Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe: Spicy Homemade Delight

Crunch meets heat in these irresistible buffalo chicken taquitos that promise to electrify your taste buds.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with zesty buffalo sauce, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Rolled tightly and fried to golden perfection, these taquitos deliver a satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

The combination of spicy buffalo kick and crispy tortilla exterior makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for game nights or casual gatherings.

Each taquito is packed with bold flavors that dance between tangy and rich, guaranteed to spark conversation around the table.

Serve these alongside cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the fiery buffalo punch.

Prepare to wow your guests with this simple yet sensational recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary snack.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

For The Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful base that absorbs buffalo sauce beautifully, works best with rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling smoothly, select full-fat version for best texture.
For The Flavor Boosters:
  • Buffalo Sauce: Delivers signature tangy heat, choose your preferred brand or intensity level.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming other flavors.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances savory undertones with gentle sweetness.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates and balances overall taste profile.
For The Cheese And Wrap:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella: Melty cheeses that add gooey texture and complementary sharpness, use freshly shredded for best melting.
  • Tortillas: Thin, pliable corn or flour tortillas work perfectly for crispy exterior, warm briefly to increase flexibility.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior when baking.
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables deep frying for extra crunch if preferred cooking method.

Tools To Roll Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking sheet: Essential for baking taquitos evenly and catching any drips.
  • Parchment paper: Creates a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing chicken and cheese mixture.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for shredding chicken or cutting ingredients.
  • Tongs: Helpful for handling taquitos during frying or transferring from baking sheet.
  • Frying pan (optional): Needed if you're choosing to deep fry instead of bake.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurately portioning spices and seasonings.
  • Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil if frying taquitos.

Steps To Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Fast

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Whip Together the Filling

Combine shredded chicken with a creamy blend of cheeses and zesty seasonings in a mixing bowl, stirring until everything is perfectly mixed.

  • Roll and Wrap

Scoop a generous portion of the spicy chicken mixture onto each tortilla, rolling tightly and placing seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

  • Transform into Crispy Delights

Spritz the taquitos with a light cooking spray, then bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become irresistibly crunchy, about 15-18 minutes.

  • Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve these sizzling treats hot, alongside your favorite cool dipping sauce for a mouthwatering flavor explosion.

Tips For Spicing Up Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

  • Crispy Coating Trick: Roll taquitos in crushed panko breadcrumbs before baking or frying for extra crunch and golden texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare taquitos up to 24 hours in advance, store in refrigerator, and bake or fry just before serving for convenient meal prep.
  • Lighter Option: Replace traditional tortillas with low-carb cauliflower wraps for a healthier alternative that's gluten-free and lower in calories.
  • Protein Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with pulled pork, turkey, or plant-based pulled jackfruit for diverse flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to manage heat intensity – use mild sauce for kids or add extra hot sauce for spice lovers who enjoy a fiery kick.

How To Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Hot

  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange taquitos on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of ranch, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce. Scatter fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
  • Gameday Touchdown Spread: Create a casual buffet-style setup with taquitos as the star, surrounded by celery sticks, carrot strips, and additional cool dipping sauces. Perfect for sports watching or casual gatherings.
  • Appetizer Night Sensation: Serve taquitos alongside a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. Alternate the taquitos on a rectangular plate for an elegant presentation that balances the spicy, crispy bites with fresh greens.
  • Quick Lunch Combo: Pack taquitos in a lunchbox with a small container of dipping sauce, some cucumber slices, and a small fruit like grapes or berries for a balanced midday meal that's easy to transport and enjoy.

How To Store Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Smartly

  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispiness.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Revive cold taquitos by placing them in a preheated 375F oven for 8-10 minutes. This method restores their original crunch and prevents sogginess, delivering that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach: Prepare a batch ahead of time by arranging uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook these taquitos during weekend meal preparations. Separate into portion-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or speedy dinners throughout the busy workweek.
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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Sizzling buffalo chicken taquitos bring spicy southwestern flair to party appetizers. Crispy tortillas wrap tangy shredded chicken, creating irresistible finger-friendly bites you cannot stop eating.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce (like Franks RedHot)
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for baking/frying)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to a blazing 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with protective parchment paper, creating the perfect staging ground for crispy taquitos.
  2. Flavor Fusion: Amalgamate shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into a cohesive, mouth-watering filling that promises explosive taste in every bite.
  3. Taquito Transformation: Lavishly spread the seasoned chicken mixture across tortillas, rolling them into tight, compact cylinders and positioning them seam-side down on the prepared baking surface, ensuring a uniform and elegant presentation.
  4. Culinary Technique: Opt for either oven-roasting or deep-frying – if baking, mist taquitos with cooking spray and roast until achieving a golden, crispy exterior; if frying, immerse rolls in hot vegetable oil, frying until they develop a tantalizing amber-brown crunch.
  5. Serving Spectacle: Present the sizzling taquitos with accompanying ranch or blue cheese dressing, or elevate the experience by drizzling with additional buffalo sauce, transforming this dish into a flavor-packed culinary adventure.

Notes

  • Select Precise Chicken Texture: Shred chicken finely and evenly to ensure uniform filling distribution and consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Manage Moisture Carefully: Drain excess liquid from chicken to prevent soggy taquitos and maintain optimal crispiness during baking or frying.
  • Balance Cheese Ratios: Mix cream cheese with sharp cheddar and mozzarella strategically to create creamy texture without overwhelming greasiness.
  • Optimize Rolling Technique: Roll tortillas tightly with minimal air pockets, securing seams carefully to prevent filling leakage during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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