Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, these taquitos offer a unique blend of flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures the chicken is tender and infused with rich BBQ taste, making these taquitos stand out. Serve them as an appetizer or main dish, and watch them disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavorful and Delicious: The combination of honey BBQ sauce and creamy cheese makes each bite irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or snack time; they’re great for any occasion!
• Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken, whole grain tortillas, and fresh ingredients, these taquitos are a wholesome choice.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to the filling for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: It allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep incredibly easy.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauces smoothly and ensuring even consistency.
• Baking Sheet: Ideal for crisping up your taquitos in the oven without sticking.

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 smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

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

Step 4: Mix Filling Ingredients

Shred the chicken using two forks. In your bowl with shredded chicken, stir in ¾ cup of the thickened sauce from the slow cooker along with cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and cilantro until well combined. Reserve extra BBQ sauce for serving.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

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

Step 6: Prepare Tortillas

If needed to avoid tearing, warm tortillas in the microwave between two paper towels until soft enough to roll.

Step 7: Assemble Taquitos

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

Step 8: Bake Taquitos

Place taquitos seam-side down on your baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Lightly spray taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

How to Serve Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these taquitos will impress everyone at your table.

As a Snack

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra homemade BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Fresh Salsa: A refreshing salsa adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the taquitos.

As an Appetizer

• Mini Platter: Arrange taquitos on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
• Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices for added color and flavor.

As a Main Dish

• Salad Pairing: Serve alongside a light green salad for balance.
• Rice or Quinoa: Accompany with seasoned rice or quinoa to make it a heartier meal.

In a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap the taquitos in fresh lettuce leaves.
• Taco Bar Style: Set up a taco bar where guests can customize their own taquito wraps with toppings.

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Perfecting your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos is easy with these helpful tips to enhance their flavor and texture.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Add more spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• Creamy Texture Tip: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth filling.
• Crispy Finish: Bake until golden brown to get that desirable crunch on the outside.
• Tortilla Care: Warming tortillas helps prevent tearing and makes them easier to roll.
• Batch Freezing Advice: Freeze uncooked taquitos on the baking sheet, then transfer to bags for quick meals later.
• Serving Temperature Reminder: Serve immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Pairing side dishes with your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the barbecue flavor perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and balances richness.
3. Mexican Street Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with lime, cotija cheese, and spices works well as a side.
4. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad that adds heartiness and flavor contrast.
5. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with tangy salsa make for great finger food.
6. Spanish Rice: Flavored rice provides a satisfying base that pairs beautifully with taquitos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes when preparing Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to an imbalanced flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
• Bold skipping the sauce thickening step: Neglecting to thicken the leftover sauce may result in a watery filling. Make sure to whisk in cornstarch as directed for the perfect texture.
• Bold overfilling the tortillas: Filling tortillas too much can cause them to tear. Use about ¼ cup of filling per tortilla for easy rolling.
• Bold not warming tortillas: Using cold tortillas can make them brittle and hard to roll. Warm them briefly in the microwave to maintain flexibility.
• Bold underbaking the taquitos: Undercooking may leave taquitos soggy rather than crispy. Bake until they are lightly golden for the best texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• For longer storage, freeze taquitos before baking.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until hot, but note this may result in softer taquitos.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos unique?

These taquitos are filled with a creamy chicken mixture combined with homemade BBQ sauce, delivering rich flavors that stand out.

Can I customize the filling for my Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or swap cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

How do I serve Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?

Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, along with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added flavor.

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

Yes! You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking, making them perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a weeknight dinner, these taquitos are sure to impress everyone!