If you love bold, zesty flavors wrapped up in a crispy, handheld delight, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It’s the perfect fusion of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy jalapeño-infused cheese, all snug inside a golden tortilla shell. Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual game day or a flavorful family dinner, these taquitos deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite, balanced by the luscious cream cheese and the kick from pickled jalapeños. Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this irresistible twist on classic taquitos that packs punch after punch of flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these taquitos lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy texture of the cream cheese to the tangy heat of buffalo sauce and jalapeños, creating a harmony of taste and texture that’s hard to beat.
- Cooked chicken (1 lb): Shredded chicken serves as the hearty, protein-rich base that soaks up all the flavors.
- Buffalo sauce (1/4 cup): Adds the signature tangy heat that gives these taquitos their kick.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Brings luscious creaminess that balances the spice perfectly.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Smooths out the filling and adds a subtle tang.
- Pickled jalapeños (1/4 cup, chopped): Provides a vibrant, zesty bite and just the right amount of heat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a savory depth without overpowering the mix.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with subtle sweetness.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Gives a smoky undertone that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Infuses a warm, earthy flavor into the filling.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Elevates all the flavors and ties everything together.
- Small flour tortillas (8-10): The perfect size for rolling and crisping up beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds bold, sharp flavor and delightful meltiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Brings gooey stretch and creamy texture when baked.
- Olive oil spray or brush: Helps the taquitos crisp up nicely and develop that gorgeous golden color.
How to Make Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the taquitos bake evenly and don’t stick, which makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir everything until the mixture is creamy, well blended, and bursting with vibrant flavors. This is the heart of your taquitos — rich, spicy, and irresistibly creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay out each small flour tortilla, then spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the filling to add melty cheesiness. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and make sure to place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet; this keeps them intact while baking. Repeat this process until all the filling and tortillas are used.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Lightly spray or brush each rolled taquito with olive oil. This step is key to achieving that perfect crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown and get extra crispy. Get ready for that delightful crackle when you bite in!
How to Serve Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Top your taquitos with cooling garnishes like fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing. These add color, fresh flavors, and creamy richness that beautifully contrast the spicy core of your creation.
Side Dishes
Pair these taquitos with crisp celery sticks or a refreshing side salad to lighten up the meal. A cool cucumber salad or corn salsa can also add bright, fresh notes that balance the taquitos’ richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your taquitos party-perfect by arranging them upright in a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter with dipping sauces on the side. For a fun twist, serve them with mini dipping bowls of buffalo sauce, ranch, or guacamole for guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can easily reheat and enjoy them without sacrificing any of their crunch and flavor.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze wonderfully. Arrange them seam-side down on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. This lets you have a delicious snack or quick meal ready anytime you want.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy glory, reheat frozen or refrigerated taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it well to help the flavors meld effortlessly.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The pickled jalapeños and buffalo sauce provide a nice, medium heat level that’s flavorful but not overwhelming. You can adjust the jalapeño quantity to make it milder or spicier.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, and you’re good to go without compromising on taste or texture.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
You can try using Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter option, but cream cheese gives the best creamy richness to this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe.
Can these taquitos be fried instead of baked?
Definitely! Frying them will give you an extra crispy exterior, though baking is a healthier option that still yields fantastic crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures, you owe it to yourself to try this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and packs just the right amount of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation, perfect for any occasion needing that extra bit of excitement on the plate.
Print
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a spicy, creamy, and crispy snack or appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Shredded chicken is mixed with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños, then wrapped in small flour tortillas with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these taquitos offer a flavorful kick with a gooey cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
Assembly Ingredients
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Finishing
- Olive oil spray or brush
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the taquitos bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Taquitos: Lay out each small flour tortilla on a flat surface and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the filling. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all tortillas.
- Bake: Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the taquitos for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- These taquitos can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but they may be less pliable and require warming before rolling.
