

With Fresh Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a zesty touch.
• Mango Salsa: A sweet and fruity salsa that complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.

With Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that pairs perfectly with the crunchy taquitos.
• Sour Cream: A cool and tangy addition that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad: Serve the taquitos on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds texture and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

To ensure your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and herbs will elevate the taste of your taquitos significantly.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Be careful not to overstuff, as this can make rolling difficult and cause tearing.
• Warm Tortillas First: Warming tortillas prevents them from cracking when you roll them up.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be lightly golden for the best crunch.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify chili powder according to your spice preference for a custom kick.
• Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: This helps prevent burns and allows flavors to settle.

Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Pairing your taquitos with complementary sides can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices is a classic accompaniment that absorbs flavors well.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with taquitos.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch for a delightful contrast.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy and fun appetizer before the main dish.
5. Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers grilled or roasted add freshness and visual appeal to your plate.
6. Quinoa Salad: A healthy option packed with nutrients that adds variety alongside your taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your taquitos turn out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the BBQ Sauce: Not using a flavorful BBQ sauce can lead to bland taquitos. Make sure to whisk together all sauce ingredients thoroughly for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Stick to the recommended cooking times in the slow cooker for tender results.
• Not Shredding Properly: Failing to shred the chicken finely can make rolling difficult. Use two forks or your hands for even shredding.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to tear while rolling. Warm them slightly before filling to keep them pliable.
• Overstuffing the Taquitos: Adding too much filling can make them hard to roll and cause them to burst during baking. Keep filling portions moderate.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Freeze taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?

Serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, along with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.

Can I customize the filling of my taquitos?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch out cheeses based on your preference.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You can easily check this with a meat thermometer.

Can I make these Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble them ahead, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake them.

Conclusion

These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different ingredients or sides based on your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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