Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy. They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be baked, air-fried, or fried depending on your preference. The combination of tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla makes them absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

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

  • Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
  • Buffalo sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Small flour or corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or oil (for brushing or frying)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy.
  3. Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
  4. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one edge of each tortilla, then roll tightly into a log.
  5. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Lightly brush or spray the tops with oil or cooking spray.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

(Optional: For extra crispiness, you can air fry the taquitos at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or fry them in hot oil for 2–3 minutes per side.)

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 taquitos and serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Spicy: Add more buffalo sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Cheesy Delight: Mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for an even creamier filling.
  • Baked Ranch Taquitos: Replace buffalo sauce with ranch dressing for a milder, tangy version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves for wrapping.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shredded chicken with mashed chickpeas or jackfruit for a meat-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the tortillas.
To freeze, place unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken works fine. Drain it well and mix it with the buffalo sauce and cream cheese.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the taquitos up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

Small flour tortillas are easiest to roll, but corn tortillas give a classic crunch.

How do I keep taquitos from unrolling while baking?

Place them seam-side down and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Can I air fry Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

Absolutely—air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all melt beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make them less spicy?

Use mild buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch or cream cheese to tone down the heat.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce are all great options.

How do I freeze taquitos?

Freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen when ready to eat—no need to thaw.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect—it saves time and adds great flavor.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a quick and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to be a hit. Crispy, creamy, and packed with spicy buffalo flavor, they’re perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you crave something fun and delicious. Serve them hot with your favorite dip and watch them disappear fast.

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Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

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Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are crispy, spicy, and creamy rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted cheese. Baked or fried to perfection, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, game days, or easy dinners.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 12 taquitos (serves 4–6)
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
  • Method: Baking or Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray or oil (for brushing or frying)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended.
  3. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
  4. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one edge of each tortilla, then roll tightly into a log.
  5. Place the taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Lightly brush or spray the tops with oil or cooking spray.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crispy. (Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or deep fry for 2–3 minutes per side.)
  8. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
  • Seal taquitos seam-side down to prevent unrolling while baking.
  • To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freeze before baking and cook straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes to bake time.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 taquitos
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
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