Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Spicy

Looking for a game-day appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner with bold flavor and irresistible crunch? These Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos check every box. Loaded with creamy buffalo chicken and two types of cheese, these taquitos are baked — not fried — for a crispy texture without the mess. Best of all, they’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and totally customizable. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, this baked spin on the classic flavor is about to become your new obsession.

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

There’s a reason Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a crowd-pleaser. They combine everything people love about buffalo chicken—spicy sauce, creamy texture, tangy richness—with the convenience and crunch of a taquito. They’re quick to prep, require no deep-frying, and make an ideal appetizer, snack, or even main dish. Plus, the ingredients are easy to keep on hand, making this recipe a lifesaver when you need something delicious, fast.

What You’ll Need for Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo Wing Sauce: Delivers the bold, spicy kick; Frank’s Red Hot is a classic choice.
• Ranch Dressing: Provides a cooling contrast to the heat and adds extra creaminess.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: A great use for rotisserie chicken; hearty and protein-packed.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, cheesy flavor.
• Blue Cheese Crumbles: Offers a tangy, bold kick that complements buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Flour Tortillas (Fajita or Taco Size): Soft, easy to roll, and bake up crisp and golden.
• Cooking Spray: Helps the taquitos crisp in the oven without added oil.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh pop of flavor and color when used as a garnish.
• Extra Blue Cheese Crumbles: Optional but delicious as a topping.

Smart Ingredient Swaps

• Cheese: Not a fan of blue cheese? Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a creamier or spicier finish.
• Tortillas: Prefer corn tortillas or eating gluten-free? You can easily substitute them—just warm slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
• Buffalo Sauce: Use any store-bought or homemade variety you love; mild to hot depending on your spice tolerance.
• Chicken Alternatives: Try canned chicken for convenience or leftover turkey as a creative twist.

How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
2. Prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch dressing. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
3. Add the chicken and cheeses. Stir in shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese crumbles until everything is well mixed.
4. Warm the tortillas. Microwave for 10–20 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
5. Assemble the taquitos. Place about 2½ tablespoons of filling on each tortilla. Roll tightly into a cigar shape and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
6. Bake until crisp. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and bake for 9–10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 3–5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
7. Make the dipping sauce. Mix ranch dressing with 2–3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for an easy, creamy dip.
8. Serve hot. Garnish with green onions and extra blue cheese, and serve with buffalo ranch on the side.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Use a hand mixer for the filling. It ensures the cream cheese blends smoothly with no clumps.
• Don’t overfill. Keep the filling amount consistent to avoid bursting taquitos.
• Roll tightly. This helps the taquitos stay closed while baking.
• Flip halfway through baking. It guarantees even crisping on all sides.
• Use parchment or foil. Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

How to Serve & Store Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are best served immediately while crispy. But they’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation and storage.

Great Pairings & Serving Ideas
• Side Dishes: Pair with celery sticks, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
• Sauces: Besides buffalo ranch, try regular ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even sour cream with chives.
• Toppings: Add avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or extra shredded cheese for a loaded version.
• Meal Version: Serve with rice or roasted vegetables for a full dinner.

Make-Ahead Tips
• Filling: Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Freezer Friendly: Assemble and flash-freeze taquitos on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Healthy Twists and Cooking Variations

Want to lighten things up or change the method? Try these ideas:

• Air Fryer Method: Cook taquitos at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Crispier and even faster!
• Lower Fat Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, and sub Greek yogurt for ranch.
• Spicy or Mild: Adjust the buffalo sauce to suit your taste. Add cayenne for extra heat or tone it down with more ranch.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and double-check sauces for hidden gluten.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with shredded jackfruit, seasoned tofu, or roasted cauliflower.

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: A Year-Round Favorite

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, looking for a quick dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos fit the bill. They’re fun, flavorful, and endlessly flexible. Add them to your regular rotation and enjoy crispy, cheesy bites of buffalo bliss anytime.

This buffalo chicken recipe captures the tangy, spicy, and creamy essence of your favorite wings — in a crunchy, baked taquito shell. Serve them up hot with dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast.

Bringing It All Together

There’s no denying the crave-worthy magic of Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. With their crispy baked shells, creamy and spicy filling, and easy prep, they’re a perfect solution for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re a buffalo flavor fanatic or just want to try something different, this recipe is a must-have in your collection. Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they disappear before they even hit the plate. Keep a batch in your freezer, and you’ll always be minutes away from spicy, cheesy satisfaction.

FAQ About Baked Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

More Relevant Recipes

• Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs

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