Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Introduction

When I made these Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos for dinner, the response from my family was nothing short of enthusiastic. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce, paired with the smooth cream cheese and gooey melted cheese, made every bite a flavor explosion. My family couldn’t get enough of the crispy, golden taquitos, and they disappeared from the plate in no time. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering. The combination of heat from the jalapeños and buffalo sauce, along with the richness of the cream cheese, makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving guests, these taquitos will surely be a hit.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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 prevent the taquitos from sticking.

Mix Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Assemble Taquitos

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a little bit of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken filling. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to hold everything together. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and chicken filling.

Bake

Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking. Place the taquitos in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overcook.

Serve

Once the taquitos are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce, for an added burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8-10 taquitos
• Calories per serving: Approx. 260 kcal per taquito
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 15g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra buffalo sauce.
• As an Appetizer: These taquitos are perfect for serving as an appetizer at parties, game days, or family gatherings.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance out the spicy, creamy flavors.
• As a Main Course: For a more substantial meal, serve these taquitos with a side of rice or roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and you’re ready to go.
2. Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicier, add extra chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
3. Make Ahead: You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them. Just remember to spray them with olive oil before baking.
4. Use Smaller Tortillas: If you’re serving these as appetizers, consider using smaller flour tortillas for bite-sized taquitos.
5. Ensure Crispiness: Be sure to spray or brush the taquitos with olive oil before baking to ensure they get nice and crispy on the outside.

Recipe Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Taquito Bites: Use mini tortillas for bite-sized taquitos that are perfect for parties or game day snacks.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for black beans and corn for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.
• Cheesy Bacon Taquitos: Add crispy bacon to the filling for an extra layer of flavor that complements the buffalo chicken filling.
• Spicy Ranch Taquitos: Mix ranch seasoning into the chicken filling along with the buffalo sauce to create a creamy, spicy ranch flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Guacamole: Serve alongside some homemade guacamole for a refreshing contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor.
• With Fries: Pair these taquitos with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a more hearty meal.
• On a Taco Salad: Top a taco salad with these buffalo chicken taquitos for a fun and flavorful twist on a traditional salad.
• With a Cold Drink: Complement the spicy taquitos with a cold beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer to cool down the heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze the taquitos, assemble them as directed but don’t bake. Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to retain their crispy texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may crack more easily when rolling. You can warm them in the microwave or on the stove to make them more pliable.
2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking them.
3. Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar? Yes, mozzarella can be used, but it might melt more quickly than cheddar. Feel free to mix and match cheeses to suit your preferences.
4. How do I make these less spicy? Reduce the amount of jalapeños in the filling, and opt for a mild buffalo sauce or use ranch dressing as a dip to cut the spice.
5. Can I bake the taquitos instead of frying them? This recipe is baked, not fried, for a healthier and crispier result.
6. What can I use if I don’t have buffalo sauce? You can make a simple buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. Alternatively, use your favorite hot sauce.
7. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even shredded pork.
8. Can I freeze the filling? Yes, the buffalo chicken filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
9. What can I serve these taquitos with? These taquitos go great with ranch dressing, blue cheese, guacamole, salsa, or extra buffalo sauce.
10. How can I make these vegetarian? Replace the chicken with a combination of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy. These taquitos make an irresistible appetizer or main dish for any occasion. The buffalo sauce adds heat, while the cream cheese and sour cream balance out the spice with richness. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for a flavorful snack, these taquitos will become a favorite in your recipe collection. With easy-to-follow instructions and the ability to customize to your taste, they’re sure to be a hit every time you make them.

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