If you love a fusion of creamy, spicy, and crispy all rolled into one bite, then the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This dish combines tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce with the richness of cream cheese and a kick from pickled jalapeños, all wrapped snugly in a golden, crunchy tortilla. It’s perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or even a fun appetizer when friends come over. Seriously, the combination of flavors and textures will make these taquitos a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but carefully chosen ingredients work together to bring heat, creaminess, and bold flavor to each taquito. From the tangy buffalo sauce to the melty mix of cheddar and mozzarella, every element has a role in making this dish irresistibly tasty.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein – juicy, tender, and ready to soak up all the flavors.
- Buffalo sauce: Brings the iconic spicy tang that defines buffalo chicken.
- Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that balances the heat perfectly.
- Sour cream: Enhances the smooth texture and adds a slight tang.
- Pickled jalapeños: Provide a fresh, vinegary bite with just the right kick.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt: A blend of spices that deepen the flavor complexity.
- Small flour tortillas: The crisp and sturdy wrapper that holds everything together.
- Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese: Melted layers of cheesy goodness add richness and gooey texture.
- Olive oil spray or brush: Helps crisp up the taquitos in the oven without extra grease.
How to Make Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, get your oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your taquitos bake evenly and come out beautifully crispy without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Filling
In a large bowl, you’ll combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s a cohesive, creamy mixture bursting with flavor. This filling is where all the magic happens, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Assemble Your Taquitos
Lay out each tortilla flat, then spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses directly on top of the filling for that dreamy cheesy stretch. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on your baking sheet to keep it secure. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
Step 4: Crisp Them Up
Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with olive oil. This will help them bake up to a golden, crisp perfection without frying. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye for that perfect crispy texture and golden-brown color.
Step 5: Ready to Enjoy
Once baked, serve your Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos warm with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch or a little extra buffalo sauce are classic picks and elevate every bite. Grab a plate and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You could also drizzle some sour cream or ranch dressing over them for an extra creamy touch that balances the spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair wonderfully with crisp celery sticks, a cool cucumber salad, or even some creamy guacamole and salsa. The freshness of the sides cuts through the richness and spice, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the taquitos in a creative spiral on a platter with small bowls of multiple dipping sauces around for a party spread. Or slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy finger food at gatherings. They also make an excellent filling for nacho platters if you crumble them over chips and add toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well, though the tortilla might soften slightly after refrigeration.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, assembled taquitos by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos with rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that works perfectly, giving the taquitos a juicy, flavorful base without extra prep.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The pickled jalapeños and buffalo sauce add a moderate heat that can be adjusted by using milder or hotter buffalo sauce and jalapeño amounts. You can tone down or amp up the spice easily.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While you can, corn tortillas are less flexible and may crack when rolling. For best results, warm them thoroughly or stick to small flour tortillas for easy rolling and crispiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or cooked, shredded mushrooms to keep the texture interesting while maintaining the spicy, creamy flavor profile.
What dipping sauces go best with these taquitos?
Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce are all excellent choices. You can also try guacamole, salsa, or a cooling cilantro-lime crema to add variety.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack or meal packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of heat, you really have to try the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Once you make a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for these taquitos whenever you want a little spicy comfort food magic in your life.
Print
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 taquitos (serves 8-10)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos combine spicy buffalo chicken with creamy jalapeño-infused cream cheese, wrapped in crispy baked tortillas. Perfect as a flavorful snack or appetizer, they bring a delightful blend of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray or brush
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
- Mix the 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 the Taquitos: Lay out one tortilla at a time and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle a small amount of both cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the filling. Roll the tortilla tightly enclosing the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all tortillas and filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven and achieve a golden brown finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes until they are golden, crispy, and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the taquitos warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or additional buffalo sauce for extra heat and flavor.
Notes
- Pickled jalapeños add a nice tang and heat, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- For extra crispiness, use corn tortillas or double wrap the filling in tortillas.
- These taquitos can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Substitute buffalo sauce with your preferred hot sauce for a customized flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and the filling smooth.
