BEST BUFFALO CHICKEN TAQUITOS

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown shell, only to be greeted by a creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible buffalo chicken filling. These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the answer to your cravings for bold flavors and satisfying crunch. I promise, this recipe is so simple, you’ll be making these for every game day and party!

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (I love Frank’s RedHot)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing, if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Taquitos:

• 20-24 corn tortillas (6-inch size)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for brushing)
• Optional toppings: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese

Let’s Talk Tortillas: Corn vs. Flour

Choosing between corn and flour tortillas is a matter of personal preference, but for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, I strongly recommend corn tortillas. Their slightly earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy buffalo chicken. Plus, they crisp up perfectly in the oven or air fryer. However, corn tortillas can be a little finicky. They tend to crack if they aren’t warmed properly before rolling. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ll show you the best way to warm them so they stay pliable and easy to work with. This is definitely important to keep in mind, especially when you are thinking of some quick savory dinner ideas!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and the filling is creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more buffalo sauce for extra kick!

Warm Those Tortillas!

This is the most crucial step! If you skip this, your tortillas will crack when you try to roll them.

1. Microwave Method: Stack about 5 tortillas at a time, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until they are pliable.
2. Oven Method: Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Skillet Method: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side, until softened.

Assemble the Taquitos

1. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling down the center of each warmed tortilla. Don’t overfill them, or they will be difficult to roll and might burst during cooking.
2. Tightly roll up each tortilla, starting from one end and securing it with a toothpick, if necessary.
3. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cook ‘Em Up! (Three Ways)

You have three options for cooking your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: baking, air frying, or frying. Each method yields delicious results, so choose the one that works best for you!

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the taquitos lightly with vegetable oil. This will help them crisp up and turn golden brown.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Air Frying

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the taquitos lightly with vegetable oil.
3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Frying (For the Extra Crispy!)

1. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot oil.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the taquitos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove any toothpicks before serving.
2. Serve the Buffalo Chicken Taquitos immediately with your favorite toppings, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Taquitos

• Don’t overfill the tortillas! This is the biggest mistake people make. Too much filling will cause the tortillas to burst.
• Warm the tortillas properly! As I mentioned earlier, this is key to preventing cracking.
• Use a good quality buffalo wing sauce. The sauce is the heart of the buffalo chicken flavor, so choose one you love.
• Get creative with the fillings! Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, corn, or diced jalapenos.
• Make them ahead of time! You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake or fry them when you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Party!

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are fantastic as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. They are perfect for Cheesy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip or anytime you need some great Party Food Ideas Mexican. For a fun Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas, try pairing these taquitos with a side of creamy coleslaw or a simple salad. They also make a great addition to any Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese menu. If you’re planning an Appetizer Theme Party, these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And for a change of pace, you could even try these with Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos. For a truly memorable Dinner Party Snack Ideas spread, offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, and even a spicy sriracha mayo. These also work as Entree Recipes Dinner in a pinch!

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes.

Buffalo Chicken Taquito FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can, but the texture and flavor will be different. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, but they don’t crisp up as well as corn tortillas. If you use flour tortillas, be sure to warm them well to prevent cracking.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze them! Assemble the taquitos, but don’t bake or fry them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, bake them straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Can I make these spicier?

Absolutely! Add more buffalo wing sauce to the filling, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier brand of buffalo wing sauce.

Can I make these less spicy?

Yes, you can! Use a milder buffalo wing sauce, or reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce in the filling. You can also add a little extra ranch dressing or cream cheese to mellow out the spiciness.

Enjoy Your Homemade Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are seriously addictive! I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do. They are the perfect easy, flavorful snack or appetizer for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your cooking adventures!