Are you ready to spice up your snack game? My Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are crispy, delicious, and super easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this tasty treat that’s perfect for parties or a quick meal. Dive into this guide to create mouth-watering taquitos that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To create Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, you need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
– 8 small flour tortillas
– 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, for serving
These ingredients are key to making your taquitos rich and flavorful. Use cooked chicken for ease. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here. The buffalo sauce gives that perfect kick. Cream cheese adds creaminess while cheddar gives that cheesy goodness. Don’t forget fresh green onions for a nice crunch and flavor boost. Choosing small flour tortillas helps hold all that goodness inside. A bit of oil is essential for frying. It helps achieve that crispy texture we love. You can serve the taquitos with a side of sour cream for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Filling
To start, grab a large bowl. Combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and both cheeses. Mix them until smooth and creamy. It’s important to taste the filling. Add salt and pepper to make it just right. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Tortilla Preparation
Next, you need to soften the tortillas. Warm them in a skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side. You can also use a microwave. Just wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat for 15 seconds. This makes rolling much easier.
Assembly of Taquitos
Now, it’s time to fill the tortillas. Lay one on a flat surface. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the creamy chicken mixture onto one end. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Tuck in the sides as you roll. If they seem loose, use a toothpick to hold them together.
Cooking Instructions
In a large skillet, pour in the vegetable oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. This should take about 3-5 minutes. When it’s ready, gently place the taquitos seam-side down in the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking.
Final Steps
Once they are crispy, use tongs to remove the taquitos from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain any extra oil. Serve them hot with a side of sour cream for dipping. Enjoy the crunchy, cheesy goodness of your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for a Perfect Filling
Using cooked rotisserie chicken makes things easy. It saves time and adds flavor. I like to mix in extra spices, like garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, also boost the taste.
Frying Techniques
Keep a close eye on the oil temperature. It should be hot but not smoking. A good test is to drop in a small piece of tortilla. If it sizzles, the oil is ready. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
Presentation Ideas
For a beautiful display, use a colorful platter. Arrange the taquitos in a circle or fan shape. Sprinkle extra green onions on top for contrast. Drizzle buffalo sauce over the taquitos for flair. Serve with a bowl of sour cream, garnished with paprika for color. This makes every bite appealing and tasty.
Variations
Different Protein Options
You can switch out the chicken for ground beef or turkey. These meats mix well with buffalo sauce too. Just cook them in a pan, then follow the same steps as the chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try black beans. They add great texture and flavor. Mash them a bit, then blend with the cream cheese and spices.
Alternative Sauces
Buffalo sauce is a classic choice, but don’t stop there! You can use honey garlic sauce for a sweet twist. BBQ sauce gives a smoky flavor that many love. Ranch-style sauces can add a creamy touch. Mix and match to find your favorite!
Serving Suggestions
These taquitos shine with sides and dips. Serve them with fresh veggies like carrot and celery sticks. A cool dip, like ranch or blue cheese, works great too. You can even create a taquito platter with different sauces for dipping. This makes sharing fun!
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage
To keep your cheesy buffalo chicken taquitos fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Taquitos
You can freeze taquitos both before and after frying. To freeze before frying, lay them on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze them for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. For frozen taquitos after frying, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container or bag. They will stay good for about two months.
Reheating Suggestions
To reheat taquitos, use an oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Heat them for 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for quicker reheating. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your taquitos like they are fresh!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these taquitos ahead of time. Prepare the filling and fill the tortillas. Then, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. This way, you save time when you want to serve them. Just remember to fry them fresh for that crispy texture!
What can I substitute if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can use hot sauce or BBQ sauce. You can also mix hot sauce with melted butter for a similar taste. Adjust the amount to get the heat you like. This keeps your taquitos flavorful even without buffalo sauce.
How do I get the best crispiness when frying?
To get crispy taquitos, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding your taquitos. Heat the oil until it shimmers but isn’t smoking. Fry them in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature. This will help achieve that perfect golden-brown outside.
Can these taquitos be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake the taquitos! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden and crispy. This is a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
To serve leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture. Place them on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they stay crispy and tasty.
These cheesy buffalo chicken taquitos are a tasty treat that’s simple to make. We started with easy ingredients and followed clear steps to create a yummy dish. I shared tips for a perfect filling and ways to fry them right. You learned about fun variations to try and how to store extras.
Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. Whether as a snack or main dish, these taquitos will impress everyone. Keep this recipe handy for your next gathering or family meal!
