Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: A Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible Appetizer

Buffalo chicken taquitos are the perfect appetizer or snack for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving something spicy and satisfying. These crispy, cheesy, and flavorful taquitos are surprisingly easy to make at home, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Forget frozen taquitos – once you taste these homemade delights, you’ll never go back! This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure perfectly crispy and delicious buffalo chicken taquitos every time. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile. The crispy tortilla adds the perfect textural contrast.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Even novice cooks can easily whip up a batch of these taquitos.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the spice level, cheese type, and dipping sauce to suit your preferences.
* **Perfect for Parties:** Buffalo chicken taquitos are always a hit at parties and gatherings. They’re easy to serve and eat, and everyone loves them.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** These taquitos can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick and easy snack or appetizer whenever you need them.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* **Buffalo Wing Sauce:** 1/2 cup (adjust to your spice preference)
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, but adds a nice creamy texture)
* **Green Onions:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for added flavor and freshness)
* **Tortillas:** 10-12 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size is ideal)
* **Vegetable Oil:** For frying (canola oil or peanut oil also work)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

**Dipping Sauce Options:**

* Ranch dressing
* Blue cheese dressing
* Sour cream
* Guacamole

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect buffalo chicken taquitos:

**1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:**

* In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese (if using), and green onions.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be moist and easily spreadable. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier filling, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

**2. Warm the Tortillas:**

* This step is crucial to prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling. There are several ways to warm the tortillas:
* **Microwave:** Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until softened. Check frequently to prevent them from becoming too hot and rubbery.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 10-15 seconds per side, until softened.

**3. Assemble the Taquitos:**

* Lay a warmed tortilla on a clean surface.
* Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla. Avoid overfilling, as this can make the taquitos difficult to roll and more likely to burst during frying.
* Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, starting from one edge and rolling towards the opposite edge. Make sure the roll is snug and secure.
* Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

**4. Fry the Taquitos:**

* Pour about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
* Carefully place a few taquitos into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy taquitos.
* Fry the taquitos for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Remove the fried taquitos from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.

**5. Bake the Taquitos (Alternative to Frying):**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
* Place the assembled taquitos on the baking sheet, seam-side down. Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Turn the taquitos halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

**6. Air Fry the Taquitos (Alternative to Frying and Baking):**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
* Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
* Place the assembled taquitos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip the taquitos halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Serve the buffalo chicken taquitos immediately while they are still hot and crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired.
* Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sour cream, or guacamole.

## Tips for Perfect Taquitos

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the taquitos will make them difficult to roll and more likely to burst during frying or baking. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
* **Warm the Tortillas:** Warming the tortillas is crucial to prevent them from cracking when rolling. Use one of the methods described above to soften the tortillas.
* **Roll Tightly:** Roll the taquitos tightly to ensure they stay closed during cooking. This will also help them achieve a crispy texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd:** When frying the taquitos, don’t overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy taquitos. Fry them in batches.
* **Use a Thermometer:** When frying, use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. This will help the taquitos cook evenly and prevent them from becoming greasy.
* **Drain Excess Oil:** After frying, place the taquitos on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and delicious taquito.
* **Adjust Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preference. If you like it extra spicy, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add Other Ingredients:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
* **Make Ahead:** The taquitos can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying or baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken:** Use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken. You can also use shredded turkey or pork.
* **Cheese:** Use your favorite type of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or mozzarella.
* **Tortillas:** Corn tortillas are more traditional for taquitos, but flour tortillas are also a good option. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free corn tortillas.
* **Buffalo Sauce:** Experiment with different flavors of buffalo sauce, such as mild, medium, or hot.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with black beans or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
* **Healthy:** Use whole wheat tortillas and bake the taquitos instead of frying them for a healthier option.

## Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken taquitos are delicious served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauce.
* **Side Dishes:** Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Game Day:** Serve as a game day snack with other appetizers such as wings, nachos, and sliders.
* **Party Food:** Serve as a party food with other finger foods such as mini pizzas, quesadillas, and spring rolls.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerator:** Cooked buffalo chicken taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
* **Freezer:** To freeze, place the cooked taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. This prevents them from sticking together.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the taquitos for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, they will not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.
* **Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the taquitos in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per Taquito)

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 1-2g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe Card

**Yields:** 10-12 taquitos
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
* 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
* 10-12 small corn or flour tortillas
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* Salt and pepper, to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese (if using), and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
2. Warm the tortillas using your preferred method (microwave, oven, or skillet).
3. Lay a warmed tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla.
4. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
6. Carefully place a few taquitos into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the fried taquitos from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your homemade buffalo chicken taquitos! They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family meal.