Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos offer a flavorful twist on traditional tacos with tender, spicy ground chicken pressed onto tortillas and topped with a creamy ranch slaw. This easy and satisfying recipe perfects the balance of heat and cool in every bite.
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
- Cooking spray or oil for pan
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ to ⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ranch slaw by combining shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish in a large bowl. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to maintain texture.
- Step 3: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 4: Divide the chicken mixture into eight loose balls. Place one ball on each tortilla, set the chicken side down on the hot pan, and smash with a spatula until it covers most of the tortilla.
- Step 5: Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Lightly oil the tortilla side, flip each taco so the tortilla side touches the pan, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until crisped to your preference.
- Step 7: Remove tacos from the pan and top each with a generous portion of ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle with additional ranch or buffalo sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing for a healthier slaw with creamy texture.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Try using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Make the slaw a day ahead to let the flavors meld and save time on busy days.
Storage
Store leftover chicken patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crisp the tortillas again briefly on the pan before assembling. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey or pork can be substituted for ground chicken, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust seasonings to taste.
What’s the best tortilla to use for these tacos?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Choose small tortillas for easy handling and to allow enough room for the smashed chicken and slaw.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Smash Tacos Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos combine flavorful ground chicken seasoned with spicy buffalo wing sauce and smoky spices, cooked until golden and served in crispy tortillas topped with a refreshing ranch slaw. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal that balances heat and cool creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Patties
- 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
- Cooking spray or oil for pan
Tortillas & Toppings
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ to ⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ranch Slaw: Combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish in a large bowl. Toss well, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken: In a separate bowl, gently combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to keep a tender texture.
- Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Form and Smash Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into eight loose balls. Place one ball on each tortilla with the chicken side down on the hot pan, then smash it flat with a spatula so it covers most of the tortilla surface.
- Cook Chicken Patties: Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes until the ground chicken is cooked through and the bottom side is golden brown.
- Crisp Tortillas: Lightly oil the tortilla side of the tacos, flip each taco so the tortilla side touches the pan, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the tortilla crisps to your preference.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the tacos from the pan, top each with a generous portion of the chilled ranch slaw, and optionally drizzle with extra ranch dressing or buffalo sauce. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing for a healthier, protein-rich slaw.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control spiciness according to your taste.
- Can be served with corn or flour tortillas depending on preference or dietary needs.
- Make sure not to overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties tender.
- Leftover slaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For extra crispness, press tortillas gently when cooking the tortilla side.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken tacos, smash tacos, ground chicken recipe, buffalo sauce, ranch slaw, quick dinner, spicy tacos
