Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

These easy Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. The slow cooker ensures tender chicken infused with rich BBQ flavor, while the creamy cheese filling adds a delightful twist. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these taquitos promise to impress everyone at the table.

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 honey BBQ sauce elevates these taquitos with a delicious blend of sweet and savory notes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish—ideal for any occasion!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can freeze some taquitos for later without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, flavorful rolls!

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: This tool is key to achieving tender, flavorful chicken that shreds easily.
• Mixing bowl: Having a good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for crisping up your taquitos in the oven.

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 the slow cooker. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 3 ½ hours or on high for about 2 hours.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Thicken Sauce

Once cooked through, transfer chicken to a large bowl. Leave excess sauce in the slow cooker. Add cornstarch to the leftover sauce and whisk until dissolved. Increase heat to high and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Mix Filling

Shred the cooked chicken. To this shredded chicken, add ¾ cup of thickened sauce from the slow cooker, cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and cilantro. Stir 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.

Step 6: Prepare Tortillas

If necessary, warm tortillas in the microwave between two paper towels until soft enough to roll without tearing.

Step 7: Fill Tortillas

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

Step 8: Bake Taquitos

Place rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for about 12–16 minutes until they are lightly golden brown. Serve 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 gathering or enjoying a casual family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a crunchy and fresh flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the BBQ flavors.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices enhance the dish with their buttery texture.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Extra BBQ Sauce: Drizzle some extra homemade BBQ sauce for those who love an extra kick.
• Guacamole: A rich guacamole complements the taquitos and adds a creamy element.
• Spicy Salsa: Serve with a side of spicy salsa for an added zing.

Create a Taquito Platter

• Mixed Veggies: Arrange fresh veggies like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices for a crunchy side.
• Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack to enjoy alongside the taquitos.

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

To make the most of your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos, follow these tips for perfection.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Add more spices such as cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
• Ensure Soft Tortillas: Warm tortillas in the microwave before rolling to prevent tearing and make them easier to handle.
• Use Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality chicken breasts for better flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to mix in additional ingredients like black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken; check for doneness around 3 hours on low heat.

Best Side Dishes for Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Serving side dishes alongside your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs beautifully with the savory taquitos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add heartiness and complement the flavors of the chicken.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing brightens up the plate.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a fun appetizer or snack.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and cuts through the richness of the taquitos.
6. Guacamole Dip: This classic dip is perfect for slathering on your taquitos or enjoying on its own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to tear. Warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel before using.
• Overfilling the taquitos: Adding too much filling can make rolling difficult and may cause them to burst during baking. Stick to about ¼ cup per tortilla.
• Skipping the sauce thickening step: Neglecting to thicken the leftover sauce means missing out on flavor. Always whisk in cornstarch and cook until it’s thickened.
• Not preheating the oven: If you don’t preheat your oven, the taquitos may not bake evenly. Make sure your oven is at 400°F before placing them inside.
• Using the wrong cheese: Choose cheese that melts well like Monterey jack or cheddar for optimal creaminess. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt smoothly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let them cool completely before sealing them to avoid condensation.

Freezing Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1 minute or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for around 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Can I use other meats for Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb based on your preference.

How can I customize my Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos?

Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, corn, or different types of cheese to enhance flavor and texture.

What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra BBQ sauce for a delicious complement.

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

Yes! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge before baking for up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these taquitos are sure to please everyone. Give them a try and experiment with different fillings!

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