Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These taquitos are everything you love about buffalo wings—spicy, tangy, creamy—but wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell. They’re simple to prepare, freezer-friendly, and totally addictive. Whether baked for a lighter version or fried for extra crunch, they make an easy and satisfying handheld treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
• Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Garlic powder
• Green onions (optional, chopped)
• Flour tortillas (small/soft taco size)
• Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)
• Optional dips: ranch or blue cheese dressing

Directions

1. Preheat oven or heat oil:
   • For baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • For frying, heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the filling:
   In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and green onions. Mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
3. Assemble the taquitos:
   Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet or set aside for frying.
4. Cook the taquitos:
   • To bake: Spray taquitos lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and crisp.
   • To fry: Fry taquitos seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
   Serve hot with your choice of ranch, blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 taquitos.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Spicier Version: Add chopped jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the filling.
• Cheesy Overload: Top with extra shredded cheese and bake uncovered for melty goodness.
• Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb or lettuce wraps instead of flour tortillas.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use buffalo cauliflower or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness. To freeze, place rolled (uncooked) taquitos on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake or air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, drained canned chicken works in a pinch, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken has better texture.

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before cooking. They’re great for meal prep or party planning.

What tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas hold together well and get crisp. Corn tortillas can be used but are more fragile—warm them thoroughly before rolling.

How do I prevent them from unrolling?

Place seam-side down while baking or frying, and ensure the filling isn’t overpacked.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and pair well with buffalo flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your buffalo sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.

Can I bake these without oil?

Yes, but spraying lightly with oil helps them get golden and crispy in the oven.

Are these spicy?

They have a medium heat from the buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount or type of sauce based on your spice preference.

Can I use blue cheese in the filling?

Absolutely—mix in crumbled blue cheese for extra tang and bold flavor.

How do I serve them for a party?

Arrange on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces and veggie sticks for a fun, interactive appetizer.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the ultimate blend of spicy, creamy, and crispy—all rolled into one perfect bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy dinner idea, or just craving something flavorful and fun, these taquitos hit the mark every time. Baked, fried, or air-fried, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

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Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with spicy buffalo chicken filling. Rolled in tortillas and baked, fried, or air-fried, they’re the perfect game day snack, party appetizer, or quick dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: 12 taquitos
• Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
• Method: Bake, Fry, or Air Fry
• Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

1. 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
2. 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
3. 4 oz cream cheese, softened
4. 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
5. 1/2 tsp garlic powder
6. 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
7. 12 small flour tortillas (soft taco size)
8. Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)
9. Optional dips: ranch or blue cheese dressing

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Instructions

Preheat oven or heat oil: For baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. For frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

1. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and green onions. Mix until creamy and well-coated.
2. Assemble the taquitos: Warm tortillas to make pliable. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling on each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet or set aside for frying.
3. Cook the taquitos: To bake, lightly spray with cooking spray and bake 15–18 minutes until golden. To fry, cook seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve: Enjoy hot with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or veggie sticks.

Notes

• Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent tearing.
• For spicier taquitos, add jalapeños or extra buffalo sauce.
• Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Great make-ahead option—freeze uncooked taquitos and bake or air fry from frozen.
• Try a vegetarian version with buffalo cauliflower or chickpeas.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 taquitos
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 55mg