Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Delicious!
If you’re craving a snack or appetizer that’s packed with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are your perfect go-to. These little rolled tortillas filled with spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese are a crowd-pleaser at parties, game days, or even as a satisfying meal.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make mouthwatering buffalo chicken taquitos at home — from step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, cooking methods, to serving ideas. Let’s dive right in!
What Are Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?
Buffalo chicken taquitos are a fusion of two popular flavors: the spicy tang of buffalo chicken and the crispy, handheld convenience of taquitos. Taquitos are small rolled tortillas usually filled with seasoned meat or cheese and then fried or baked until crunchy.
By combining shredded buffalo chicken with cheese and rolling it inside corn or flour tortillas, you get an amazing finger food that is crispy on the outside and bursting with spicy, cheesy goodness inside.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The spicy buffalo sauce combined with creamy cheese creates a perfect balance.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Can be baked or fried, depending on your preference.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick dinner.
- Customizable: Add ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or mix in extra veggies.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
To make about 12-15 taquitos, you’ll need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Taquitos:
- 12-15 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Chopped cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or guacamole
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated and the cheese is well distributed.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, warm the buffalo sauce slightly before mixing it in.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
To prevent cracking when rolling, warm your tortillas. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat each briefly on a hot skillet for about 10 seconds per side.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Place about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling near one edge of each tortilla. Spread it out evenly, then roll tightly. Make sure the seam is on the bottom to prevent unrolling during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Taquitos
You have two options to cook your taquitos:
- Oven-Baked Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Frying Method: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the taquitos seam side down for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
- Don’t overfill: Overfilling the tortillas may cause them to burst open while cooking.
- Use fresh tortillas: Fresh or soft tortillas roll easier and crisp better.
- Serve immediately: Taquitos are best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum crunch.
- Make ahead: Assemble taquitos and freeze them uncooked for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations to Try
- Add veggies: Mix finely diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños into the filling for extra texture.
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Make it vegetarian: Use shredded jackfruit or black beans in place of chicken.
- Sauce it up: Drizzle more buffalo sauce or mix ranch dressing inside the filling for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Buffalo chicken taquitos are perfect finger food but can also be served with some sides for a fuller meal.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Add a fresh side salad or crunchy slaw.
- Pair with guacamole, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
- Serve alongside celery sticks for a classic buffalo wing twist.
Nutritional Info (Approximate per taquito)
- Calories: 150-180
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
Complete Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe Recap
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12-15 small tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
- Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cheeses, green onions, and spices.
- Warm tortillas to soften.
- Spoon filling onto tortillas and roll tightly.
- Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or fry until crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken taquitos are an easy-to-make, delicious appetizer or snack that will satisfy anyone’s craving for spicy, cheesy goodness. Whether you bake or fry them, they turn out crispy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Try this recipe for your next gathering or game day, and watch them disappear in minutes! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it and bookmark it for later.
