If you are craving a snack or appetizer that bursts with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, this Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender shredded chicken soaked in tangy, spicy Buffalo wing sauce with creamy cheeses, all wrapped up in crispy, golden tortillas. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that will leave you reaching for more. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a flavorful weeknight treat, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are pure comfort food magic wrapped up in a crispy roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. Each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that elevates the dish from simple to sensational.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that carries all the delicious Buffalo buffalo flavor.
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce: Adds spicy, tangy heat that defines the character of the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp creaminess.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Provides rich, smooth texture to bind the filling together.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion kick and a splash of green color.
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas: Soft wraps that hold all the flavorful filling while crisping up perfectly when fried.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Ensures a crunchy exterior without overpowering the filling’s flavor.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving: Cool, creamy dips that temper the heat and complement the Buffalo spice.
- Celery sticks, for serving (optional): A refreshing crisp side to balance the richness and heat.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Base
Start by tossing the shredded chicken in the Buffalo wing sauce inside a large mixing bowl. Make sure every shred of chicken is coated with that tangy, spicy sauce — this is what gives the taquitos their signature kick and fantastic bold flavor.
Step 2: Blend in the Cheeses and Onions
Next, add the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions directly into the Buffalo chicken mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a creamy, uniform filling. The cream cheese adds luscious smoothness, while cheddar adds a bit of sharpness and gooeyness, making the mixture irresistible.
Step 3: Roll Up Your Taquitos
Lay a tortilla flat on your workspace and spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto one side. Roll it up tightly so that the filling stays snug inside. Repeat this process with the rest of your tortillas and filling. Rolling them firmly ensures they won’t fall apart during frying.
Step 4: Prepare for Frying
Heat approximately half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough so that a taquito sizzles on contact but not so hot that it burns quickly. Working in batches if needed, carefully place the rolled taquitos seam side down into the oil—this helps seal them shut as they cook.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Crispy Perfection
Cook the taquitos for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning carefully so they brown evenly. The goal is a gorgeous golden brown exterior that’s crunchy and irresistible. Once cooked, transfer the taquitos to a paper towel–lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy without greasiness.
Step 6: Serve Your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos hot, accompanied by ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These cool dips balance out the heat and add an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite even better. Add celery sticks on the side to introduce a refreshing crunch and cool down your palate.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or extra green onions on top can brighten the look and add a fresh herbal note that contrasts delightfully with the spicy filling. Thin slices of pickled jalapeños also add a punchy, tangy zip if you want even more heat.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos pair fabulously with sides like crispy celery sticks and a simple salad with creamy dressing. They also work well with classic comfort sides like coleslaw or even loaded potato skins, making the meal hearty and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the taquitos standing upright in a wide, shallow bowl lined with paper towels to catch excess oil. This creates an attractive presentation while keeping them warm and crunchy. You can also serve the filling as a dip with tortilla chips for a casual twist on the Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos are easy to store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them covered ensures they maintain some moisture while protecting the crispy exterior as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked taquitos before frying by placing the rolled pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked taquitos, the best method is to pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want them crunchy—microwaving tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast or thighs for the shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Both chicken breast and thigh meat work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner and still delicious when shredded and sauced.
What if I don’t have Buffalo wing sauce?
You can substitute with hot sauce mixed with melted butter to mimic Buffalo wing sauce. This lets you customize the heat level while maintaining the signature tangy richness.
Can these taquitos be baked instead of fried?
Yes, baking is a healthier option. Place them seam side down on a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy and golden.
Are flour or corn tortillas better for taquitos?
It depends on your texture preference. Flour tortillas tend to be softer with more pliability, while corn tortillas offer a slightly more rustic flavor and crisp up beautifully.
How spicy are the Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?
The spice level primarily depends on the Buffalo wing sauce you use. Classic wing sauce has a moderate heat, but you can always adjust by using milder or hotter varieties.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into a crunchy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Taquito. It’s the perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures that make this Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe a beloved favorite to keep in your cooking repertoire. Next time you want to impress friends, elevate game day snacks, or simply enjoy a fun and flavorful treat, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 8-10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are crispy, golden rolled tortillas filled with a creamy, spicy chicken mixture. Perfectly fried to a crunchy finish and served with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, they make a fantastic appetizer or snack with a flavorful buffalo twist.
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Assembly
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch deep)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the chicken and Buffalo sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Buffalo wing sauce thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add cheeses and onions. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions into the chicken mixture until everything is fully blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the taquitos. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one side. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Prepare the frying oil. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering before frying.
- Fry the taquitos. Carefully place rolled taquitos seam side down into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Drain and serve. Remove the fried taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side for a refreshing accompaniment.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying.
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey or a plant-based alternative for variation.
- Use flour tortillas for a softer wrap or corn tortillas for a more authentic texture.
- Leftover taquitos can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce to your preferred spice level.
