Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and bold snack or appetizer that packs all the flavor of classic buffalo wings into a crispy, rolled-up tortilla. These taquitos are filled with tender, shredded chicken that’s coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, making them a spicy, tangy, and utterly irresistible bite. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun weeknight dinner, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos bring together the best of comfort food with an exciting twist.

The crispy outside and the creamy, spicy filling make these taquitos a guaranteed hit with anyone who loves bold flavors. They are versatile, customizable, and simple to make, making them the ideal dish to satisfy your craving for something savory and satisfying. Plus, these taquitos can easily be adapted to suit your personal preferences, whether you like them extra spicy or milder for the whole family to enjoy. You can even serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat, making them a great addition to any gathering.

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Casual family dinners
• Potlucks or parties
• Movie nights
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Here’s why Buffalo Chicken Taquitos will become your go-to snack or meal:

• Bold Flavor: The combination of buffalo sauce and tender shredded chicken creates an irresistibly tangy and spicy filling that’s packed with flavor.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The tortillas become perfectly crispy in the oven, giving the taquitos a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or last-minute party snack.
• Perfect for Sharing: These taquitos are easy to serve in large batches, making them perfect for parties or gatherings where everyone can grab a few.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce and add extra ingredients like cheese, herbs, or vegetables to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 taquitos
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken or cook your own)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (choose your preferred heat level)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Mexican blend cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
• Olive oil spray or vegetable oil for brushing

Ingredient Highlights

• Shredded Chicken: The chicken serves as the base for the taquito filling, and using cooked and shredded chicken ensures that the filling stays moist and flavorful.
• Buffalo Sauce: This spicy, tangy sauce gives the taquitos their signature bold flavor. You can adjust the heat level by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese helps to bind the chicken and sauce together, creating a creamy and smooth texture that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Cheese: The shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese adds richness and gooeyness to the taquitos, making them extra delicious.
• Green Onions: Adding green onions provides a fresh, mild crunch that complements the spicy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Shred the Chicken: If you’re using cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shred the meat into small pieces using two forks or your hands. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the mixture.
3. Add Green Onions (Optional): If you’re using green onions, fold them into the mixture for added flavor and freshness.

Roll the Taquitos:

4. Warm the Tortillas: To make rolling the taquitos easier, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will prevent them from cracking or breaking.
5. Fill the Tortillas: Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. Make sure the taquitos are evenly spaced.

Bake the Taquitos:

7. Brush with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or vegetable oil to help them crisp up while baking.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the taquitos for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip them halfway through baking to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides.
9. Cool: Once they are done baking, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve:

10. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also top them with extra buffalo sauce, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for cooling off the heat and adding a creamy contrast.
• Topped with Fresh Ingredients: Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
• As a Main Course: Serve alongside a green salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
• For Parties: These taquitos are perfect for gatherings or game day parties. Serve them on a platter with various sauces for guests to dip.
• With a Side of Guacamole: For an extra touch, pair these taquitos with homemade guacamole or avocado slices for a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken filling.

Additional Tips for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are some tips to help you make the best Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It’s already cooked, flavorful, and easy to shred.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your taquitos milder, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce in the filling. You can also mix the buffalo sauce with a little honey or ranch dressing to cut down on the heat.
• Crispy Taquitos: For extra crispiness, you can lightly brush the taquitos with oil or melted butter before baking. If you have an air fryer, you can also cook them in batches for an even crispier result.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and bake them just before serving.
• Freeze for Later: These taquitos freeze well. To freeze, place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations of Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are 10 variations of Buffalo Chicken Taquitos that you can try:

• Buffalo Chicken and Cheese Taquitos: Add extra cheese to the filling for an even cheesier version.
• Ranch Buffalo Taquitos: Mix ranch dressing with buffalo sauce for a creamy, tangy filling.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Taquitos: Use plant-based chicken or chickpeas as a substitute for the chicken to make a vegetarian version.
• Spicy BBQ Buffalo Taquitos: Mix in some barbecue sauce with the buffalo sauce for a tangy, smoky flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken and Spinach Taquitos: Add fresh spinach to the filling for extra nutrition and a vibrant green color.
• Buffalo Chicken with Jalapeños: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a kick of heat.
• Crispy Air Fryer Taquitos: If you prefer using an air fryer, spray the taquitos lightly with oil and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Bacon Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: For extra flavor, add crispy bacon pieces to the buffalo chicken filling (halal bacon if necessary).
• Buffalo Chicken and Avocado Taquitos: Add mashed avocado to the filling for a creamy, buttery texture.
• Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese: Incorporate crumbled blue cheese into the filling for a bold, tangy flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Freezing: You can freeze the taquitos for up to 3 months. Arrange the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.

Special Equipment for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are 10 special equipment items you might need to make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

• Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is essential for evenly baking the taquitos.
• Mixing Bowls: Use large mixing bowls to combine the filling ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right proportions for the filling.
• Microwave-safe Plate: Use this to warm the tortillas to make rolling easier.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the taquitos from sticking.
• Oil Sprayer: An oil sprayer helps to evenly distribute the oil on the taquitos.
• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush can be used to brush oil or butter onto the taquitos.
• Tongs: Tongs help to flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
• Bowl Scraper: A bowl scraper helps to scoop the filling evenly into each tortilla.
• Cooling Rack: Use a cooling rack to ensure the taquitos stay crispy as they cool.

FAQ Section about Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

1. Can I use a different kind of sauce instead of buffalo sauce?
   Yes, you can use BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or any other sauce you prefer to coat the chicken.
2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos ahead of time. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How can I make these taquitos spicier?
   To increase the heat, add more buffalo sauce or mix in some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
4. Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free tortillas to make these taquitos suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
5. How do I know when the taquitos are done?
   The taquitos are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can test by gently pressing on one—if it feels firm and crispy, they are ready.

Conclusion of Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are an irresistible, flavorful snack or meal that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the crispy, satisfying crunch of a taquito. With their bold flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility, these taquitos are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Whether you serve them with dipping sauces, garnish them with fresh ingredients, or enjoy them on their own, these taquitos are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!