Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Posted on September 27, 2025

These easy Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are the perfect dish for any gathering, family dinner, or game day snack. With tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, homemade BBQ sauce and wrapped in warm tortillas, they are bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy cheese and zesty cilantro makes these taquitos a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Deliciously Flavorful: The honey BBQ sauce infuses the chicken with sweet and tangy notes, making each bite irresistible.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party food; these taquitos fit any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: With a creamy filling and crispy exterior, they are sure to impress friends and family.
Freezable Option: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious taquitos, having the right kitchen tools is essential. Here’s what you need to whip up this recipe easily.

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, ensuring your chicken stays juicy and tender.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for crisping taquitos 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 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 to 3 ½ hours or on high for about 2 hours until cooked through.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl while leaving excess 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: Combine Filling Ingredients

While waiting for the sauce to thicken, shred the cooked chicken. Add ¾ cup of thickened sauce back into the shredded chicken along with cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

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

Step 6: Prepare Tortillas

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

Step 7: 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 kosher salt on top. Bake for about 12–16 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired! Enjoy!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Serving Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. These taquitos are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

With Fresh Guacamole

Guacamole adds a creamy texture that complements the BBQ flavors. Simply mash ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, and salt for a fresh dip.

On a Bed of Lettuce

Serve the taquitos on a bed of crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Accompanied by Salsa

A zesty salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice pairs well with these taquitos. It adds freshness and a bit of heat to each bite.

Topped with Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. Add some chopped chives for an extra pop of flavor.

With Pickled Jalapeños

For those who enjoy heat, adding pickled jalapeños provides a spicy kick. They also enhance the overall presentation with their vibrant color.

Paired with Corn Salad

A light corn salad mixed with bell peppers, red onion, and lime juice offers a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory taquitos, making each bite exciting.

How to Perfect Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Creating the perfect Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, organic chicken breasts enhances the flavor and tenderness of your taquitos.
Don’t Skip Thickeners: Adding cornstarch to the leftover sauce is key for achieving the right consistency in your filling.
Warm Your Tortillas: Heating tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents tearing when rolling them up.
Bake for Crispiness: Spraying taquitos with cooking spray before baking ensures they get that golden-brown crispiness everyone loves.
Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles in your filling.
Make Ahead: Prepare extra taquitos and freeze them for a quick meal later. Just bake them straight from frozen when you’re ready!

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 tasty options to consider.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the flavors of the taquitos while providing a hearty side.
Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and fiber, making them a nutritious accompaniment.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots offers freshness and balances the richness of the taquitos.
Chips and Salsa: Tortilla chips served with salsa provide an irresistible crunch that guests will love snacking on before dinner.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn enhance your plate’s vibrancy while adding healthy options.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brushed with butter is a classic side that pairs wonderfully with any Mexican dish.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds sweetness and brightness to your meal.
Guacamole Dip: Always a favorite, serve guacamole as an appetizer alongside chips before enjoying your main course!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the sauce whisking: Not thoroughly whisking the BBQ sauce ingredients can lead to uneven flavor. Always mix until well combined.
Overcrowding the slow cooker: Placing too much chicken in the slow cooker can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
Not shredding the chicken properly: Leaving large chunks of chicken can make rolling the taquitos difficult. Ensure you shred it finely for better texture and easier assembly.
Forgetting to warm tortillas: Cold tortillas are prone to tearing. Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable.
Neglecting cooking spray: Skipping the cooking spray when baking can result in stuck taquitos. A light spray helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow taquitos to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed, but this may not keep them crispy.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat in these taquitos?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or lean beef for different flavor profiles.

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

Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling before rolling them up.

Can I prepare these taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking.

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

Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa, or a light salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook these taquitos?

The total cooking time is approximately 165 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Conclusion

These Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Taquitos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients or sides. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!