Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

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Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a spicy, crunchy, and utterly delicious treat that combines tender, seasoned chicken with the bold flavor of buffalo sauce, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. These taquitos are perfect for game day, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner. The creamy filling, which is often made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce, is packed inside corn tortillas, then rolled up and baked until crispy.

I first made buffalo chicken taquitos when I wanted something that was both comforting and packed with flavor. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing provides the perfect balance of heat and creaminess, while the crispy exterior gives each bite a satisfying crunch. They’re delicious on their own or served with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a casual night in, these taquitos will be a hit with anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors!

Perfect for:

  • Game day snacks
  • Casual gatherings
  • Family movie nights
  • Potlucks
  • Fans of buffalo-flavored dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Buffalo Chicken Taquitos will become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Spicy and Tangy Flavor: The buffalo sauce adds a zesty heat that’s perfectly balanced with creamy filling.
  • Crispy Tortilla Shells: Oven-baked or air-fried, the taquitos turn irresistibly crunchy.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to recipe for busy days.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and reheat for a fast snack or lunch.
  • Customizable Filling: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite mix-ins like bacon or jalapeños.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving at parties or as finger food for gatherings.
  • Kid-Friendly: Mild versions can be made for little ones while keeping the bold flavor adults love.
  • Pairs with Dips: Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even guacamole for extra flair.
  • Portable Snack: Easy to pack for on-the-go meals or picnics.
  • Low-Mess Eating: Neatly rolled taquitos make for a clean and convenient appetizer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 12 taquitos
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

For the Taquitos:

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 12 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or oil for brushing

Optional Toppings and Dips:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • Celery sticks

Ingredient Highlights

  • Buffalo Sauce: Adds the signature tangy heat that defines this dish.
  • Shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella: A combination that ensures gooey, melty goodness.
  • Flour or Corn Tortillas: Choose your favorite for the perfect texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and both cheeses. Mix until well incorporated.

Assemble the Taquitos:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Fill Tortillas: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one end of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Brush or Spray: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with oil to help them crisp up.

Bake or Air-Fry:

  1. Bake: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Dip: Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces and garnish with green onions or blue cheese crumbles.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

  • As a Game Day Snack: Serve alongside nachos and wings for the ultimate party platter.
  • With Ranch Dressing: Drizzle or dip in ranch for a cool contrast to the spicy filling.
  • Paired with Blue Cheese: For fans of bold flavors, blue cheese dressing is a classic accompaniment.
  • With Fresh Veggies: Serve with celery and carrot sticks for a crunchy, refreshing side.
  • Over a Salad: Slice and top a crisp green salad for a buffalo-inspired meal.
  • With Rice or Quinoa: Turn it into a complete meal by serving with a side of rice or quinoa.
  • Taco Bar Addition: Add to a taco bar for a unique twist on traditional tacos.
  • As a Packed Lunch: These taquitos travel well for lunchboxes or office meals.
  • With Extra Buffalo Sauce: For spice lovers, serve with an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce.
  • At a Picnic: Pack them in foil for an easy-to-eat outdoor snack.

Additional Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, substitute shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts yourself. It adds extra flavor and saves time.
  • Make Them Spicy or Mild: Adjust the level of spice by controlling how much buffalo sauce you use. For a milder version, mix the buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Add Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese with the chicken to add extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Use Corn or Flour Tortillas: Both corn and flour tortillas work, but flour tortillas tend to be more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
  • Crisp Them in the Oven: For a healthier version, bake the taquitos in the oven rather than frying them. Spray with cooking spray for a crispy texture.
  • Freeze for Later: To make ahead, assemble the taquitos and freeze them before baking or frying. When ready to cook, just bake from frozen.
  • Serve with Dipping Sauces: Complement the taquitos with a side of ranch, blue cheese, or creamy sriracha dipping sauce.
  • Add Veggies: Incorporate diced celery or green onions into the chicken mixture for added crunch and freshness.
  • Use a Slow Cooker: If you have time, cook the chicken in a slow cooker with buffalo sauce for an even more flavorful filling. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked through.
  • Top with Garnishes: After baking or frying, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the taquitos for a burst of color and flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Beef Taquitos: Swap chicken for seasoned ground beef.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use black beans and roasted veggies in place of chicken.
  • BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Replace buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist.
  • Buffalo Turkey Taquitos: Use leftover turkey for a delicious variation.
  • Cheesy Jalapeño Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
  • Bacon Buffalo Taquitos: Mix crispy bacon bits into the filling for a smoky flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Buffalo Cauliflower Taquitos: Substitute roasted cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.
  • Creamy Spinach and Artichoke: Mix buffalo sauce with spinach and artichoke dip for a rich, creamy filling.
  • Buffalo Shrimp Taquitos: Use cooked, chopped shrimp for a seafood twist.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Sheet: For evenly baking the taquitos.
  • Air Fryer: Optional for a crispier texture with less oil.
  • Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
  • Brush or Spray Bottle: For lightly oiling the taquitos.
  • Tongs: For flipping taquitos during air-frying.
  • Sharp Knife: To slice garnishes or trim tortillas if needed.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the taquitos and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    Keep leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze them?
    Absolutely! Freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
  4. What’s the best way to reheat?
    Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and warmed through.
  5. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
    Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
  6. Are these spicy?
    They have a mild to moderate spice level, depending on the buffalo sauce used.
  7. What other cheeses can I use?
    Try gouda, provolone, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
  8. Can I fry these instead of baking?
    Yes, fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
  9. How do I prevent them from unrolling?
    Place the seam side down on the baking sheet, and ensure the filling isn’t overstuffed.
  10. Can I use dairy-free cheese?
    Yes, there are great dairy-free cheese options available for a lactose-free version.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a deliciously spicy and crispy twist on traditional taquitos, combining the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken wrapped in a crunchy corn tortilla. These taquitos are the perfect combination of heat, flavor, and crunch, making them a perfect appetizer, snack, or game-day treat. The creamy filling made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a kick of buffalo sauce is wrapped in tortillas and baked or fried to golden perfection.

They’re easy to make and can be customized to your spice level by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to balance the heat with cool creaminess. Whether you’re serving them at a party or as a quick weeknight dinner, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors.

I can’t wait to see how your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made them your own!