Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are crispy little rolls packed with spicy, tangy buffalo chicken and melty cheese. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch on the outside and a flavorful, cheesy filling on the inside, making them a perfect snack or appetizer.
I love making these when I want something fun and a little different from the usual chicken dishes. The buffalo sauce gives the filling a nice kick without being too overwhelming, and mixing in cream cheese helps keep the chicken nice and moist. They’re so easy to roll up and bake until golden and crunchy.
My favorite way to enjoy these taquitos is with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re always a hit at parties or casual get-togethers, and I find that no one can stop at just one. It’s such a simple way to turn leftovers into a delicious snack that everyone loves!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor. You can also use leftover roasted or grilled chicken. For a lighter option, shredded turkey works well too.
Buffalo wing sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic for that tangy heat. If you prefer milder spice, mix the sauce with a bit of honey or use a mild hot sauce instead.
Cream cheese: This adds creaminess and balances the spice. You can swap it for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option, but keep it thick so the filling holds together.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds flavor. Mexican cheese blends or Monterey Jack are great alternatives for a different twist.
Flour tortillas: Small 6-inch tortillas are perfect for rolling. Corn tortillas can be used but handle carefully so they don’t crack. Slightly warming them helps prevent that.
How Can I Make My Taquitos Crispy and Prevent Them from Unrolling?
The key is rolling the tortillas tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Warming the tortillas for about 20 seconds in the microwave makes them more pliable and less likely to crack.
- Don’t overfill—2-3 tablespoons of filling works best to roll neatly.
- Brush or spray the rolled taquitos with oil before baking; this helps them get golden and crispy.
- Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. Keep an eye near the end to prevent burning.
- Placing them close but not touching helps them crisp evenly on all sides.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a rimmed baking sheet to make sure the taquitos get crispy all around.
- Mixing bowls – Useful for combining the filling ingredients smoothly.
- Microwave-safe plate or dish – For warming the tortillas slightly and making them easier to roll.
- Cooking spray or a pastry brush – To lightly coat the taquitos with oil for baking crispness.
- Knife and cutting board – Handy for chopping green onions and optional herbs for garnish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding crumbled blue cheese or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro in the filling for extra flavor.
- Use shredded cooked bacon or chorizo for a smoky, hearty twist.
- Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for different cheese meltiness and spice levels.
- Add diced celery or carrots to the filling for a fresher, crunchier texture.
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions, plus extra for garnish
- 8-10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or a little oil, for brushing
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in around 30-35 minutes total, you can have crispy, delicious buffalo chicken taquitos ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to keep the taquitos from sticking as they bake.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together well until the mix is smooth and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Warm and Roll the Tortillas:
To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas for about 20 seconds in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel. Then, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling along one edge of each tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down on your baking sheet. Repeat with all tortillas and filling.
4. Bake Until Crispy:
Lightly brush or spray the rolled taquitos with oil to help them crisp up. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the tortillas are golden and crunchy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra green onions and chopped cilantro or parsley if you like. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and enjoy your tasty snack or meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Taquitos?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken but make sure to thaw it completely before shredding and mixing. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for faster results.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and roll the taquitos, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy, or briefly in the microwave if you prefer soft.
Can I Substitute Corn Tortillas for Flour?
You can use corn tortillas, but they may be less pliable and more prone to cracking. To prevent this, warm them gently and handle carefully while rolling. Flour tortillas tend to roll more easily and crisp up nicely.
