BEST BUFFALO CHICKEN TAQUITOS EVER

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown shell, only to be met with a creamy, tangy explosion of Buffalo chicken goodness. These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the answer to your game-day cravings and weeknight dinner dilemmas! I promise you, this easy recipe will become a family favorite.

Gather Your Ingredients

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are all about simple ingredients packing a BIG flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (I love Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Taquitos:

• 12-15 corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)

Optional Toppings:

• Blue cheese crumbles
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Chopped celery
• Shredded carrots

Let’s Talk Tortillas: Corn vs. Flour

Choosing the right tortilla is key for achieving that perfect crispy taquito. I almost always go with corn tortillas for authentic taquitos because they get wonderfully crisp.

• Corn Tortillas: My preferred choice. They need a little extra love to prevent cracking (more on that below!). They offer a more authentic taquito flavor and texture.
• Flour Tortillas: These are more pliable and less likely to crack. If you’re new to making taquitos or prefer a softer texture, flour tortillas are a great option. Just know the final result will be more of a “rolled taco” than a traditional taquito.

Pro Tips for Preventing Cracking

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: cracking corn tortillas. It’s the bane of every taquito maker’s existence! Here’s how to combat it:

• Warm ’em up! This is the most important step. You *must* warm your corn tortillas before filling and rolling. I prefer to do this by wrapping a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30-60 seconds, or until they’re pliable. You can also warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side. A flexible tortilla is a happy tortilla.
• Don’t overfill. Resist the urge to stuff your taquitos to the brim. Too much filling will make them difficult to roll and more prone to cracking.
• Roll tightly. A tight roll will help hold the taquito together and prevent it from unraveling during baking.
• Work quickly. Once the tortillas are warmed, work relatively quickly to fill and roll them before they cool down and become brittle again.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get rolling (literally!)? Here’s how to make these incredible Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat!

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

1. As discussed above, warm the corn tortillas according to your preferred method (microwave or skillet). Make sure they’re pliable and easy to roll.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

1. Lay a warmed tortilla on a flat surface.
2. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the Buffalo chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla.
3. Tightly roll the tortilla, starting from one end and working towards the other.
4. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Bake the Taquitos

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the taquitos with olive oil or lightly spray them with cooking spray. This will help them get nice and crispy in the oven.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even browning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as blue cheese crumbles, ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped celery, and shredded carrots.

Air Fryer Option

Want even *crispier* taquitos in less time? The air fryer is your best friend!

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
3. Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are great for meal prepping or making ahead of time for parties!

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the assembled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Leftover baked taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best results.

Variations and Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Add veggies: Mix in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn to the filling for added flavor and nutrients.
• Cheesy goodness: Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
• Creamy avocado: Add some diced avocado to the filling or serve with a side of guacamole.

And if you’re a fan of buffalo chicken, you HAVE to try my Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells! They’re a real crowd-pleaser! Or for something totally different, try this Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken. If you want a healthier option, try making the base of the taquitos as a Buffalo Chicken Bowl instead!

Serving Suggestions

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when served with some delicious sides!

• Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Side Salad: A crisp and refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Celery and Carrot Sticks: A classic pairing with Buffalo chicken.
• Guacamole and Salsa: For a Tex-Mex twist.

If you’re looking for other easy dinner ideas, you might also like this Chicken Casserole or this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake. So, there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos! Get ready to impress your family and friends with these crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible snacks. Happy cooking!