If you’re looking for a crave-worthy appetizer that’s bursting with bold flavor, look no further than these Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. Imagine creamy, tangy buffalo chicken wrapped in a crunchy tortilla, with just the right kick from pickled jalapeños and melty cheddar cheese. This dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy and creamy, making it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a family movie night, or simply need a quick and satisfying snack, these taquitos are destined to become your new go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos is how every ingredient truly matters. Each one adds its own punch of flavor, creamy texture, or irresistible color, coming together to create the ultimate flavor-packed bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders for speed and tenderness, but any cooked chicken will do.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for effortless mixing and extra creamy filling.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: This is where all that tangy, spicy flavor comes in—choose your favorite!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Chopped Pickled Jalapeños: Adds a zesty kick; use fresh jalapeños if you want more heat.
- Garlic Powder: A subtle background note that makes the flavors pop.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor and brings a little savory depth.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for perfect balance.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas: Small tortillas are ideal for rolling; go gluten-free if needed.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: A light brush or spray ensures a crispy, golden exterior.
How to Make Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get that crispiness just right. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—trust me, you’ll appreciate this step when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is evenly coated and the mixture looks creamy and inviting. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the heat with more jalapeños if you’re feeling bold!
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling easier and prevent cracking, warm your tortillas for about 15–20 seconds in the microwave. This makes them super pliable and helps them wrap snugly around the filling.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, then place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This keeps them from unrolling during baking and creates perfect taquito shapes.
Step 5: Crisp Them Up
Give the tops of your taquitos a quick spray or brush of oil—this is the secret to that irresistible golden crunch. Pop them in the oven for 15–18 minutes until they’re beautifully crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want even more crunch, try air frying at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Garnishes
Fresh is best! Sprinkle your Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a crumble of blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving really makes the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple side salad to balance out the heat and richness. For dipping, set out a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing—these creamy dips are the perfect cooling match for the spicy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos on a platter with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking, or arrange them upright in a jar or glass for a playful, party-friendly vibe. For a crowd, offer several dipping sauces and toppings so everyone can build their own flavor adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let your taquitos cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavor often gets even better overnight as everything melds together.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or lunch option.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy magic, reheat taquitos in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot and golden. For a quick fix, you can microwave them, but the oven or air fryer will preserve that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour or corn. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so this swap keeps the whole dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed and flavor, but you can also poach chicken breasts and shred them with two forks or even a hand mixer for extra ease.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Definitely! Use fewer jalapeños or go for mild pickled peppers to tame the heat, or add extra jalapeños (even fresh ones) if you want a bigger kick. Buffalo sauce brands also vary in spice level, so choose one that fits your taste.
Are these good for meal prep?
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch, refrigerate or freeze, and reheat as needed for quick lunches, snacks, or even a low-key dinner.
What dips go best with these taquitos?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are always hits, but you can also try avocado crema, sour cream, or even a mild salsa to complement the spicy, creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a party, game day, or snack night without them. They’re easy, fun, and loaded with flavor—make a batch and watch them disappear!
Print
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are perfect game day appetizers or snacks. These crispy rolled tortillas are filled with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, buffalo sauce, and pickled jalapeños, baked to golden perfection. They offer a flavorful Tex-Mex twist with an easy baking method and a creamy, spicy filling.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños (or fresh for more heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Prepare Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir vigorously until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Warm Tortillas. Slightly warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Fill and Roll. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling during baking.
- Oil and Bake. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking oil or spray to help them crisp during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve. Remove from the oven and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- You can air fry these taquitos at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for an even crispier texture.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of jalapeños used or opting for fresh over pickled.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
