Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
If you’re in the mood for a flavor-packed snack or a quick meal that’s sure to impress, then these Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are exactly what you need. Imagine crispy tortillas filled with tender, spicy chicken, a hint of sweetness, and melted cheese. Whether you serve them at a game day gathering or make them for a cozy family dinner, these taquitos are bound to be a hit! The sweet and spicy combination will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Once you try these Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, you’ll find yourself making them time and again. They are incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations depending on your taste preferences. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep! Bake a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious snacks or meals ready to go. The delightful blend of honey and hot sauce creates a unique flavor profile, making them stand out from typical taquitos. Whether you enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own, these taquitos are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What Goes In
To create these mouthwatering Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds chicken breasts (thawed)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
- 12 flour tortillas (I recommend Land tortillas for the best texture)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons hot sauce (I use Frank’s Original)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Hardware & Gadgets
To make the process as smooth as possible, gather the following tools:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the filling ingredients.
- Skillet: To cook the chicken before shredding.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Baking sheet: For crisping the taquitos in the oven.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing the filling.
- Foil: Optional, for easy cleanup.
Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breasts. Place them in a skillet over medium heat, and add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest before shredding.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, hot sauce, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, soy sauce, and all of the spices. Mix until everything is well incorporated. If you prefer a little more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce to taste!
Step 3: Thicken the Mixture
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the filling and mix well. This will help bind the filling together and prevent it from becoming too runny once it’s wrapped in the tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take a tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the lower third of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Bake the Taquitos
Once all the taquitos are assembled, brush the tops lightly with oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving. These are delicious on their own, but can be paired with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or guacamole for an extra flavor boost!
Budget & Availability Swaps
If you’re looking to swap out some ingredients, here are a few suggestions:
- Chicken: You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Cheese: Feel free to use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, but they may require a bit more care while rolling.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a different flavor profile.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When making Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success:
- Don’t overfill the tortillas—this can make them difficult to roll and may lead to tearing.
- Make sure your chicken is completely cooled before mixing with cream cheese to avoid melting it prematurely.
- Allow the taquitos to cool slightly after baking to ensure the filling sets a bit before serving.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, and you want them to be crispy but not burnt.
Shelf Life & Storage
These Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, consider freezing them before baking. Just freeze the assembled taquitos in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to add extra baking time if you’re baking them straight from the freezer.
What can I serve with Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?
These taquitos pair well with a variety of dips such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, guacamole, or even fresh salsa. A side of fresh veggies or a simple salad can make for a balanced meal.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the filling. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or opt for a mild variety. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more!
What’s the best way to reheat taquitos?
The best way to reheat taquitos is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option!
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve made these delicious Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, it’s time to gather your friends and family and dig in! They are perfect for sharing, and you will surely be the star of the table with this delightful dish. Enjoy the crunchy texture, the sweet and spicy flavor, and the satisfying cheesiness that makes every bite a joy. Happy cooking!
Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breasts. Place them in a skillet over medium heat, and add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest before shredding. - Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, hot sauce, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, soy sauce, and all of the spices. Mix until everything is well incorporated. If you prefer a little more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce to taste! - Step 3: Thicken the Mixture
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the filling and mix well. This will help bind the filling together and prevent it from becoming too runny once it’s wrapped in the tortillas. - Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take a tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the lower third of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. - Step 5: Bake the Taquitos
Once all the taquitos are assembled, brush the tops lightly with oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. - Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the taquitos cool for a few minutes before serving. These are delicious on their own, but can be paired with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or guacamole for an extra flavor boost!
Notes
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to avoid tearing.
- Cool the chicken completely before mixing with cream cheese.
- Let the taquitos cool slightly after baking to set the filling.
