Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a fun and flavorful twist on two favorites: crispy, crunchy taquitos and spicy buffalo chicken. These little rolled tortillas are filled with tender shredded chicken tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce, then baked or fried until perfectly crispy. They’re a great bite-sized treat that packs a punch of heat and a creamy touch from melted cheese or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
I love making these for game day or when I want something easy but exciting. The spicy buffalo flavor always gets everyone’s attention, and the crispy shell is such a satisfying contrast to the juicy filling inside. One tip I like is to add a little cream cheese or shredded cheddar with the chicken to balance the heat and keep the taquitos rich and creamy on the inside.
These taquitos are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner paired with some celery sticks and a cold drink. Whenever I serve them, they disappear fast—often prompting requests for seconds! They’re one of those recipes that brings a little party vibe to any gathering, and I always feel happy sharing them with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can also use leftover grilled or boiled chicken. It’s all about having tender, shredded meat that soaks up the buffalo sauce well.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic here for that perfect heat and tang. If you like it milder, mix it with a bit of honey or BBQ sauce. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess that balances the heat. If you don’t have cream cheese, try Greek yogurt or sour cream, though cream cheese keeps the filling thick and smooth.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings flavor and melty texture. You can swap for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you want a milder taste.
Tortillas: Use small flour tortillas for softer wraps, or corn tortillas for a more traditional and slightly crispier bite. Warm them to avoid cracking when rolling.
How Can I Get My Taquitos Crispy Without Frying?
If you want that crisp crunch without frying, baking is the way to go. Here’s how I get great results:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the taquitos tightly and place them seam side down to help them hold their shape.
- Lightly spray or brush each taquito with oil. This helps them crisp up and get golden brown in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crispiness.
- Remove when they’re golden and crunchy on the outside but still juicy inside.
This method keeps things healthier and mess-free while still delivering that satisfying crisp texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or frying pan – I recommend a baking sheet for even crispiness when baking, and a deep pan for frying if you prefer that method.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for combining the buffalo sauce, cheese, and chicken so everything’s well mixed.
- Microwave or stove – to warm tortillas and melt cheese easily.
- Optional: Toothpicks – to hold rolled taquitos if they’re tricky to roll tight.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey for a different meaty flavor.
- Add chopped celery or green onions for extra crunch and freshness.
- Mix in a dash of ranch seasoning or blue cheese crumbles for more creamy, tangy bites.
- Use a different cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to change the spice level and flavor profile.
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken breast)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)
- Optional garnish: shredded lettuce, chopped green onions, ranch or blue cheese dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 15 to 20 minutes to bake or just a few minutes if frying. Total time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty snack or meal option you can whip up easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
2. Roll the Taquitos:
Warm the tortillas for about 20–30 seconds in the microwave with a damp paper towel to make them soft and easy to roll. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place them seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re baking.
3. Cook the Taquitos:
If baking, lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or a little oil to get them crispy. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crunchy. If frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the taquitos carefully for 2–3 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the taquitos cool for a minute, then garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped green onions. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy your spicy, crispy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before shredding. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing.
Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and roll the taquitos, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or frying. This makes for easy meal prep or party appetizers.
How Should I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Are There Dairy-Free Options for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly.