Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful snack that will be the star of any gathering, these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are just the ticket! They’re crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or family get-togethers, this recipe is always a hit. Plus, they bake in the oven, so you can enjoy the crunch without the mess of frying!

What I love most about these taquitos is how easy they are to whip up. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re serving them on game day or making them for dinner, they are sure to please everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can have these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos ready in just 35 minutes!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the spicy flavor and crunchy texture.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile snack: Great for parties, movie nights, or as a tasty appetizer at gatherings.
• Delicious dipping options: Pair with blue cheese sauce or ranch for an extra kick!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Let’s take a look at what you need to make these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Taquitos:

For the Taquitos

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 3 scallions, diced (the green and white parts)
• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
• 15-17 flour tortillas

For the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

• 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup half & half
• 3 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a different twist.
• Change up the cheese: Try cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for added flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach into the filling for extra nutrition.
• Make it milder: If spice isn’t your thing, reduce the hot sauce and use more ranch dressing.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. In a medium pan over medium heat, add your ground chicken. Cook it until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into crumbles with your spatula; this helps ensure even cooking. If there’s any excess oil or water, don’t forget to drain it out; we want our filling nice and dry!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced scallions, and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until well mixed! Now add in your cooked ground chicken along with hot sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t hesitate to add extra hot sauce if you want more heat!

Step 3: Roll Your Taquitos

Lay out your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon a few tablespoons of that delicious Buffalo chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam side down on your baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between each taquito so they crisp up nicely while baking!

Step 4: Bake Them Up

Brush each taquito lightly with olive oil—this will help them get golden brown and crispy! Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While those taquitos are baking away, let’s whip up that blue cheese dipping sauce! In a medium pot over medium heat, pour in half & half until it’s steaming (not boiling). Whisk in flour until smooth before adding crumbled blue cheese and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper—this creamy dip is going to pair perfectly with your taquitos!

And there you have it—your own batch of Buffalo Chicken Taquitos ready to be devoured! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are sure to be a hit, and with a few simple tips, you can make them even better!

• Use fresh tortillas: Fresh flour tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling. This helps keep your filling intact and ensures a beautiful presentation.
• Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, don’t hesitate to add more hot sauce to the mixture. Tailoring the spice level to your taste makes every bite delightful!
• Space them out on the baking sheet: Avoid overcrowding your taquitos on the baking sheet. Giving them space allows the heat to circulate and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture all around.
• Brush with oil generously: A light brush of olive oil on top of each taquito not only enhances flavor but also promotes even browning in the oven. This step is key to achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
• Let them cool slightly before serving: Allowing your taquitos to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the filling set, making them easier to handle and eat without spilling any deliciousness!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Presenting these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos can turn a simple snack into an impressive dish for gatherings or family dinners. Here are some fun ideas for serving them up!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: Adding a sprinkle of herbs not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh flavor contrast.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy an extra kick, serving sliced jalapeños brings both heat and color to your platter.

Side Dishes

• Celery sticks with ranch dressing: The crunch of celery sticks paired with creamy ranch makes for a classic side that balances the richness of the taquitos.
• Carrot sticks with hummus: Sweet carrots dipped in savory hummus provide a healthy option that complements the spiciness of your taquitos beautifully.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad tossed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpart to the crispy taquitos, adding balance to your meal.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips: Creamy guacamole served alongside crunchy chips creates a fantastic dip option, making it even more fun for guests to munch while enjoying those flavorful taquitos!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to enjoy delicious Buffalo Chicken Taquitos that will impress everyone at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Buffalo chicken taquitos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy these delicious snacks at your convenience. You can make a big batch ahead of time and store them for later, making weeknight dinners or game day snacking a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the baked taquitos to cool completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place frozen or refrigerated taquitos on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Buffalo Chicken Taquitos that might help you.

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and roll the taquitos in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

What should I serve with Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

These tasty bites pair wonderfully with ranch dressing or blue cheese dipping sauce. You could also serve them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch!

Can I use different types of cheese in Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

Yes! While blue cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.

How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

The spice level depends on the hot sauce you choose. If you prefer milder flavors, use less hot sauce or select a milder variety!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this recipe as delightful as I do! Buffalo chicken taquitos are not only fun to make but also bring a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, these crispy delights are sure to impress. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to savor every bite! Happy cooking!