Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Cook Time: 315 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pinch paprika (or to taste)
• Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
• cup Buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 1 (4 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
• 10 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts into a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on Low for about 4 hours or until the chicken becomes tender.
3. Once cooked, drain the broth and shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
4. Add the Buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix to the shredded chicken. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
5. Let it cook on Low for an additional hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
8. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush each taquito with peanut oil on all sides.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, turning the taquitos every 5 minutes, until they are slightly browned and crispy.

Cook's Notes

• An extra chicken breast can be added to the recipe for more servings.
• If desired, vegetable oil can be substituted for peanut oil.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	492
Total Fat	24g	31%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	74mg	25%
Sodium	1995mg	87%
Total Carbohydrate	43g	16%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	25g	50%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	108mg	8%
Iron	3mg	16%
Potassium	276mg	6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin: Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a modern fusion of American and Mexican cuisines, combining the spicy, tangy flavors of Buffalo chicken wings with the crunchy, handheld format of taquitos. The concept of Buffalo chicken itself is derived from Buffalo, New York, where the signature hot wings were first created in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar. The taquito, on the other hand, is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, where it is known for being rolled and fried, often filled with a variety of meats and cheeses.

Regional Variations

While Buffalo wings are a regional specialty in the Northeastern United States, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are a more recent innovation, gaining popularity due to their perfect balance of heat and crunch. This recipe draws heavily from the flavor profile of Buffalo sauce, typically made from hot sauce and butter, while incorporating the creamy texture of ranch dressing and cream cheese for a milder, more accessible heat. In some regions, like the South and Southwest, variations may include additional fillings like beans, corn, or even jalapeos for an added kick. The key difference between Buffalo Chicken Taquitos and regular taquitos is the inclusion of Buffalo sauce and cream cheese, which offers a creamy contrast to the heat of the sauce.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos stand out from traditional Mexican taquitos because they use Buffalo chicken as a filling. Taquitos, typically filled with seasoned meat, are often fried to a crispy finish, but Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are baked after being rolled in tortillas, offering a slightly healthier and less greasy alternative. The addition of cream cheese and ranch dressing mix in the filling creates a distinctively American twist, compared to the more traditional Mexican flavors of shredded beef, chicken, or pork with cheese. Other variations of taquitos, like those made with ground beef or chicken, usually don't have the same level of creaminess or heat that Buffalo Chicken Taquitos provide.

Where to Serve Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos are commonly served as appetizers or party snacks. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for casual gatherings, game day parties, or as a side dish for a family dinner. The combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements makes them universally appealing. In restaurants, they might be offered as a part of a Tex-Mex or American menu, often accompanied by dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even extra Buffalo sauce for those who enjoy more heat. They're also a popular choice for kids' menus, especially when served with a mild sauce or alongside vegetables.

Fun Facts

• The origin of the Buffalo wing is disputed, but it is widely believed that the first Buffalo wings were served at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, in 1964.
• In some variations, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos can be deep-fried instead of baked, offering a more indulgent, crispy version of this dish.
• Buffalo wings became so popular that they led to the creation of the national "Buffalo Wing Day," celebrated annually on July 29th.
• While traditional taquitos are often filled with seasoned meat and cheese, Buffalo Chicken Taquitos reflect the trend of combining classic American comfort foods with Mexican cooking techniques.
• The addition of ranch dressing to spicy dishes is a common practice in the United States, providing a creamy counterbalance to the heat of hot sauce. This pairing is especially popular in the Midwest and Southern states.

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