Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe for Spicy Snack Lovers

Crispy buffalo chicken taquitos bring a zesty twist to your snack routine.

Spicy flavors dance across your palate with each crunchy bite.

Tortillas wrapped around tender, shredded chicken create a perfect handheld treat.

Cream cheese adds a smooth counterpoint to the fiery buffalo sauce.

Weeknight dinners or game day parties suddenly feel more exciting with these rolled delights.

Quick preparation means you can satisfy those spicy cravings in minutes.

Grab some napkins and get ready to savor every delicious, crispy morsel.

Why Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Are A Spicy Treat

  • Speedy Weeknight Hero: Whip up these buffalo chicken taquitos in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect quick dinner solution for busy families and hungry individuals.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences, ensuring everyone from kids to spice lovers can enjoy this versatile recipe.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: These crispy taquitos are ideal for game day, movie nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, guaranteed to disappear fast from the appetizer table.
  • Double-Cooking Flexibility: Choose between baking or frying based on your health preferences or available kitchen equipment, providing ultimate convenience for home cooks.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Ingredient List

Main Protein and Dairy:
  • Shredded Chicken: Key protein for the taquito filling, tender and perfect for shredding.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind the filling together.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella: Provide melty, rich cheese flavor and extra creaminess.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic spices that enhance the overall savory profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening the filling's taste.
Wrap and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Tortillas: Soft wraps that will crisp up and hold the chicken filling.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Gives signature tangy and spicy kick to the taquitos.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps taquitos achieve golden, crispy exterior when baking.
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides medium for frying if choosing that cooking method.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Ranch Dressing, Blue Cheese Dressing: Cool, creamy dips that complement the spicy buffalo chicken.

Easy Steps To Roll Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in these tasty ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Craft the Perfect Roll

Take a soft tortilla and spread a generous scoop of the chicken mixture. Roll it up tight like a delicious little package. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Cooking Magic

You’ve got two awesome ways to transform these rolls:

Baking Method:
  • Spritz the rolls with a light cooking spray
  • Slide into the preheated oven
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes until they turn golden and crispy
Frying Method:
  • Pour vegetable oil into a pan (about 1 inch deep)
  • Heat oil over medium temperature
  • Gently place rolls in the oil
  • Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they're beautifully golden
  • Rescue rolls with tongs and let them rest on paper towels

Step 5: Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve these spicy chicken roll-ups piping hot! Grab some ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce for dipping. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips To Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Better

  • Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most tender and evenly sized pieces in your taquitos.
  • Control Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to make the recipe mild, medium, or extra hot based on personal heat preferences and family tastes.
  • Crisp Without Oil: Brush taquitos with olive oil instead of deep frying to reduce calories while maintaining a satisfying crunch during baking.
  • Cheese Blend Magic: Mix different cheese types like cheddar and mozzarella for deeper flavor complexity and smoother melting texture in the filling.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare taquito filling in advance and store in refrigerator for up to two days, allowing quick assembly when hunger strikes.

How To Store Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Properly

  • Refrigerate leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Ensure they cool completely before storing to prevent soggy texture.
  • Reheat in the oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, which helps maintain their delicious crunch.
  • Avoid microwaving, as this will make the tortillas soft and less appealing.
  • Freeze prepared taquitos by placing them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid.
  • Frozen taquitos can be stored for up to 2 months.
  • When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
  • Pro tip: Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking when freezing or refrigerating.

Dips And Sides For Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

  • Enhance Buffalo Heat: Pair these spicy taquitos with a crisp, cold beer like a light lager or pilsner that cuts through the buffalo sauce's intensity and refreshes your palate.
  • Cool Down the Flame: Serve with a creamy blue cheese or ranch dip to balance the fiery buffalo chicken, providing a smooth, cooling contrast that mellows the spice.
  • Crisp Veggie Companion: Add a fresh cucumber or celery salad with a light vinaigrette to bring a crunchy, clean element that complements the rich, spicy taquitos and adds nutritional balance.
  • Zesty Drink Match: Choose a citrusy white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a tangy margarita that can stand up to the bold buffalo flavors while offering a bright, acidic counterpoint.

Fun Twists On Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

  • Spicy Pulled Pork Taquitos: Replace chicken with tender pulled pork, add jalapeños for extra heat, and mix in smoky chipotle sauce for a southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Taquitos: Swap chicken for roasted zucchini, spinach, and feta cheese, incorporating oregano and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
  • BBQ Chicken Ranch Taquitos: Combine shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, blend in ranch seasoning, and top with crispy bacon bits for a flavor-packed version.
  • Korean Fusion Taquitos: Use gochujang-glazed shredded chicken, add kimchi for crunch, sprinkle green onions, and serve with a quick sesame-soy dipping sauce.

Your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos FAQs

  • What makes these buffalo chicken taquitos special?

These taquitos combine the classic spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the crispy texture of rolled tortillas, creating a perfect game day or party snack that’s packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred the meat and mix it into the filling as the recipe suggests.

  • How spicy are these taquitos?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. For a milder version, choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount. For extra heat lovers, opt for a hot buffalo sauce or add a few dashes of hot sauce to amp up the spiciness.

  • Are these taquitos kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids usually love these taquitos because of the cheesy filling and crispy exterior. You can easily adjust the spice level to make them more mild and appealing to younger taste buds.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crispy buffalo chicken taquitos deliver a fiery kickoff to game night dinners. Packed with zesty shredded chicken and creamy cheese, these rolled tortillas promise a spicy sensation you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Cheeses:

  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Wrap:

  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce (like Franks RedHot)
  • 10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
  • Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for baking/frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C), positioning the baking sheet with a protective parchment paper lining.
  2. Craft the flavor-packed filling by blending shredded chicken with velvety cream cheese, zesty buffalo sauce, sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until ingredients meld seamlessly.
  3. Transform tortillas into crispy parcels by spreading a generous portion of the seasoned chicken mixture across each wrap, rolling tightly to create compact cylinders, and positioning them seam-side down on the prepared baking surface.
  4. Select your cooking method: for oven-baked perfection, mist the taquitos with a light cooking spray and roast until they transform into golden, crunchy delights. Alternatively, for a deep-fried approach, submerge the rolls in hot vegetable oil, frying each batch until they achieve a tantalizingly crisp, amber-brown exterior.
  5. Complete the culinary journey by serving these sizzling taquitos alongside cooling ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing, or drizzle with additional buffalo sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Notes

  • Swap tortillas with gluten-free options for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners to make the recipe adaptable.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor dimension to the filling.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on spice preference – start with less and gradually increase for personalized heat levels.
  • Prep taquitos ahead of time and freeze uncooked for convenient meal planning, storing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star