Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate snack that brings together the spicy, tangy kick of buffalo chicken with the irresistible crunch of a crispy tortilla. These bite-sized wonders are filled with tender, shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheese and a zesty buffalo sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The moment they come out of the oven, golden and crisp, you know you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, cheering on your favorite team, or simply craving something delicious, these taquitos are always a hit.

The first time I made Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, I was amazed by how quickly they came together and how satisfying they were. As I rolled up the tortillas with the buffalo chicken mixture, I could already picture how delicious they would be. Once baked to crispy perfection, the warm, spicy filling paired with the crunchy exterior was a flavor combination that couldn’t be beat. The aroma of buffalo sauce and melting cheese filled my kitchen, making it impossible to resist.

What I love most about Buffalo Chicken Taquitos is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a quick dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fun game day snack. You can customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce, and you can also try different dipping sauces, from ranch to blue cheese, to add even more flavor. No matter how you serve them, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are guaranteed to be a favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Perfect for:

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• Game day snacks
• Casual parties
• Quick weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Taquitos will become your new favorite go-to recipe:

• Perfectly Crispy: The tortillas are rolled tightly and baked to a crispy perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese creates a bold and flavorful filling that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: These taquitos come together quickly and can be made in advance for easy meal prep or party prep.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make these as mild or as spicy as you like.
• Great for Dipping: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: green onions, cilantro, ranch dressing, or blue cheese for dipping

Ingredient Highlights

• Buffalo Sauce: The star of the recipe! It provides the tangy, spicy kick that defines buffalo flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce, ensuring the filling is rich and smooth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the taquitos a cheesy, gooey interior that complements the spicy chicken.
• Shredded Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken, such as from a rotisserie, simplifies the process while still delivering tender, flavorful meat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Shred the Chicken: If not already done, shred your cooked chicken using two forks or your hands. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones before shredding.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Taquitos:

3. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable. This will prevent them from breaking when rolled.
4. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of each tortilla. Be sure not to overfill them to avoid spilling when rolling.
5. Roll the Taquitos: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling. Try to keep them compact to ensure they hold their shape during baking.

Bake the Taquitos:

6. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
7. Arrange the Taquitos: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
8. Bake: Bake the taquitos for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Serve the Taquitos:

9. Serve and Garnish: Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos can be served in several delicious ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
• As Appetizers: Perfect for game day, parties, or gatherings as finger food that everyone can enjoy.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness of the taquitos.
• In a Wrap or Burrito: For a heartier meal, you can wrap the taquitos in a large tortilla with some lettuce and more buffalo sauce.
• As a Meal Prep Option: These taquitos are perfect for meal prep—store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a quick, tasty lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos turn out perfect every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor, but you can also use leftover chicken or cook chicken breasts and shred them.
• Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a mild buffalo sauce. For an extra spicy kick, use a hot sauce or add chili flakes.
• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Fill the tortillas generously, but not too much, as it can make rolling difficult and cause the filling to spill during baking.
• Crisp the Taquitos: For an extra crispy finish, broil the taquitos for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Make Them in Advance: You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them directly from the fridge.

Recipe Variations for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are 10 variations you can try for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

• Ranch Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Add a couple of tablespoons of ranch dressing to the chicken mixture for a creamy and tangy twist.
• Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix chopped jalapeños into the filling for an added heat boost.
• Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Taquitos: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Taquitos: Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian option that still has the same great buffalo flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken and Cream Cheese Taquitos: Use more cream cheese in the filling for an ultra-creamy, rich texture.
• Buffalo Chicken and Avocado Taquitos: Add some mashed avocado to the filling for a creamy texture and a fresh flavor.
• Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix in a touch of honey to balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Taquitos: Incorporate crumbled blue cheese into the filling for a tangy, bold flavor.
• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist on the classic buffalo flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Taquito Bites: Use mini flour tortillas and cut them into smaller sizes for bite-sized taquito appetizers.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These taquitos freeze well. After rolling and before baking, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes for crispy results.

Special Equipment for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos easier:

• Electric Mixer: For quickly shredding the chicken if you want to save time.
• Baking Sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Brush: A pastry brush helps to evenly apply olive oil for crispier taquitos.
• Small Mixing Bowls: For preparing the filling ingredients separately before combining them.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder accurately.

FAQ Section for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they might not be as pliable as flour tortillas, and may crack when rolled.
2. Can I make these taquitos without buffalo sauce?
   You can substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or any sauce of your choice for a different flavor.
3. How can I make these taquitos spicier?
   To make them spicier, add more buffalo sauce, chili flakes, or fresh jalapeños to the filling.
4. Can I bake the taquitos ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble and bake the taquitos ahead of time, and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Can I make these taquitos in an air fryer?
   Yes, preheat your air fryer to 375°F, and cook the taquitos for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make snack that will satisfy both your cravings for something spicy and your desire for a crispy, cheesy bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a weeknight dinner, or using them for meal prep, these taquitos will quickly become a favorite in your household. With the perfect combination of buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and a golden, crispy shell, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these delicious, crave-worthy taquitos!

I’d love to see how you enjoy these taquitos! Tag me on Instagram with your creations—I can’t wait to see your take on them. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. Happy cooking!