Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

These easy Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. The slow-cooked chicken is infused with rich BBQ flavors, making these taquitos an irresistible treat. With a creamy filling of chicken and cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas, they are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavor-Packed: The homemade BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy twist that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish; they fit any occasion perfectly.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for easy weeknight meals.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy filling and crispy texture, making it a hit with all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious taquitos, gather your kitchen tools to streamline the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe plate

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken without constant supervision.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for baking your taquitos evenly until golden brown.

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!

• 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
• 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
• 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 BBQ sauce ingredients until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 3–3½ hours or on high heat for 2 hours.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

While waiting for the sauce to thicken, shred the cooked chicken. To this shredded chicken, add ¾ cup of thickened sauce from the slow cooker along with cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and cilantro. Stir until everything is well mixed (reserve extra BBQ sauce for serving).

Step 5: Preheat Oven

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

Step 6: Prepare Tortillas

If needed (to prevent tearing), warm tortillas in the microwave between damp paper towels until soft enough to roll.

Step 7: Fill Taquitos

Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon about ¼ cup of chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly.

Step 8: Bake Taquitos

Place taquitos seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling (you can freeze some at this point if desired). Lightly spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 12–16 minutes until lightly golden brown. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Serving these Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Here are some creative ideas to pair with your delicious taquitos.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
• Corn Salad: Combine sweet corn, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro for a zesty complement.

Create Dipping Sauces

• Creamy Avocado Dip: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice and garlic for a smooth, creamy dip.
• Sour Cream with Lime: Mix sour cream with lime juice and zest for a tangy sauce that pairs perfectly.

Offer Toppings

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle over the taquitos for added freshness.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, serve sliced jalapeños on the side.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with fresh cilantro and lime is an excellent side that complements BBQ flavors.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced veggies can add nutrition and texture.

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

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

• Bold Flavor Balance: Adjust the sweetness of the BBQ sauce by increasing or decreasing honey based on your taste preference.
• Bold Shredding Technique: Use two forks to shred the chicken efficiently; this will ensure even distribution in each taquito.
• Bold Tortilla Handling: Warm the tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent tearing; this makes them more pliable.
• Bold Baking Tip: Bake until golden brown for the best texture; keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time.
• Bold Storage Advice: Freeze uncooked taquitos before baking for an easy meal prep option later on.

Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Pair your flavorful taquitos with these delightful side dishes that enhance the meal experience.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip loaded with lime juice and spices makes for a perfect match.
2. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds a burst of flavor.
3. Refried Beans: Rich and creamy beans provide protein and complement the dish nicely.
4. Spanish Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices can be a hearty addition to your plate.
5. Grilled Veggies: Colorful grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini add both nutrition and color.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in vinegar enhances the overall flavor profile while adding crunch.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory taquitos; bake or fry them for extra texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few tips to ensure your taquitos turn out perfectly.

• Not shredding the chicken properly: Ensure you shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for easier rolling and even flavor distribution.
• Skipping the sauce thickening step: Don’t skip thickening the sauce after cooking. This adds a richer texture and prevents soggy taquitos.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas. A quarter cup is just right; too much filling can cause them to tear when rolling.
• Not warming the tortillas: Warming your tortillas before filling will keep them pliable and prevent tearing during assembly.
• Neglecting to bake until golden: Make sure to bake the taquitos until they are lightly golden for a crispy exterior. This enhances both texture and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Place cooled taquitos in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm, but this may result in a softer texture.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos spicier?

You can add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture for an extra kick.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Monterey jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack cheese based on your preference.

How can I customize my taquitos?

You can add beans, corn, or different vegetables to the filling for added nutrition and flavor variety.

What sides pair well with Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?

These taquitos go great with a fresh salad, guacamole, or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize these taquitos with various fillings and spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings!