Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the answer when dinner needs to be both easy and craveable. Filled with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, a kick of wing sauce and soft tortillas turned golden in the oven, these taquitos are perfect for any night you want comfort without the fuss. I rely on a Costco rotisserie chicken, but you can always cook your own chicken if you prefer a fully homemade approach.

The very first time I made these, I prepped the filling during nap time and when dinner rolled around all I had to do was roll and bake. My son who is usually picky about buffalo sauce went back for seconds. These are now on repeat in our monthly meal rotation.

Ingredients

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: provides tender juicy flavor and saves loads of time Look for one that is fresh and still warm for best results
• Cream cheese: adds rich creaminess and helps bind everything together Use full fat for the best melt but low fat works in a pinch
• Ranch dressing: gives a cooling herby tang Use refrigerated store bought for best flavor or your own batch if you have time
• Buffalo wing sauce: brings the spicy punch Choose your favorite brand and start with less if you want it mild add more for extra heat
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: gives a melty pull and extra bite Go for a block and shred it yourself for better melt and flavor
• Soft flour tortillas: are the perfect wrap Sturdier than corn and easy to roll Look for ones that are fresh and pliable
• Optional blue cheese crumbles: for topping if you love that tang and want an extra savory lift

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Chicken Filling:

Combine shredded chicken with softened cream cheese ranch dressing buffalo wing sauce and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy The cream cheese may take a few minutes to fully melt in but keep mixing until you have a cohesive mixture

Prep the Tortillas:

If your tortillas are stiff or cold wrap them in a clean damp towel and microwave for about thirty seconds This makes them easier to roll without cracking

Assemble the Taquitos:

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla Roll it up tightly and place seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet Leave a bit of space between each taquito so the edges get crisp

Bake:

Spray the tops of the taquitos lightly with oil or cooking spray Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen to twenty minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges Rotating the pan halfway through helps with even browning

Garnish and Serve:

Top hot taquitos with a drizzle of more buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles if you like Serve with extra ranch or celery sticks on the side for cooling crunch

Bookmark

Sharp cheese is my favorite ingredient here because the tang and salty edge pull everything together and remind me of late night snack fests with my college roommates We used to see who could come up with the tastiest way to use buffalo sauce and cheese and this recipe is the evolved winner

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in a hot oven for best crunch or in the air fryer if you have one Microwaving is quick but you will lose some crispiness

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the ranch dressing for blue cheese if your crew is into it or use Greek yogurt for a lighter tang Different shredded cheeses work well too and you can go for a Monterey Jack or mozzarella if that is what’s on hand If you need it less spicy just cut down the wing sauce or try a milder hot sauce blend

Bookmark

Serving Suggestions

Serve these taquitos with classic buffalo sides like celery sticks carrot sticks and extra ranch for dunking They are great as a main with a simple green salad or as a snack for game night With a side of corn or roasted veggies you have a full meal

Cultural Context

Taquitos are a fun Tex Mex favorite that originally started in Mexican and Mexican American homes as a way to use up leftovers Over the years they have surged in popularity and putting a buffalo chicken spin gives them classic American sports bar vibes Perfect for gatherings potlucks or any weeknight dinner with a little kick

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for these taquitos?

Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh will work well.

→ Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken mixture can be made several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

→ Is it necessary to use buffalo wing sauce?

The buffalo wing sauce gives these taquitos their signature tang and heat, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference or try milder hot sauces.

→ What cheeses pair well in this filling?

Cream cheese adds creaminess, while sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack provide great flavor. You can add blue cheese crumbles on top if desired.

→ Do I need to fry the taquitos?

No, these taquitos are baked in the oven for a crispy result without the extra oil from frying.

→ How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?

Warming the tortillas briefly makes them pliable and easier to roll without splitting.