Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos bring together juicy, spicy chicken patties and creamy ranch slaw in soft tortillas. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking spray or oil
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss well and refrigerate to chill the slaw.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Heat a griddle or large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 4: Divide the chicken mixture into small loose balls. Place each ball onto a tortilla on the hot pan and smash it flat using a spatula until thin and evenly shaped.
- Step 5: Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through with crispy edges.
- Step 6: Reduce the heat, lightly oil the tortillas, and flip them on the tortilla side to warm and soften or crisp, according to your preference.
- Step 7: Assemble the tacos by placing a chicken patty on each tortilla. Top generously with ranch slaw and drizzle with extra Greek yogurt ranch sauce or buffalo wing sauce as desired.
- Step 8: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For a low-carb option, substitute tortillas with lettuce cups for a refreshing wrap.
- Add a slice of sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on the patties while cooking for a melty, indulgent twist.
- Drizzle hot honey over the tacos or add pickled jalapeños for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch and shredded iceberg lettuce for a tangier, creamier contrast.
- Prepare the ranch slaw ahead of time to let the flavors meld and save prep time on busy nights.
Storage
Store leftover chicken patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispy edges. Tortillas are best warmed fresh, but can be briefly microwaved or toasted before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What makes buffalo chicken smash burger tacos unique?
These tacos combine the spicy, crispy characteristics of buffalo chicken smash burgers with the handheld convenience of tacos, layered with a creamy, tangy ranch slaw for contrast.
Are these tacos high in protein?
Yes, using lean ground chicken provides a good amount of protein, making these tacos a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine spicy buffalo chicken smash patties with a creamy ranch slaw, all served on soft or crispy tortillas. Perfect for a quick, bold, and satisfying weeknight dinner, these tacos balance juicy, crispy chicken with cooling slaw for a delightful flavor and texture experience.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burgers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil
For the Ranch Slaw
- 3 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ – ⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ranch Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss until all ingredients are fully coated. Refrigerate the slaw to chill while preparing the chicken.
- Mix the Chicken: In another bowl, gently mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper until just combined to keep the mixture light and tender.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Form and Smash Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into small loose balls, one for each taco. Place each ball onto a tortilla, put it on the hot pan chicken-side down, and immediately press down firmly with a spatula or flat-bottomed cup to smash it thin and flat.
- Cook the Chicken Patties: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lower the heat and lightly oil the tortillas. Flip them in the skillet to warm and soften or crisp them to your preference.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place each cooked buffalo chicken patty on a tortilla. Top generously with the ranch slaw and drizzle with additional Greek yogurt ranch dressing or buffalo sauce as desired.
- Serve: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy chicken, creamy slaw, and soft or crispy tortilla.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based ranch alternatives.
- Swap tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb variation.
- Add cheese such as sharp cheddar or blue cheese on the patties just before removing them from the pan for extra richness.
- Enhance with a drizzle of hot honey or pickled jalapeños for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions add a delightful crunch.
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties tender.
- Ensure pan is hot before cooking to achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare the slaw a few hours ahead for better flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken smash burger tacos, buffalo smash tacos, chicken tacos
