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There is something incredibly satisfying about the fiery zing paired with creamy richness in the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe. This dish perfectly balances spicy buffalo chicken mingled with smooth cream cheese and tangy jalapeños wrapped in crisp, golden tortillas. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a party of bold flavors to your plate with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe means starting with simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own magic—from the tender shredded chicken soaked in buffalo sauce, to the creamy softness of cream cheese and sour cream that cools down the heat, and finally the crispy tortillas that hold everything together.
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty base providing tender texture and protein.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that iconic spicy and tangy kick essential for buffalo flavor.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings luscious creaminess that balances the heat.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a mild tang and extra silkiness.
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped: For a fresh but zesty punch of heat.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone that complements the buffalo sauce.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Introduces a gentle earthiness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and brightens all flavors.
- 8-10 small flour tortillas: Thin yet sturdy, perfect for rolling up the filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, melty richness.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Ensures gooey, stretchy texture inside each taquito.
- Olive oil spray or brush: Helps achieve that irresistible golden crisp on the outside.
How to Make Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help the taquitos get perfectly crisp and golden on the outside while melting all that cheesy, spicy goodness inside. Be sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped pickled jalapeños. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir everything until it’s well blended and creamy, with flecks of jalapeño that promise every bite will deliver a spicy surprise.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay each tortilla flat and dollop about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your buffalo chicken mixture down the center. Top that with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella cheeses for irresistible melt and flavor. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep it sealed during baking. Repeat this process for all the tortillas—it’s a bit like wrapping little flavor-packed parcels ready to crisp up.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Before baking, lightly spray or brush the taquitos with olive oil. This step is key to achieving that desirable golden crisp on the outside. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the taquitos are crunchy and browned all over. The aroma alone at this stage will have your kitchen smelling invitingly spicy and cheesy.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe, think fresh and bright. A scattering of chopped cilantro or green onions adds vibrant color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. A drizzle of cool ranch dressing or a squeeze of lime juice can also elevate the overall layers of flavor and help mellow the heat.
Side Dishes
Keep the meal balanced with cool, crisp sides like a crunchy cabbage slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad. These bring a crisp, light crunch alongside the warm, cheesy taquitos. If you want to amp up the comfort factor, creamy guacamole or a smooth black bean dip pairs endlessly well with the spicy buffalo notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes the experience even more fun! Arrange the taquitos stacked pyramid-style on a vibrant platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment paper. Add small bowls of dips—ranch, blue cheese, or more buffalo sauce—so everyone can customize each bite. For a party, serve them skewered on colorful toothpicks with a wedge of lime on the side for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe are a treat to keep around. Place cooled taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and make a great quick snack or meal without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead even further, these taquitos freeze exceptionally well. Before baking, place rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crunch intact. This way, you get nearly fresh-from-the-oven tastiness with zero hassle.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, or you can cook your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. The key is to have shredded chicken that’s tender and able to soak up the buffalo sauce well.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the combination of buffalo sauce and pickled jalapeños. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the jalapeños or use a mild buffalo sauce. For more heat, add extra chopped jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce when serving.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or even corn tortillas if they’re large and pliable enough. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
What dipping sauces go best with these taquitos?
Classic combos include ranch dressing and blue cheese dip, both of which complement the buffalo chicken perfectly. You can also try sour cream, guacamole, or extra buffalo sauce for kicking up the heat.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! Making the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld even more deeply. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble the taquitos to make your cooking process quicker and more relaxed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack or party appetizer that hits all the right notes of spicy, creamy, and crispy, the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe is waiting to become your new go-to. Simple to prepare yet packed with bold flavor, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Don’t wait to try it—your taste buds are in for a joyous ride.
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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 crispy, spicy, and creamy rolled tortillas filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, baked to golden perfection and served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken 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
Assembly
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray or brush
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the taquitos.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded 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 evenly mixed to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble Taquitos: Lay a small flour tortilla flat and spoon approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the filling. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Bake: Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos turn golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or extra buffalo sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can turn the taquitos halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for shredded chicken.
- If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of pickled jalapeños or buffalo sauce.
- These taquitos can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
