If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the sweetness of honey, the tang of BBQ, and the convenience of a slow cooker, look no further! Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate comfort food—bursting with flavor, crispy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. These taquitos are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or a fun taco night. This isn’t just another taquito recipe; it’s your new go-to for a delightful and easy dinner option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are more than just a snack; they come packed with benefits that make them a must-try recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you can have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Beginners: The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for those who are new to cooking.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Kids and adults alike will love the savory-sweet flavor combination, making these taquitos a surefire hit at the dinner table.
- Economical: Utilizing affordable chicken and pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients and flavors to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs, making it versatile for any occasion.
The Necessary Ingredients
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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 (softened)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 18 small whole grain tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
- Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a hint of floral flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes, but they will slightly alter the taste profile.
- Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt, but the texture will be less creamy.
- Tortillas: Whole grain tortillas provide a hearty texture, but you can use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. Just make sure to warm them to prevent tearing during assembly.
How to Prepare the Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos Step by Step
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for delicious Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos:
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of ketchup, ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of molasses, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper until well combined.
- Pro Tip: This sauce can be adjusted according to your taste. Feel free to add more honey for sweetness or extra chili powder for heat!
- Prepare the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker, then pour the prepared BBQ sauce over them, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Pro Tip: For even more flavor, consider searing the chicken in a hot pan for a few minutes before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 3½ hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Pro Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking; it releases steam and can prolong the cooking time.
- Shred the Chicken: When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks in a bowl.
- Pro Tip: Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm makes it easier to break apart.
- Thicken the Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Mix this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch, but do so gradually to avoid clumping.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese, and ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro into the chicken mixture until everything is well combined.
- Pro Tip: Be sure to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pro Tip: Using parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze and prevents the taquitos from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Warm the 18 small whole grain tortillas to make them more pliable. Fill each tortilla with about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture and roll it tightly. Place each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble rolling the tortillas, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them further.
- Bake the Taquitos: Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle a little kosher salt on top for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Pro Tip: For extra crunch, you can flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve created these mouth-watering taquitos, you’ll want to think about how to serve them. Here are some creative ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or fresh salsa for a flavor-packed experience.
- Drinks: Pair with a cold beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer for that perfect summer vibe.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.
- Game Day Snack: These taquitos make an excellent finger food for watching sports with friends.
- Potluck: They’re easy to transport and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Serving Tips
- Garnish: Add extra chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish.
- Presentation: Serve them in a colorful platter for a vibrant look!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftover taquitos, proper storage is essential to keep them delicious for later.
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Container Type: A glass or plastic container works well to maintain freshness.
Freezed
- If Possible: Yes, you can freeze the taquitos, but it’s best to freeze them before baking.
- Packaging: Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Defrosting: When ready to eat, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp.
- Alternative: You can use the microwave, but this may result in softer tortillas.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: This helps keep it tender and moist.
- Warm Tortillas: Always warming tortillas before filling helps prevent tearing and ensures they roll easily.
- Check Seasoning: Taste the chicken mixture before assembling to adjust flavors to your liking.
- Use Enough Sauce: Make sure each taquito is adequately filled for the best flavor.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your taquitos! Here are some variations to try:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce or 1 finely chopped jalapeño to the BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
- For a Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with jackfruit and use a vegan cream cheese alternative for a plant-based delight.
- For a Southwest Twist: Mix in black beans and corn into the chicken mixture for a heartier filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes! If you use frozen chicken breasts, just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead and assemble the taquitos before baking. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q: What if my taquitos come out soggy?
A: Make sure to bake them until golden brown and crispy. A light spray of cooking spray can help with crisping!
Q: How do I make them gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your other ingredients (like ketchup and BBQ sauce) are gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I grill these taquitos instead of baking?
A: Yes! You can grill them for a smoky flavor; just be cautious of burning them and keep an eye on them.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
A: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: You can substitute Monterey jack with cheddar, pepper jack for a bit of heat, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for alternatives.
Now you have all the insights you need to make delicious Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients Â
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- 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
Chicken Filling
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened) Can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese Can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack.
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Taquito Assembly
- 18 small whole grain tortillas Can substitute with corn or flour tortillas.
- cooking spray
- Kosher salt For sprinkling on top.
InstructionsÂ
Prepare BBQ Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, honey, molasses, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Prepare Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker, then pour the BBQ sauce over them, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cook Chicken
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 3½ hours or on high for 2 hours.
Shred Chicken
- When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks in a bowl.
Thicken Sauce
- In the slow cooker, whisk together cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry. Mix this into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to thicken it, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Combine Ingredients
- Mix in the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey jack cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro into the chicken mixture until everything is well combined.
Prepare to Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble Taquitos
- Warm the tortillas to make them more pliable. Fill each tortilla with about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture and roll it tightly. Place each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Taquitos
- Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray and sprinkle a little kosher salt on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 16 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.