Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine spicy, juicy chicken patties with a creamy ranch slaw, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
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. Mix until fully coated and chill the slaw in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 3: Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 4: Form the chicken mixture into loose balls, one per taco. Place each ball on a tortilla, then transfer both to the hot pan. Immediately press the chicken flat using a spatula or flat-bottomed cup to create thin patties.
- Step 5: Cook each patty for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Lower the heat. Lightly oil the tortillas and flip them onto their tortilla side in the pan to warm and finish cooking. Cook until your desired softness or crispiness is reached.
- Step 7: Assemble the tacos by placing a cooked chicken patty on each tortilla. Top generously with the chilled ranch slaw and drizzle with extra Greek yogurt ranch dressing or buffalo sauce, if desired.
- Step 8: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy the balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangy twist.
- Use lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Add a slice of sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on the patties just before removing them from the pan for extra richness.
- Drizzle with hot honey or add pickled jalapeños for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Prepare the slaw a few hours ahead to let flavors meld and save time during dinner prep.
Storage
Store leftover chicken patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil or a container to maintain softness, warming them 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 bold flavor of spicy buffalo chicken formed into crispy smash-style patties, paired with a creamy, crunchy ranch slaw and soft tortillas. This fusion creates a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors in a quick-to-make handheld meal.
Are these tacos high in protein?
Yes, using lean ground chicken as the base provides a good source of protein while keeping the dish lighter than traditional burger or fried wing options.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine spicy buffalo-flavored ground chicken patties with a creamy ranch slaw, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and balanced meal with bold flavors and crispy, juicy textures.
Ingredients
For the 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
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking spray or oil
For the Ranch Slaw
- 3 cups shredded cabbage (green or red)
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt ranch preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ranch Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated. Chill the slaw in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.
- Mix the Chicken: In a separate bowl, add the ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients together by hand or with a spoon, taking care not to overmix to keep the texture light and tender.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Place a griddle or large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Form and Smash Patties: Portion the chicken mixture into small, loose balls—one for each taco. Place each ball on a tortilla, then transfer the tortilla and meat onto the heated pan, chicken side down. Immediately press down firmly with a spatula or flat-bottomed cup to smash the chicken into a thin patty.
- Cook the Patties: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is fully cooked through. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.
- Warm and Crisp Tortillas: Reduce heat, lightly oil the tortillas, and flip them on the skillet to warm through and finish to your preferred texture—soft or crispy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a cooked chicken patty on each warmed tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of the chilled ranch slaw and drizzle with additional Greek yogurt ranch sauce or buffalo wing sauce to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately while warm, enjoying the harmonious balance of spicy chicken, creamy slaw, and soft or crispy tortillas.
Notes
- You can swap ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a different creamy tang.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based ranch alternative.
- Substitute tortillas with lettuce wraps to make the tacos low-carb or keto-friendly.
- To add cheesiness, place a slice of sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on each patty before removing from the pan to melt.
- Try topping with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Prepare the slaw a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld and save time on dinner prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken smash burger tacos, buffalo smash tacos, chicken tacos
