Name: Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/3 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce; 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or colby jack cheese); 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles; 2 green onions (sliced); black pepper; 12 small flour or corn tortillas; Ranch dressing (for serving)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Who can resist the mouthwatering allure of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos? I certainly can’t! These taquitos have a way of stealing the show at any gathering, making them one of my go-to recipes for game days and cozy family dinners alike. Picture a bustling kitchen filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of spicy buffalo sauce wafting through the air. I remember the first time I served these; everyone went back for seconds, and I couldn’t help but bask in the compliments.

The beauty of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos lies not just in their flavor, but also in their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving something delicious for dinner, these taquitos deliver. They’re easy to whip up, and the combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors is simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful crunch followed by a burst of cheesy goodness, making them perfect for dipping in ranch dressing or your favorite sauce.

Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken! I love cooking on weekends and making extras to enjoy throughout the week. When I have shredded chicken on hand, I can toss these together in no time. The kids love getting involved in the kitchen, rolling up each taquito with the cheesy filling, and I cherish those moments spent together. If you haven’t tried making Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos yet, I guarantee they will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
15 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Large Rimmed Baking Sheet, Hand-held electric mixer

The Appeal of This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

They’re Incredibly Delicious

These taquitos are packed with flavor. The combination of cream cheese, Buffalo wing sauce, and cheddar cheese creates a creamy, spicy filling that’s hard to resist. When baked, they become golden brown and crispy, making them perfect for dipping.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s game day, a birthday party, or a family movie night, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are always a hit. Their finger-food nature makes them easy to enjoy while mingling or watching a game.

Easy to Prepare

With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, making these taquitos is a breeze. Prepping them ahead of time is also an option, allowing you to have fun and entertain without the stress of cooking at the last minute.

Adaptable and Customizable

If you have other ingredients you love, feel free to switch things up! You can add black beans, corn, or even different types of cheese to create variations that suit your taste.

Great for Meal Prep

These taquitos can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal or snack.

Fun for the Whole Family

Not only are these taquitos tasty, but they’re also a fun cooking project to do with kids. They’ll love rolling and filling the tortillas, and it’s a great way to teach them about cooking.

Shopping List for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Gathering quality ingredients is key to making the best Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. The creamy cream cheese, spicy Buffalo wing sauce, and rich cheddar cheese all come together to create a fabulous filling. Each component plays an essential role in the flavor profile and texture of the taquitos.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened – This creamy base adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
1/3 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce – The star ingredient that gives the taquitos their signature spicy kick.
2 tablespoons Ranch dressing – Adds a tangy flavor that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce.
2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Use leftover chicken for a quick meal or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or colby jack cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.
1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles – Optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor if you enjoy blue cheese.
2 green onions, sliced – Adds a fresh, crisp element to the filling.
Black pepper – A simple seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
12 small flour or corn tortillas – The vessel for all that delicious filling.
Ranch dressing for serving – Perfect for a creamy dip on the side.

Step by Step Guide for Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Making Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos is such a rewarding experience, and I’m excited to guide you through it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, crispy taquitos ready to serve in no time. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. This will ensure your taquitos bake evenly and don’t stick.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, Buffalo wing sauce, and Ranch dressing. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This is the base of your filling and should be well mixed for an even flavor.
Next, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and half of the sliced green onions. Remember to season with black pepper to taste. Mixing in all these ingredients will make a deliciously cheesy and spicy filling.
Take your small tortillas and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 40 seconds. This will make your tortillas pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
Once the tortillas are warm, place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture on the lower third of each tortilla. Be careful not to overfill them, or they might burst while baking.
Roll up the tortillas tightly, starting from the filled end and rolling toward the opposite end. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you roll, sealing in all that delicious filling.
Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a light spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Once done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle the remaining green onions on top for a fresh finish. You can drizzle some Ranch dressing on them or serve it on the side for dipping.

Things Worth Knowing

The crispy texture of the taquitos comes from the high oven temperature. This helps achieve that delightful crunch.
Using softened cream cheese ensures that the filling is smooth and blends easily with the other ingredients.
Microwaving the tortillas before filling them prevents them from cracking and makes them easier to roll.
Baking instead of frying makes these taquitos a healthier option, while still being deliciously crispy.

Helpful Notes about Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Here are some tips to make your experience with Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos even better!

Storage: These taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the taquitos before baking for up to two months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pairing: Serve these with fresh veggies, guacamole, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations or add other ingredients like black beans or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, the options are endless!

Appetizers: These taquitos make a fantastic appetizer for parties. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like Ranch dressing, blue cheese, or spicy salsa.
Game Day: Perfect for game day gatherings, serve them alongside nachos or buffalo wings for a complete spread.
Family Dinner: They work great as a main dish during family dinners. Just add a side salad or roasted veggies for balance.
Snack Time: Enjoy these as a quick snack after school or work. They’re great for satisfying those mid-day cravings!
Potlucks: If you’re heading to a potluck, these are sure to impress. They’re easy to transport and reheat well.
Seasonal Pairing: In the fall, serve them with a warm apple cider for a cozy touch.

FAQ

Absolutely! While traditional recipes often use flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just make sure to warm them up first to make them pliable. This way, they won’t crack while rolling. Experiment with different types like whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a twist!

If you want to amp up the heat in your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, consider adding some diced jalapeños or using extra Buffalo wing sauce when mixing the filling. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for an additional kick!

Yes, you can prepare the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos up to 8 hours in advance. Just roll them up and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver for parties or busy weeknights. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

These taquitos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Try serving them with a fresh salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice. They also shine when served with different dipping sauces such as Ranch dressing, sour cream, or a tangy salsa. It’s all about what you love!

Conclusion

In summary, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Their crispy exterior and creamy filling make them irresistible, and they’re versatile enough to serve at any occasion. I encourage you to try making these taquitos and watch as they become a favorite in your home. You won’t be disappointed!