If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun twist on a classic comfort food, the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe is about to become your new secret weapon. These crispy, golden taquitos pack a punch with tender shredded chicken bathed in spicy buffalo sauce, mellowed by the creamy richness of cream cheese and sour cream, and finished off with the perfect zing from pickled jalapeños. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness wrapped in a flaky tortilla. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a staple for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the fun part, and for this dish, it’s all about combining simple, flavorful essentials that create big taste without complexity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the spicy kick of buffalo sauce and jalapeños to the creamy texture of cream cheese and sour cream that brings everything together perfectly.
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the spicy and creamy flavors.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Adds a bold, tangy heat essential to buffalo-style dishes.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives richness and a smooth texture that balances the spice.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a subtle tang.
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped: Brings that fruity heat and slight acidity for bright flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Lends a savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and helps build layers of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky note for richness.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Infuses a warm, earthy essence enhancing overall taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and elevates all the ingredients.
- 8-10 small flour tortillas: The crispy, handheld vehicle for the filling.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers tanginess and sharpness in every bite.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty, gooey texture that binds everything together.
- Olive oil spray or brush: Helps achieve that irresistible golden, crispy exterior during baking.
How to Make Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be where the magic happens, giving your taquitos a crispy finish without sticking—an essential step to ensure easy cleanup and the perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Stir everything together until fully combined and creamy. This mixture is the heart of the Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe, melding intense flavors with a luscious, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling down the center. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the filling to add melty, cheesy richness. Roll the tortilla up tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all remaining tortillas. This step requires a bit of patience but results in tightly packed rolls that hold their shape and crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Lightly spray or brush the taquitos with olive oil to help them turn golden and crispy in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye out for that gorgeous golden hue and crisp texture. This baking method keeps things healthier compared to frying but still delivers the crunch and flavor you crave.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve your taquitos warm alongside your favorite dips such as ranch or extra buffalo sauce. The combination of crispiness and creamy, spicy filling makes this dish irresistible every time.
How to Serve Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that beautifully brightens the flavors. If you love a little extra heat, some additional diced pickled jalapeños on top can give a zesty kick. Sour cream or a drizzle of lime crema can also add a cooling touch to balance the spice.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, creamy guacamole, or even Mexican street corn. For heartier meals, consider serving them alongside black beans and Spanish rice to round out the flavorful experience with different textures and complementary tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging taquitos vertically in a mason jar or a tall glass for an eye-catching appetizer display. Alternatively, slice them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy party snacking. Garnish with colorful veggies, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sauce for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they may disappear fast), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The taquitos maintain their flavor, and you can enjoy them cold or reheated for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
The Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the rolled, unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfect crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, place refrigerated or frozen taquitos on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas, and you’ll still have all the flavor and fun textures without the gluten.
What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
If buffalo sauce is too spicy or not your favorite, try using BBQ sauce, a mild wing sauce, or even a smoky chipotle sauce for a different but delicious twist on the recipe.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, shredded cooked turkey or even diced cooked beef can work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables or beans with the cream cheese mixture can be tasty alternatives.
How spicy are these taquitos? Can I control the heat?
The pickled jalapeños and buffalo sauce provide a moderate heat level that’s lively but not overwhelming. You can adjust the spice by reducing or omitting jalapeños and choosing a milder buffalo sauce if you prefer less heat.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to roll and bake the taquitos.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about biting into a warm, crispy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe that bursts with smoky heat and creamy, tangy flavors. It’s a delightful way to elevate simple ingredients into a festive treat that’s sure to wow family and friends alike. Don’t wait to try this recipe—you’ll love how easy it is to make and impossible to stop eating!
Print
Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 taquitos (8-10 servings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño Cream Cheese Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a spicy, creamy, and crispy finger food perfect for game day or a flavorful snack. Made with shredded buffalo chicken, cream cheese, and pickled jalapeños, then rolled in small flour tortillas and baked until golden and crispy, they offer a satisfying blend of heat and creamy texture in every bite.
Ingredients
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
Other Ingredients
- 8–10 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray or brush
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy and spicy chicken filling.
- Assemble the taquitos: Lay a small flour tortilla flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the filling. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, then place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with all remaining tortillas and filling.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with olive oil. This will help them crisp up beautifully and develop a golden-brown exterior during baking.
- Bake the taquitos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden, crispy, and the cheese is melted inside.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and serve warm. Pair them with ranch dressing, extra buffalo sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces for an added kick of flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Use corn tortillas if you prefer gluten-free options, though they may be more fragile.
- To make ahead, assemble taquitos and refrigerate before baking; add a couple of extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
