Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Looking for a fun and flavorful twist on your traditional taquitos? Look no further than these delectable Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and heat, making them an irresistible snack or meal option that the whole family will love. With a golden crispy exterior and a mouthwatering filling, these taquitos are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe lineup. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

The Upside of Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are not just tasty—they’re also incredibly versatile. They make for a perfect appetizer for parties, a fun dinner option, or a satisfying snack during game day. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and sweet honey creates a unique flavor profile that is simply delightful. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for those busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying.

What You’ll Gather

• 2 1/2 pounds thawed chicken breasts
• 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 Franks Original for the perfect kick)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon each of salt and garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Essential Tools for Success

• Mixing Bowl: For combining all your filling ingredients seamlessly.
• Skillet: To cook the chicken and enhance its flavor before mixing.
• Baking Sheet: For crisping your taquitos in the oven.
• Spatula: To help you flip and maneuver your taquitos.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.

From Start to Finish: Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by cooking your thawed chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and garlic powder for flavor. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands, then return it to the mixing bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the hot sauce, honey, apricot preserves, brown sugar, soy sauce, and remaining spices (onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, and black pepper). Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Combine Fillings

Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the shredded chicken. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and cheese, and mix until everything is well coated and combined.

Step 5: Fill the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out a tortilla on a flat surface and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Bake the Taquitos

Once all the taquitos are rolled and placed on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or extra buffalo sauce. Enjoy every flavorful bite of your Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!

Budget & Availability Swaps

• Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Cheese: If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used if you prefer a gluten-free option; just be careful when rolling them as they can break more easily.
• Hot Sauce: Any brand of hot sauce can be used, but adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.

Don’t Do This

When making Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, avoid overfilling your tortillas, as this can lead to messy taquitos that are difficult to roll. Additionally, don’t skip the step of spraying your taquitos with cooking oil before baking; this is essential for achieving that golden, crispy texture. Lastly, be sure to let the cooked chicken rest before shredding to keep the juices intact.

Shelf Life & Storage

Leftover Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze the unbaked taquitos; just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my taquitos are soggy?

If your taquitos turn out soggy, it’s likely due to too much filling or not baking them long enough. Be sure to roll them tightly and allow them enough time to crisp up in the oven.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freeze them. Just bake them right before serving for maximum crispiness.

What can I serve with Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos?

These taquitos pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Consider serving them with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the cheddar cheese for any cheese of your choice. Creamy cheeses like goat cheese or a sharp cheese like gouda can add a unique flavor to your taquitos.

Next Up in Your Queue

• Spicy Chicken Wings
• Loaded Nachos
• Creamy Buffalo Dip
• Vegetarian Taquitos

Bring It to the Table

These Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Their perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors will leave everyone wanting more. With easy preparation and delicious results, you’ll find yourself making these taquitos again and again. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every delicious bite of these Honey Buffalo Chicken Taquitos!