Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo chicken taquitos are a spicy and crispy snack perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. These taquitos combine the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese, making them irresistible. Baked to a perfect crisp, they are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Serve them with a blue cheese dipping sauce for an extra kick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These taquitos come together in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: With a blend of hot sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Snack: Great as an appetizer for parties or as a main dish; they fit any occasion perfectly.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste.
• Crispy Texture: Baking instead of frying ensures that you get all the crunch without the excess oil.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Buffalo chicken taquitos, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Medium pan
• Large bowl
• Spatula or large spoon
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for evenly cooking your taquitos and achieving that perfect crispiness.
• Medium pan: Helps in cooking the ground chicken thoroughly without overcrowding it.
• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing all ingredients together without spilling.
• Spatula or large spoon: Useful for breaking up the chicken and combining ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Taquitos

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 3 scallions, diced (the green and the white part)
• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 15-17 flour tortillas

For the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

• 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup half & half
• 3 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• Fresh cracked pepper

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a medium pan over medium heat:
* Add your ground chicken.
* Cook until no longer pink.
* Use a spatula or large spoon to break it into crumbles.
* Drain any excess oil or water.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl:
* Combine softened cream cheese, diced scallions, and crumbled blue cheese.
* Stir until well mixed.
* Add cooked ground chicken, hot sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and mozzarella cheese.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Roll the Taquitos

Lay flour tortillas flat:
* Add a few tablespoons of the Buffalo chicken mixture inside each tortilla.
* Roll tightly and place seam side down on your baking sheet.
Repeat until all filling is used. Ensure taquitos are spaced apart.

Step 5: Bake the Taquitos

Brush each taquito lightly with olive oil:
* Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Make the Blue Cheese Sauce

While baking:
In a medium pot over medium heat,
* Heat half & half until steaming (not boiling).
* Whisk in flour until smooth.
* Add crumbled blue cheese and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.

Serve your crispy Buffalo chicken taquitos warm with the blue cheese dipping sauce! Enjoy this flavorful treat at any gathering or casual night in!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo chicken taquitos are a versatile snack perfect for any occasion. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Dipping Sauces

• Blue Cheese Dressing: A classic pairing that complements the spicy flavors of the taquitos.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch adds a cool contrast to the heat of buffalo sauce.
• Guacamole: For those who enjoy a creamy avocado dip, guacamole is an excellent choice.

As a Party Platter

• Buffalo Chicken Taquito Tray: Arrange your taquitos on a large platter with various dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.

Accompanied by Vegetables

• Veggie Sticks: Serve with carrot and celery sticks to add crunch and freshness.
• Pickled Vegetables: A tangy side that balances the richness of the taquitos.

How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Perfecting your buffalo chicken taquitos is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips for achieving delicious results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality cheeses will enhance flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to tearing.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Space out the taquitos on the baking sheet so they get crispy all around.
• Brush with Oil Generously: A good coating of oil helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
• Experiment with Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice tolerance.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Pairing sides with your buffalo chicken taquitos can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy side that provides a refreshing taste against spicy taquitos.
2. Corn Salad: Bright flavors from corn, lime, and cilantro complement the dish well.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness balances out the spiciness of the taquitos perfectly.
4. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This cheesy corn dish adds another layer of flavor and texture.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs pair nicely alongside your taquitos.
6. Chips and Salsa: A classic combo that offers additional crunch and zest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Buffalo chicken taquitos can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Overfilling the tortillas – Adding too much filling makes it difficult to roll them tightly, causing leaks during baking. Use just a few tablespoons of filling for each taquito.
• Ignoring the cooking time – Cooking the chicken incorrectly can lead to dry or undercooked meat. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink before combining with other ingredients.
• Skipping seasoning – Not seasoning your filling can result in bland taquitos. Always taste your mixture and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Not spacing the taquitos – If taquitos are too close together on the baking sheet, they won’t crisp up properly. Leave space between each taquito for even baking.
• Underestimating cooling time – Cutting into taquitos immediately after baking may cause the filling to ooze out. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to help maintain their shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Buffalo chicken taquitos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave – Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. The texture may be softer compared to oven reheating.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Buffalo chicken taquitos that you might find helpful:

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready for fresh taquitos.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

They pair well with blue cheese dipping sauce, ranch dressing, or even guacamole for added flavor.

How do I customize my Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced peppers or corn for more texture and flavor variations.

Are these Buffalo Chicken Taquitos spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on how much hot sauce you use. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Final Thoughts

Buffalo chicken taquitos are a delightful snack perfect for parties or game days. Their crispy exterior filled with spicy chicken makes them irresistible. Plus, you can customize them with different sauces or fillings! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!