If you’re craving a quick, flavorful snack with a kick, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the answer. Combining the heat of buffalo wing sauce with the creamy goodness of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, these crispy, golden taquitos are sure to become your go-to appetizer or game day snack. They’re super easy to make, and the flavors are bold and irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a family dinner or for a party, these taquitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 small flour tortillas (fajita size)
- Cooking spray
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the taquitos cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy. Next, add the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. This creamy, spicy filling is what makes these taquitos extra delicious!
3. Warm the Tortillas
To make the tortillas more pliable and easy to roll, microwave them for 20-30 seconds. This step prevents them from cracking when you try to roll the taquitos.
4. Assemble the Taquitos
Now, it’s time to assemble! Lay out your warmed tortillas and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Carefully roll the tortillas tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the Taquitos
Lightly spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray to help them crisp up as they bake. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally with extra ranch dressing or buffalo sauce for dipping. These taquitos are crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside, making them the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
- Crispy & Crunchy: These taquitos bake up perfectly golden and crispy, making every bite satisfying.
- Perfect Balance of Flavor: The combination of creamy cream cheese, tangy ranch dressing, and spicy buffalo sauce creates the ultimate flavor explosion.
- Easy & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking, these taquitos are a breeze to make for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile Snack or Meal: Whether you’re serving them for Game Day, a family dinner, or as a snack, these taquitos are sure to be a hit.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less buffalo wing sauce or mixing in some hot sauce for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If you like heat, consider a side of extra buffalo sauce.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the creamy taquitos.
- Game Day Snacks: These taquitos are perfect for game day or a casual party. Serve them alongside other appetizers like nachos, mozzarella sticks, or chips and salsa.
- With Veggies: For a healthier twist, serve with fresh celery sticks or carrot sticks, which complement the buffalo flavor.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and shredded, making it the perfect shortcut for this recipe.
- Don’t Overstuff: Be sure not to overstuff the tortillas. A 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla is the perfect amount to ensure the taquitos roll tightly and bake evenly.
- For Extra Crispiness: After spraying the taquitos with cooking spray, flip them halfway through baking for an even crisp on both sides.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the taquitos ahead of time, assemble them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may not be as pliable and may crack while rolling. If using corn tortillas, you may want to warm them up in the microwave or lightly fry them first to make them more flexible.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce and use a milder sauce, or simply omit the buffalo sauce entirely and make ranch chicken taquitos instead.
Conclusion
These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and spicy goodness that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a tasty snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this easy recipe has you covered. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these irresistible taquitos in under 30 minutes! Try them today and enjoy the spicy, savory flavors in every bite.