Buffalo Chicken Taquitos [35 Minutes]

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos marry the fiery zest of buffalo chicken with the crispy, golden exterior of a taquito. This dish is a perfect amalgamation of American and Mexican cuisines, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes. Ideal for game days, gatherings, or a fun family dinner, these taquitos promise a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of spicy chicken, melted cheese, and a crunchy shell makes for an irresistible snack or meal that’s sure to please any crowd.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are not just a dish; they’re an experience. The blend of spicy buffalo sauce with tender chicken, wrapped in a crispy shell, creates a perfect balance of texture and taste. This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and offering room for customization. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a practical choice for a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re a fan of buffalo chicken or new to the flavor, these taquitos will become a fast favorite for their ease of preparation and mouth-watering taste.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Shred Chicken Finely: For even distribution within the taquitos, shred the chicken as finely as possible.
  • Don’t Overfill: To prevent bursting during baking or frying, avoid overfilling the tortillas.
  • Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the taquitos before cooking to keep them rolled up.
  • Adjust the Heat: Tailor the spiciness by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
  • Use Fresh Tortillas: For easier rolling and to prevent breaking, ensure your tortillas are fresh and pliable.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pork, or a plant-based alternative.
  • Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or cheddar for varied flavors.
  • Tortilla Options: While traditionally made with corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be used for a softer bite.
  • Sauce Creativity: Mix buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a milder, creamy flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, and a crisp celery or carrot salad to balance the heat. They are perfect as a standalone snack or paired with a light soup or salad for a fuller meal. For a festive gathering, accompany them with nachos, salsa, and guacamole for a complete fiesta of flavors. Pairing with a cold beer or a refreshing citrus cocktail can enhance the dining experience, offering a palate cleanse between bites.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze cooked and cooled taquitos on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for up to a month.
  • Reheat: Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.

Recipe FAQs

  • Can I bake instead of fry? Yes, baking is a healthier alternative that still offers a crispy finish.
  • How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, assemble the taquitos and refrigerate before cooking or freeze for later use.
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Yield: 12 taquitos
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Dive into the crunchy, spicy world of Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, a perfect blend of flavors wrapped in a golden shell. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they're the ultimate snack or meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, green onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.
  2. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas briefly in a microwave or on a hot skillet to make them pliable.
  3. Assemble the Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on one end of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick.
  4. Cook the Taquitos: Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the taquitos in batches, turning until they are golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Serve: Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, bake the taquitos at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp.
  • Enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lime juice to the chicken mixture.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle the taquitos with a bit of sea salt fresh out of the fryer or oven.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 365mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 9g

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