Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a fun and spicy twist on classic taquitos, packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and that perfect kick of buffalo sauce. These little rolls are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavorful filling inside, making them a great snack or meal for anyone who loves a bit of heat.
I love making these because they come together pretty quickly, and you can easily adjust the spiciness to suit your taste. Plus, they’re so easy to pop in the oven or air fryer for a quick batch. I like to keep a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing nearby because dipping these taquitos just takes them to the next level of yum.
Whether you’re serving them at a game day party or just want a tasty dinner that’s a little different, these buffalo chicken taquitos never disappoint. I find that kids and adults both enjoy them, and they’re always a hit when friends come over. Give them a try—you might just find yourself craving these crispy, spicy bites all the time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken breast is the base here. Rotisserie chicken works great for saving time. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even shredded turkey.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This sauce gives the taquitos their signature spicy kick. If you prefer milder heat, mix half buffalo sauce with some honey or use a milder wing sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack works well too. Cream cheese makes the filling creamy and helps bind it.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas roll up nicely. Corn tortillas can be used but warm them well to prevent cracking. Gluten-free tortillas work fine as an alternative.
Butter: Brushing melted butter before baking helps crisp the taquitos perfectly. You can swap with olive oil if preferred.
How Do You Roll and Bake Taquitos Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling taquitos tightly and baking them seam side down helps keep them together. To make the tortillas flexible and easy to roll:
- Warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds in the microwave or briefly on a skillet.
- Place filling on one side and roll snugly, tucking in the edges slightly if you can.
- Arrange them seam side down on the baking sheet for stability.
- Brush with melted butter to help the crust crisp and hold shape.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crunchy.
- For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
These tips will give you perfectly golden taquitos that hold together well and taste great!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I recommend lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even crisping.
- Mixing bowl – Handy for combining the chicken, sauce, and cheese until well mixed.
- Microwave or skillet – To warm the tortillas and make them pliable.
- Pastry brush or spoon – For brushing melted butter onto the taquitos before baking.
- Spatula or tongs – To help roll and transfer the taquitos onto the baking sheet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shredded beef or turkey if you want a different protein flavor.
- Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or lime zest on top after baking for a fresh taste.
- Mix in some pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheese flavor and extra meltiness.
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 10-12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake, so around 30 minutes total from start to finish. It’s quick and great for an easy weekday dinner or a tasty appetizer to share.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Soften and Fill the Tortillas:
Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them flexible. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one side of each tortilla and spread it out evenly.
4. Roll and Arrange the Taquitos:
Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place them seam side down on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Butter and Bake:
Brush the tops of each rolled taquito with melted butter to help them crisp up. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the taquitos from the oven. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions if you like. Serve warm with ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before shredding and mixing it. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the taquitos in advance, then store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for busy days or entertaining.
How Should I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Make These Taquitos Spicier or Milder?
Yes! Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control heat. For milder taquitos, mix the buffalo sauce with some honey or use less sauce overall. For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling.