If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavor and irresistible crunch, this Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe is going to rock your world. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in tangy buffalo sauce, smoothed with creamy cream cheese, and wrapped tightly in crispy golden tortillas. These taquitos bake up perfectly crisp while packing all the zest and comfort you want from a buffalo chicken dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a fun twist on game-day apps, these taquitos deliver that lip-smacking satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the table. From the rich creaminess to the spicy tang, everything comes together perfectly to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and color in your taquitos.
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious buffalo sauce.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving): The spicy kick that gives these taquitos their signature taste.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds smooth, creamy moisture that keeps the filling luscious.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances all the flavors just right, sprinkled in layers.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild bite that wakes up your taste buds.
- 15 medium (8-inch) flour tortillas: The crisp yet tender vehicle for the savory filling.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Helps crisp up the taquitos beautifully while keeping them light.
- Green onions (thinly sliced, for serving): For a fresh pop of color and mild oniony crunch.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping): The perfect creamy contrast to the spicy filling.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup effortless and help the taquitos crisp up without sticking. This little prep step sets the stage for that perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, half the salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until it’s beautifully blended — creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor in every bite. This filling is what makes these taquitos irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Scoop about a quarter-cup of the filling onto one end of each tortilla. Roll them up tight and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. The tight roll keeps all that delicious filling locked inside and ensures every bite is a flavor bomb.
Step 4: Brush and Season
Lightly brush each taquito with avocado oil on all sides, then sprinkle with the remaining salt. This step is the secret to achieving crispy, golden exteriors that make these baked taquitos so satisfying to eat.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway through. This ensures each side gets equally golden and crunchy, turning your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aroma and anticipation.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once baked, serve your taquitos warm with extra buffalo sauce drizzled on top, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These final touches brighten the dish and add that extra layer of flavor your taste buds will love.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch and pops of vibrant green that contrast beautifully with the golden taquitos. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce on top amps up the heat and flavor, making every bite tangy and exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair these taquitos with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the spicy chicken filling. Fresh veggie sticks like celery and carrot rounds always complement the buffalo flavor perfectly, introducing satisfying crispness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the taquitos standing upright in a shallow dish with dipping sauces in the center. Or try serving them chopped into bite-sized pieces alongside a vibrant salad for an unexpected twist on a classic appetizer. Either way, these taquitos make a star presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and ready to reheat for up to three days, making a delicious snack or quick lunch whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Just wrap the taquitos tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months, so you can have this flavor-packed snack on hand anytime you want.
Reheating
To bring that crispiness back after storing or freezing, reheat your taquitos in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soft and chewy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can try corn tortillas, but they tend to be less pliable and might crack when rolling. For the best results with this Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe, flour tortillas work perfectly because they hold the filling well and crisp nicely in the oven.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The spiciness largely depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. This recipe has a moderate heat level that’s balanced by cream cheese and ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can adjust the buffalo sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This makes assembling the next day super quick and keeps the flavors well melded, enhancing the overall taste of your Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a soft goat cheese can work, but cream cheese provides the best creamy texture and tangy flavor that balances the buffalo sauce so well.
Are these taquitos gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses flour tortillas, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap the tortillas for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free, but be mindful that they may require gentle handling to avoid cracking during rolling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe enough if you want a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both straightforward to make and exploding with mouthwatering flavor. From the perfectly crispy edges to the creamy, spicy filling inside, these taquitos will quickly become your go-to for game day, casual dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Don’t wait—get rolling and baking, and prepare for some serious compliments!
Print
Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack featuring shredded chicken mixed with spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese, rolled in flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Perfectly seasoned and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, they bring all the flavors of buffalo chicken wings without the deep-frying.
Ingredients
Taquito Filling
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Taquito Wrap
- 15 medium (8-inch) flour tortillas
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Green onions, thinly sliced (for serving)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended and creamy.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon about ¼ cup of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one end of each flour tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito, then place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep it secure during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly brush each taquito with avocado oil on all sides to enhance browning and crispiness. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt evenly over the taquitos for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping and browning. The taquitos are done when they turn golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and serve warm. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce over them if desired, sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions, and offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can brush the taquitos with additional oil before baking.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix easily with the other filling ingredients.
- Use flour tortillas rather than corn tortillas for better rolling and crispiness.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the buffalo sauce amount or use mild buffalo sauce.
