If you love a snack that combines creamy, spicy, and crispy in every bite, then you are going to adore this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce Recipe. This recipe takes tender shredded chicken and mixes it with smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a tangy kick from pickled jalapeños. Rolled up in warm tortillas and baked until golden, these taquitos are then bathed in a luscious buffalo sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness. Whether you’re craving a game day treat or a flavorful dinner idea, this dish delivers on taste and texture like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s the creamy texture, the spicy bite, or the cheesy goodness that pulls the whole flavor together.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for convenience and rich protein.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess that melts beautifully inside the taquito.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty for that irresistible cheesy pull.
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños: Brings tangy heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth for a fuller flavor experience.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and brightens all the ingredients perfectly.
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas: Choose your favorite type; warming makes rolling easier and prevents cracking.
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing: Ensures crispiness on the outside when baked.
- For the buffalo sauce: 1/3 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon honey – these come together to create a fiery, buttery glaze with a subtle sweetness.
How to Make Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly until the filling is smooth and evenly distributed.
Step 2: Roll the Taquitos
To make rolling easier and to avoid cracks, warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds until soft and pliable. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, then place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep them from unrolling during cooking.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolled taquitos with oil to ensure a golden, crispy exterior. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn beautifully golden and irresistibly crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn but get that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While your taquitos are baking, it’s time to make the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, unsalted butter, and honey. Stir constantly until the butter melts fully and the sauce turns smooth and glossy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, adding a complex heat balanced by buttery richness and a touch of sweetness.
Step 5: Serve With Sauce or Drizzle
Once the taquitos are out of the oven, you can either drizzle the buffalo sauce generously over them or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, the spicy, creamy flavors blend with the crisp taquito shells making every mouthful a delight.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese, or a dollop of cool ranch dressing make superb garnishes. They add color contrast and fresh or creamy counterpoints that elevate the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce and jalapeño filling.
Side Dishes
These taquitos shine with crisp celery sticks and carrot slices for some refreshing crunch. A crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some creamy avocado slices can also balance the heat beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the taquitos in a circular pattern on a large platter with bowls of buffalo sauce and ranch dipping sauce in the center. For parties, serve mini taquitos on toothpicks alongside a trio of dips like guacamole, sour cream, and spicy salsa for a festive and shareable snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious but do re-crisp them before serving to enjoy that signature crunch.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep for up to 2 months, making them perfect for busy days or meal prep.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out regular flour tortillas for gluten-free corn or flour tortillas, and make sure your hot sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy are these Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the pickled jalapeños and buffalo sauce. You can adjust by adding fresh jalapeños for more kick or reducing the hot sauce in the buffalo sauce for a milder flavor.
Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be baked, delivering that crispy texture with much less oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
What can I serve with buffalo sauce for dipping?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs beautifully as dips to cool down the heat and complement the richness of the taquitos.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is an easy and flavorful shortcut to shred and toss into the filling mixture, saving prep time without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos with Buffalo Sauce Recipe yet, you’re truly missing out on a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make but feels super special. Whether it’s for game day, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer, these taquitos will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. So go ahead, roll them up, bake them crispy, and dive into that delicious buffalo-flavored goodness!
