Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe: Spicy Game Day Magic

Crispy buffalo chicken taquitos bring a fiery kick to your snack game that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Rolled tortillas packed with zesty shredded chicken create an irresistible appetizer everyone craves.

Spicy flavors mingle perfectly inside each golden-brown cylinder, promising a delicious adventure.

Tangy hot sauce coats tender meat, ensuring maximum flavor in every single bite.

Quick and simple preparation means you can whip up these crowd-pleasing treats in minutes.

Crunchy exterior gives way to a molten center that promises pure satisfaction.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Why Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Are a Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Your Meal: Buffalo chicken taquitos pack a flavor punch with their zesty, spicy filling that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings, these taquitos bring people together with their irresistible combination of crispy texture and bold buffalo sauce.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Quick Comfort Food: Simple preparation and minimal ingredients mean you can satisfy hunger quickly, turning a basic chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy snack in minutes.

Ingredients to Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Shredded Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary filling for the taquitos and absorbs the bold buffalo sauce flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses provide rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the taquitos.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds a cool, tangy element that balances the spicy buffalo sauce.

• Buffalo Sauce: Creates a spicy and zesty coating for the chicken filling.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Contribute depth and aromatic seasoning to the chicken mixture.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall taste.

• Tortillas: Serve as the crispy exterior that holds the spicy chicken filling.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying the taquitos to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and add a pop of color to the finished dish.

Instructions for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Whip Up Fiery Chicken Filling

Create a mouthwatering buffalo chicken mixture by combining shredded chicken with zesty buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every strand of chicken is coated with spicy goodness.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Cheese Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Stir until the ingredients meld into a smooth, irresistible filling.

Step 3: Warm Up Tortilla Magic

Gently warm tortillas for 10-15 seconds to make them flexible and prevent cracking. This trick ensures perfect rolling without any tears.

Step 4: Roll Up Flavor Bombs

Spoon an even portion of the buffalo chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly into compact cylinders, making sure the filling stays securely inside.

Step 5: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place taquitos seam-side down, keeping them separated to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Crisp and Golden Browning

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating until all surfaces turn a gorgeous golden brown and become delightfully crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Prep

Transfer taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, keeping them wonderfully crisp.

Step 8: Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let taquitos cool for 2-3 minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve immediately with extra ranch or buffalo sauce for dipping.

Pro Tip: These taquitos are best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the skillet to your plate!

Tips to Nail the Heat in Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Warm Tortillas Wisely: Microwave tortillas briefly to enhance flexibility and prevent frustrating cracks while rolling.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Ensure skillet oil is hot enough (375°F) to create crispy, golden exteriors without absorbing excess grease.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Blend cream cheese thoroughly with other ingredients to guarantee smooth, evenly distributed flavors throughout the filling.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Space taquitos separately in the skillet to promote even browning and prevent steaming instead of crisping.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to match personal heat tolerance, ensuring enjoyable flavor without overwhelming burn.

Spicy and Savory Buffalo Chicken Taquito Ideas

• Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Taquitos: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit, using the same buffalo sauce and cheese mixture for a plant-based version that maintains the spicy flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Buffalo Taquitos: Swap ranch for tzatziki, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate diced cucumber into the filling for a Mediterranean spin on the classic recipe.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Substitute buffalo sauce with tangy BBQ sauce, mix in smoked paprika, and top with crispy bacon bits for a sweet and smoky alternative.
• Breakfast Buffalo Taquitos: Include scrambled eggs, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add crispy hash browns to transform the recipe into a morning meal option.

Perfect Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Pair with Cool Blue Ranch Dip: Whip up a creamy blue cheese and ranch blend that perfectly balances the spicy buffalo chicken, offering a tangy and cooling counterpoint.
• Cool Beer Companions: Select crisp lagers or hoppy IPAs that cut through the richness of the taquitos, refreshing the palate with their carbonation and complementary flavor profiles.
• Zesty Sidekick Salad: Create a light, crunchy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing that provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the spicy and crispy taquitos, adding textural variety.
• Spice-Taming Beverage: Pour a smooth hard cider or chilled white wine like Riesling to soothe the buffalo sauce's heat while maintaining a bright, clean taste experience.

How to Keep Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Fresh

• Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Arrange uncooked or cooked taquitos on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Frozen taquitos last up to 2 months.
• Warm taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they become crispy and heated through completely.
• Bake frozen taquitos directly from freezer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway to guarantee even heating and crisp exterior.

FAQs for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• What makes buffalo chicken taquitos different from regular taquitos?

These taquitos feature a spicy buffalo chicken filling with cream cheese and ranch, giving them a tangy kick compared to traditional meat-based versions.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while providing tender, pre-cooked meat that absorbs buffalo sauce well.

• Do I need special equipment to make these taquitos?

No special equipment is required – just a skillet, some tortillas, and basic kitchen tools will help you create these delicious appetizers.

• How can I prevent my taquitos from unrolling during cooking?

Ensure you roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the skillet, which helps seal the edges and prevent them from coming apart while frying.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy buffalo chicken taquitos bring fiery southwestern flair to snack time with zesty flavor and irresistible crunch. Cheese-packed tortillas rolled tight deliver a perfect handheld bite that satisfies your craving for bold, spicy comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 large tortillas

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 2 tbsp ranch dressing

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, creating a zesty and spicy filling mixture.
2. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the chicken until thoroughly blended.
3. Warm tortillas for 10-15 seconds to increase flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.
4. Place an even portion of the buffalo chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla.
5. Tightly roll each tortilla into a compact cylinder, securing the filling inside.
6. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, around 375°F.
7. Carefully position taquitos seam-side down in the hot skillet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
8. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating until all surfaces turn golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove taquitos from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
10. Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for added freshness and visual appeal.
11. Allow taquitos to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burning.
12. Serve immediately with additional ranch or buffalo sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Soften tortillas gently in microwave or warm skillet to prevent splitting during rolling, ensuring smooth, crack-free taquitos.
• Balance buffalo sauce heat by adjusting quantity or mixing with cream cheese to create milder, more balanced flavor profile.
• Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and consistent, tender meat texture without additional cooking steps.
• Prepare extra taquitos and freeze uncooked for quick future meals, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg