Ready in: 40 minutes · Serves: 10 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer.
Quick Answer
A deliciously simple recipe for Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Taquitos that are sure to impress your guests.
As the crisp fall air sweeps through the streets of New York City and the days grow shorter, I can't help but feel that excitement in the air as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas. One of my favorite ways to embrace the season is by hosting cozy gatherings centered around comfort food. With that in mind, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my home: Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Taquitos.
These taquitos are bursting with flavor and are incredibly simple to prepare, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for your holiday festivities. Imagine the spicy aroma of buffalo sauce weaving its way through your kitchen, mingling with the creamy goodness of ranch seasoning-it's simply irresistible.
A Perfect Holiday Appetizer
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously flavorful with the perfect blend of spicy buffalo and creamy ranch.
- Easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining or a quick snack.
- Perfectly baked for a healthier twist on traditional taquitos.
- Customizable with different proteins or dipping sauces to suit everyone's taste.
- Great for meal prep and freezing for busy days ahead.
Ingredients
Gather these flavorful ingredients for the ultimate taquito experience:
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably rotisserie)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank's RedHot recommended)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Cheese and Tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 10 small flour tortillas (extra-large recommended)
Finishing Touches
- Olive oil spray
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing
How to Make Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Taquitos (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering taquitos that everyone will love:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The anticipation builds as you imagine the delicious taquitos that will soon fill your home with wonderful aromas.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and enjoy the lively fragrance of the spicy filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds while wrapped in a damp paper towel. This makes them pliable and prevents cracking during the rolling process.
Step 4: Fill the Tortillas
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it slightly. Approximately ¼ cup of filling works well towards one end of the tortilla.
Step 5: Roll the Taquitos
Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. A firm grip without overstuffing ensures that your taquitos maintain their shape during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a light spray of olive oil for that perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them during baking for that ideal crunch. Serve warm, garnished with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or ranch dressing, and watch them disappear!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overfilling the tortillas: This can make rolling difficult and may lead to a mess in the oven.
- Skipping the tortilla warming step: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack while rolling.
- Not applying enough oil: A little olive oil helps with crispiness, so don't skip it!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Experiment with different proteins! Shredded buffalo beef or even a vegetarian filling like black beans would be fantastic.
- Make these in advance and store them in the freezer for quick party prep. Just bake them straight from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to all your guests' preferences-think blue cheese, ranch, or even a zesty salsa!
Variations:
- Shredded buffalo beef
- Vegetarian filling using black beans
- Different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or pepper jack
- Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a milder flavor
How to Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions
- Top with blue cheese crumbles
- Drizzle with ranch dressing
- Offer a selection of dipping sauces
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked taquitos in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I discovered that the choice of buffalo sauce dramatically affects the final flavor-each brand has a different heat level. I recommend starting with medium heat and adjusting according to your guests' preferences. Plus, there's an undeniable joy in sharing freshly baked snacks that are as fun to eat as they are to make!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 10 taquitos · Serving Size: 1 taquito
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~200 calories · 12g protein · 18g carbs · 9g fat
Recipe by:
Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds while wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, approximately ¼ cup of filling works well towards one end of the tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden. Serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of protein in these taquitos?
Absolutely! You can experiment with shredded buffalo beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling like black beans for a delicious twist.
2. How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?
Warming the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, makes them pliable and easier to roll, minimizing the chances of cracking.
3. Can I prepare these taquitos in advance?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?
Serving them with a variety of dipping sauces enhances the experience. Try blue cheese, ranch, or even a zesty salsa to cater to different tastes.
5. How long can I store leftover taquitos?
These taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container, where they'll keep well for up to 3 months.
