Save Spicy, crispy Buffalo chicken patties smashed on tortillas and topped with a creamy ranch slaw—these tacos are a bold, satisfying, and quick weeknight dinner.
I enjoy serving these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos when I want something flavorful but simple for my family to enjoy together.
Ingredients
- For the Buffalo Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) 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)
- For the Ranch Slaw: 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 large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish to make the slaw. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 2:
- In another bowl, combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined–do not overwork.
- Step 3:
- Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil or cooking spray.
- Step 4:
- Divide the chicken mixture into 8 loose balls. Place a ball on each tortilla, then place on the hot pan, chicken side down. Smash the chicken flat with a spatula to cover most of the tortilla.
- Step 5:
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Step 6:
- Lightly oil the tortilla side, then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down. Cook 1–2 minutes more, to your preferred crispness.
- Step 7:
- Remove tacos from the pan. Top each with a generous spoonful of ranch slaw. For extra zing, drizzle with more ranch or buffalo sauce if desired.
- Step 8:
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Save This recipe brings back cherished family moments where everyone gathers around to enjoy these flavorful tacos together.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls, box grater, large non-stick skillet or griddle, spatula, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (ranch dressing), Wheat (if using flour tortillas), Egg (possible in ranch dressing), Mustard (possible in buffalo sauce). For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free tortillas. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per 2 tacos: Calories: 320, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 24 g
Save These tacos are a perfect balance of spicy and creamy that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes for any busy night.
Recipe Guide
- → What’s the best way to get crispy chicken patties?
Smash ground chicken balls firmly onto a hot, lightly oiled griddle or skillet. Cook without moving for several minutes to develop a golden crust before flipping, then cook the tortilla side briefly for extra crispness.
- → Can I make the slaw dairy-free?
Yes, swap traditional ranch dressing with a plant-based or dairy-free ranch alternative to keep the slaw creamy without dairy.
- → How can I make this dish low-carb?
Replace tortillas with large leafy greens like romaine or butter lettuce to reduce carbs while maintaining the handheld format.
- → What spices enhance the buffalo chicken flavor?
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper complement buffalo wing sauce, adding depth and smoky heat to the chicken mixture.
- → How do I ensure the tortillas don’t get soggy?
Lightly oil the tortilla side and cook them tortilla-down briefly on the griddle after the chicken side is done; this crisps the tortilla and prevents sogginess.
- → Can I prepare components in advance?
Yes, prepare the cabbage and carrot slaw ahead and refrigerate. For best texture, cook chicken patties fresh just before assembling.