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Crispy & Creamy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Your Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Buffalo chicken taquitos are the quintessential party snack, blending irresistible flavors with satisfying textures. Imagine perfectly crispy tortillas generously stuffed with a rich, tangy, spicy, and incredibly cheesy buffalo chicken dip filling. This versatile recipe offers multiple cooking methods – baking, air frying, or deep frying – ensuring you can achieve that golden, crunchy perfection no matter your kitchen setup or preference. Whether you’re hosting a lively game day gathering, planning a casual get-together, or simply craving a comforting meal, these taquitos deliver a burst of flavor that everyone will love.

This buffalo-style chicken taquito recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for any festive occasion, especially game days, tailgates, or casual parties. For many, the spicy-tangy allure of buffalo chicken signals the start of fall football season, making these taquitos a seasonal favorite. They encapsulate the cozy, celebratory spirit of autumn gatherings, offering a delicious and portable bite that pairs perfectly with cheering on your favorite team.

What makes these chicken taquitos so remarkably easy to prepare is the smart use of rotisserie chicken. This simple hack eliminates the time-consuming step of cooking chicken from scratch, allowing you to whip up this delicious dish in a fraction of the time. While they shine as an impressive appetizer, their hearty filling and satisfying crunch also make them a fantastic main course. Serve them alongside a crisp salad or some seasoned fries for a complete and utterly delightful meal that satisfies all cravings.

Looking to intensify the heat? Elevate your taquito experience by serving them with our Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Dip for an extra kick. If you’re a fan of spicy snacks and flavorful appetizers, be sure to explore more of our recipes like these savory Pimento Cheese Filled Pretzels and the incredibly rich Hot Jalapeño Corn Dip. These dishes are perfect for rounding out your appetizer spread and keeping your guests delighted.

Why These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Are a Must-Try

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire:

• Unforgettable Buffalo Flavor Profile: The magic truly begins with the flavor. This recipe perfectly captures the iconic essence of buffalo chicken – that delightful balance of piquant spice from the hot sauce, a subtle tang, and an abundance of rich dairy to create a filling that is exceptionally creamy and cheesy. It’s a flavor explosion that satisfies from the very first bite, making it a favorite for spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
• Adaptable to Your Kitchen and Lifestyle: Flexibility is key in any great recipe, and these taquitos offer just that. You have the freedom to choose your preferred cooking method: bake them for a lighter touch, air fry for extra crispiness with less oil, or deep fry for that classic, indulgent crunch. Each method promises a wonderfully crispy tortilla, giving you options that suit your appliances, your schedule, and how much cleanup you’re prepared for. This adaptability makes them accessible to every home cook.
• Perfectly Versatile as an Appetizer or Main Course: Whether you’re planning an elaborate party spread or simply need a quick weeknight dinner, these taquitos fit the bill. They excel as individual appetizers, making them an ideal finger food for any gathering, from casual game nights to more formal celebrations. But don’t underestimate their potential as a main dish! Serve them alongside a fresh, crisp salad topped with celery, carrots, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, perhaps with a side of crispy tater tots or seasoned fries, and you’ve got a fun, delicious, and satisfying dinner that’s far from ordinary.

Understanding Taquitos vs. Flautas: A Culinary Clarification

While this buffalo chicken taquito recipe embraces a modern, fusion approach, it’s worth noting the distinction between taquitos and flautas, as the two are often, and understandably, confused. Both are delectable rolled tortilla dishes, but they possess key differences in their traditional preparation and origin.

Flautas, which translates to “flutes” in Spanish, typically feature larger flour tortillas, resulting in a longer, thinner roll. Their size and the use of flour tortillas give them a slightly different texture and mouthfeel. Historically, flautas are believed to have originated in various parts of Mexico, evolving as a staple in Mexican cuisine.

Taquitos, on the other hand, are traditionally made with smaller corn tortillas, yielding a shorter, thicker roll. This difference in tortilla choice is significant; corn tortillas impart a distinct flavor and a crispier texture when fried. While flautas have a clear Mexican heritage, taquitos are widely believed to have originated in San Diego, California, as a Mexican-American culinary innovation. Regardless of their subtle differences or origins, both taquitos and flautas are incredibly tasty, versatile, and beloved dishes that offer a satisfying crunch and a flavorful filling.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Crafting these delectable taquitos requires a few key components, each playing a vital role in achieving that signature buffalo chicken flavor and creamy texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Cooked Chicken: For unparalleled convenience, we highly recommend using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Its tender, pre-cooked meat makes shredding a breeze, significantly cutting down on prep time. However, any cooked chicken breast you have on hand will work perfectly; just ensure it’s thoroughly shredded for easy mixing and rolling.
• Buffalo-Style Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the undisputed classic for authentic buffalo flavor, offering the perfect balance of heat and tang. Feel free to use your favorite brand of buffalo-style hot sauce to customize the spice level to your liking.
• Ranch Seasoning: This secret ingredient is crucial for developing the deep, savory, and herbaceous notes of ranch, which wonderfully complements the spicy buffalo chicken. Look for the dry seasoning mix typically found in packets, designed for making dips or dressings. It’s distinct from bottled ranch dressing.
• Cheese Blend: A combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and softened cream cheese forms the luscious, gooey, and utterly delicious base of our taquito filling. Mozzarella provides the classic melt and stretch, while cream cheese ensures an incredibly smooth and rich consistency.
• Fresh Scallions: Finely sliced scallions (green onions) introduce a mild, fresh oniony flavor that brightens the rich filling without being overwhelming. They add a subtle hint of sharpness and a touch of vibrant color.
• Flour Tortillas: Opt for taco-sized flour tortillas, roughly the size of your palm. These are ideal for rolling into perfectly portioned taquitos. While this recipe specifies flour, you can experiment with smaller or larger versions, simply adjusting the yield accordingly.
• Homemade Ranch Dip Ingredients: To accompany your taquitos, a simple yet irresistible ranch dip is prepared using creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and a splash of milk or water for desired consistency. This dip is seasoned with the same ranch seasoning used in the taquito filling, creating a harmonious flavor pairing.

Refer to the comprehensive recipe card below for the exact quantities and a complete list of all ingredients.

Customizing Your Taquitos: Substitutions and Flavorful Variations

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some excellent substitutions and variations to make these buffalo chicken taquitos uniquely yours:

• Homemade Cooked Chicken: If you prefer to cook your own chicken, simply bake or boil 1-2 large chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred them finely. This is a great option for meal prepping or using fresh poultry.
• Corn Tortilla Alternative: For a more traditional taquito experience, corn tortillas can be used instead of flour. Corn tortillas can be more brittle, so to prevent cracking during rolling, wrap a stack of them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds until they are warm and pliable. Even with this tip, they may still be slightly more prone to cracking than flour tortillas.
• Add a Crunchy Texture: For an extra layer of texture and freshness, fold in about ¼ cup of finely diced celery into the buffalo chicken mixture. This classic addition provides a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling.
• Canned Chicken Option: In a pinch, well-drained canned chicken can be a convenient substitute for rotisserie chicken. Ensure it’s thoroughly drained and flaked before mixing into the filling.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Easily control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce. For a milder flavor, use less hot sauce; for those who love a fiery kick, add a little extra to the amount of hot sauce in the filling.
• Different Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella and cream cheese create a perfect balance, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack could add another layer of flavor, or a touch of blue cheese for an even tangier, more robust buffalo profile.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond scallions, consider garnishing your finished taquitos with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of extra hot sauce for an appealing presentation and an extra flavor boost.

Pro Tip for Perfect Rolling! Before filling, wrap your stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds. This steaming process makes the tortillas warm and incredibly pliable, significantly reducing the risk of cracking or tearing as you roll them.

Mastering Your Taquitos: Expert Tips for Success

Achieving restaurant-quality buffalo chicken taquitos at home is entirely possible with a few insider tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your taquitos are consistently delicious, perfectly crispy, and bursting with flavor:

• Customize the Heat: The beauty of homemade buffalo sauce is its adjustability. If you prefer a milder taquito, start with slightly less hot sauce and taste as you go. For those who crave an intense fiery kick, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of hot sauce in the filling.
• Avoid Overfilling: This is a common pitfall! Resist the urge to pack too much filling into each tortilla. Overfilled taquitos are prone to bursting open during cooking, causing the delicious filling to seep out and potentially making a mess. A manageable 2-3 tablespoons per taco-sized tortilla is usually ideal.
• Roll Just Right: The tightness of your roll matters. Aim for a roll that is firm enough to hold the filling securely in place but not so tight that it stresses the tortilla and causes it to crack. A medium-tight roll will ensure even cooking and a cohesive taquito structure.
• Secure the Seam: Always place your rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. This natural pressure helps to “glue” the seam shut as they cook, preventing them from unraveling. For extra insurance, especially if you’re new to rolling, a single toothpick inserted through the seam can provide additional stability, just remember to remove it before serving!
• Prevent Over-Baking: While crispiness is desired, over-baking can lead to overly hard, brittle tortillas that easily crack and release their filling. Keep a close eye on your taquitos, especially during the final stages of baking or broiling, to achieve a perfect golden-brown crisp without drying them out.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes it much easier to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling, ensuring a consistent texture throughout your taquitos.
• Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Brushing the taquitos with a light layer of olive oil not only helps them brown beautifully but also contributes to that desirable crispy exterior. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Prepare Ahead: Effortless Entertaining with Make-Ahead Taquitos

Planning a party or simply want to save time during the week? These buffalo chicken taquitos are fantastic for making ahead, allowing you to enjoy delicious, fresh-tasting snacks with minimal last-minute effort. Here are several convenient ways to prepare them in advance:

1. Refrigerate Unbaked Taquitos: You can prepare the filling and roll all your taquitos up to two days in advance. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in the refrigerator. About an hour before you plan to bake, remove them from the fridge to allow them to come closer to room temperature. Then, proceed with brushing with olive oil and baking according to the recipe instructions for fresh, crispy results.
2. Freeze Unbaked Taquitos for Longer Storage: For extended convenience, rolled taquitos can be frozen. Place the unbaked taquitos in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for an hour before baking as directed.
3. Freeze Cooked Taquitos for Quick Reheating: You can also fully bake the taquitos, let them cool completely, and then refrigerate or freeze them. For freezing cooked taquitos, follow the flash-freeze method above before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen (or thawed) in a preheated oven at 350℉ (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and re-crisped.

Exploring Your Cooking Options: Beyond the Oven

While baking offers a lighter version, these taquitos are incredibly versatile and can be cooked using various methods, each yielding a slightly different, yet equally delicious, result. Choose the option that best suits your equipment and desired texture:

1. Air Frying for Crispy Convenience: The air fryer is an excellent tool for achieving extra-crispy taquitos with minimal oil. Preheat your air fryer to 350℉ (175°C). Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the cooking time by 3-5 minutes less than the oven method, monitoring closely until golden brown and crispy.
2. Shallow Frying for Golden Crunch: For a slightly more indulgent and traditional crisp, shallow frying is a great option. Heat about ¼ cup of a neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the taquitos in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook, turning occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are lightly browned and crispy on all sides. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Deep Frying for Ultimate Indulgence: For the crispiest, most authentic taquito experience, deep frying is the way to go. Heat at least 2 inches of frying oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350℉ (175°C). Carefully lower 3-4 taquitos at a time into the hot oil. Fry for just 1-2 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Promptly remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Storing and Reheating Your Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Proper storage ensures your leftover taquitos remain delicious for future enjoyment. Keep any extra taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, see the freezing instructions in the “Make This Recipe Ahead of Time” section.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating properly will help restore their delicious crispness:

• Microwave (for speed, less crisp): Place taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be aware that this method might result in softer tortillas rather than crispy ones.
• Oven or Toaster Oven (for best crispness): This is the recommended method for reheating. Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375℉ (190°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until they are hot and re-crisped to your liking.
• Air Fryer (for quick, excellent crispness): Reheat taquitos in a preheated air fryer at 350℉ (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This method is excellent for quickly restoring a satisfying crunch.

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Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe Card

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

By Callan Wenner

These easy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos feature crispy flour tortillas filled with a zesty, spicy, and creamy buffalo chicken dip. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this recipe offers multiple cooking methods including baking, frying, and air frying to suit any preference.

Average Rating: 5 stars from 6 votes

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 taquitos

Calories: 223 kcal per serving

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Large baking sheet

Ingredients

• 6 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup Franks Red Hot (or preferred buffalo sauce)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (for filling)
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (rotisserie chicken or homemade)
• 12 taco-sized flour tortillas
• Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing

For the Ranch Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (for dip)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup milk or water (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400℉ (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and kosher salt. Mix with a rubber spatula until very smooth.
3. Add the hot sauce, 3 sliced scallions, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken until it’s completely coated and evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
5. To make tortillas pliable, wrap the stack in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
6. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the bottom third of each tortilla, forming a log and leaving about ½ inch space on each side. Roll the tortilla tightly from the bottom, over the filling, and continue rolling until fully sealed.
7. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, initially touching each other to help seal. Brush a light layer of olive oil over each taquito.
8. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. At the halfway mark (approx. 7-8 minutes), separate the taquitos on the baking sheet to allow for even browning.
9. For extra crispness, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until taquitos are fully golden and crispy.
10. While taquitos bake, prepare the ranch dip: whisk together 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk or water in a small bowl until smooth.
11. Allow the taquitos to cool for a few minutes before plating. Drizzle with extra ranch dip, buffalo sauce, and a sprinkle of sliced scallions (or serve sauces on the side). Serve hot.

Video Tutorial

Watch the video below to see how easily these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos come together!

Notes

Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Other Cooking Options:

1. Air fry: Cook at 350℉ (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, reducing oven bake time by 3-5 minutes.
2. Shallow fry: Heat ¼ cup neutral oil over medium-low heat. Fry taquitos, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and crispy on all sides (approx. 5-7 minutes). Drain on a wire rack.
3. Deep fry: Heat 2 inches of frying oil to 350℉ (175°C). Fry taquitos for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot (may result in softer texture).
• Oven or toaster oven: Heat at 375℉ (190°C) on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until hot and re-crisped.
• Air fryer: Heat at 350℉ (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.

Nutritional Information (Estimate per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	223 kcal
Carbohydrates	19 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3 g
Monounsaturated Fat	2 g
Trans Fat	0.01 g
Cholesterol	32 mg
Sodium	1216 mg
Potassium	208 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	3 g
Vitamin A	175 IU
Vitamin C	1 mg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	1 mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.