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

Picture this: a platter piled high with golden-brown, crispy taquitos, each one bursting with a flavorful mixture of spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and vibrant green onions. These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the perfect appetizer, snack, or quick meal, offering a delightful explosion of taste and texture in every single bite. They’re incredibly easy to make, they’re endlessly customizable to your spice preferences, and they’re always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them a fantastic addition to any gathering or a simple weeknight treat. I remember the first time I made taquitos. I was looking for a fun and easy appetizer to bring to a potluck, something that would be a little different from the usual chips and dip. I stumbled upon a recipe for baked chicken taquitos, and they were a massive hit! Everyone loved the crispy tortillas and the flavorful filling. These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos take that basic concept and elevate it to new heights with the addition of the fiery and tangy buffalo sauce, creating a truly irresistible snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a casual evening at home. They’re a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy, making them a guaranteed party favorite, and they’re so simple that even the most novice cook can whip them up in no time.

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This recipe is an absolute dream for beginner cooks. It’s incredibly simple, it’s lightning-fast (ready in just 15 minutes!), and it utilizes readily available ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a time-saving and budget-friendly meal option. These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a perfect example of how easy and delicious home cooking can be. They’re a quick, satisfying, and relatively healthy meal (well, maybe not entirely healthy, but definitely satisfying!) that’s perfect for game day, a casual get-together with friends, or any time you’re craving a taste of something spicy, crispy, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients and Preparation: The Foundation of Flavor

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos use simple, readily available ingredients, making them an accessible and affordable meal for everyone. The quality of your ingredients, especially the chicken and cheese, will directly impact the overall flavor of your taquitos. Using high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results.

• Protein Powerhouse:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended) – Chicken is the star of these taquitos, providing a lean and versatile protein source that’s perfect for pairing with the spicy buffalo sauce. Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving shortcut, allowing you to skip the cooking process altogether. You can also use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, or poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. If poaching chicken breasts, simply simmer them in water or broth until cooked through, then shred them with two forks.
• Tortilla Time:
  • 6 small tortillas (I used Siete Almond Flour tortillas) – Tortillas form the crispy and delicious shell of the taquitos. Almond flour tortillas are a popular option for those looking for a gluten-free alternative, offering a slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying texture. You can also use corn or flour tortillas, depending on your dietary needs and preferences. Smaller, taco-sized tortillas are ideal for taquitos, as they are easier to roll and hold their shape better during cooking.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (mild, medium, or hot) – Buffalo sauce is the key ingredient that gives these taquitos their signature spicy and tangy kick. You can use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce, and you can adjust the amount to control the spice level. Some people prefer a mild and tangy sauce, while others like it hot and fiery! Experiment with different levels of heat to find your perfect balance.
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) – Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess to the filling, helping to balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce and creating a luscious and flavorful mixture. It also adds a boost of protein, making the taquitos more filling and satisfying. You can substitute with sour cream if you prefer a richer and slightly tangier flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (scallions) – Chopped green onion adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of vibrant color to the filling, enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal of the taquitos.
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion – Chopped red onion adds a slightly sharper and more pungent flavor than green onion, creating a more complex and interesting flavor profile. Red onion also adds a beautiful pop of color to the filling.
• Cheese and Seasoning:
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack) – Shredded cheddar cheese adds a melty, cheesy goodness to the filling, creating a gooey and satisfying texture that complements the spicy chicken and the tangy sauce. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, depending on your preference. Monterey Jack is a good option for a milder and creamier cheese pull.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall taste and creating a more well-rounded and delicious mixture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt) – Sea salt, or kosher salt, is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients, bringing out the natural sweetness of the chicken and balancing the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
• Optional Toppings and Dipping Sauces:
  • Additional chopped green onion (for garnish) – A sprinkle of extra chopped green onion adds a fresh and visually appealing garnish to the finished taquitos.
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for dipping) – Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are classic dipping sauces for buffalo chicken wings, and they also pair perfectly with these taquitos, offering a cool and creamy counterpoint to the spicy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for even the most beginner cook. The simplicity of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, chopped red onion, buffalo sauce, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), sea salt, and garlic powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. Make sure the chicken is shredded into small, bite-sized pieces so that it mixes easily and evenly with the other ingredients. You can use two forks to shred the chicken, or you can use a hand mixer for a quicker and more efficient shredding process.
2. Heat Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking when you roll them. You can also heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or even briefly char them over an open flame for a smoky flavor. Warming the tortillas is a crucial step for preventing breakage and ensuring that the taquitos roll up easily and hold their shape during cooking.
3. Fill Tortillas: Place a serving of the chicken mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) on one side of each tortilla. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as this will make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Distribute the filling evenly across the tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from squeezing out.
4. Roll Taquitos: Tightly roll up each tortilla, starting from the side with the filling. Tuck the ends of the tortilla in as you roll to create a secure and compact taquito. Secure the taquitos with toothpicks if necessary, especially if you are pan-frying them. Rolling the taquitos tightly will help them to hold their shape during cooking and prevent the filling from falling out.
5. Cook Taquitos: You can cook the taquitos in a couple of different ways:
   • Stovetop Method: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the rolled taquitos in the skillet, seam-down first, and cook on both sides until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking the taquitos on the stovetop creates a wonderfully crispy and slightly charred exterior.
   • Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-down first. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Baking the taquitos is a healthier option, as it requires less oil, and it’s a great way to cook a large batch of taquitos at once.
6. Serve: Once the taquitos are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet or oven and let them cool slightly. Top the cooked taquitos with additional chopped green onion for garnish, and serve them with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These taquitos are best served immediately while they are hot and crispy, but they can also be kept warm in a low oven if needed.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Culinary Companion

• Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, or poach chicken breasts specifically for this purpose. To poach chicken breasts, simply simmer them in water or chicken broth until cooked through, then shred them with two forks or a hand mixer.
• Tortilla Choices: You can use corn, flour, or almond flour tortillas for this recipe, depending on your dietary needs and preferences. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional taquito flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Almond flour tortillas are a great gluten-free option.
• Spice Level Customization: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level of the taquitos. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce. If you like it hot and fiery, use more, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the filling. Start with a small amount of buffalo sauce and add more to taste until you achieve your desired level of spiciness.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend. Monterey Jack offers a milder and creamier flavor, while pepper jack adds a bit of a kick. A Mexican blend combines several cheeses for a complex and flavorful cheese pull.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and satisfying snack or meal on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to create a more complete and balanced meal:

• Side Salad Sensation: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness and spiciness of the taquitos. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the filling and cleanses the palate.
• Mexican Fiesta Fixings: Serve the taquitos with classic Mexican side dishes, such as Mexican rice, black beans, refried beans, or corn salad. These side dishes complement the spicy and savory flavors of the taquitos and create a festive and satisfying meal.
• Guacamole and Salsa Galore: Offer a generous bowl of guacamole and salsa for dipping or topping the taquitos. These classic Mexican condiments add flavor, texture, and freshness to the meal.
• Elote Extravaganza: Serve the taquitos with a side of elote (Mexican street corn) for a truly flavorful and satisfying meal. The sweetness and char of the elote pair beautifully with the spicy and savory taquitos.

Conclusion: Let’s Get Cooking!

These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a spicy and satisfying snack or meal. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving something flavorful, crispy, and a little bit spicy. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own! Experiment with different fillings, sauces, and toppings to create your perfect buffalo chicken taquitos. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and have some fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, a chance to explore new flavors and create delicious meals that you can share with your loved ones.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What did you think? Did you make any modifications? What fillings, sauces, or toppings did you use? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below! Happy cooking!