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 first served these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos to my family on a busy weeknight, and they quickly became a favorite for their irresistible crunch and creamy slaw combination.
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 always brings the family together for a fun and flavorful meal everyone looks forward to.
Notes
For a low-carb version use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas. Add sliced jalapeños or diced celery for extra crunch.
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.
Save Enjoy these tacos as a quick weeknight dinner that never fails to impress. They are both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Ground chicken works best as it forms patties that easily smash onto tortillas, delivering a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- → Can I use flour or corn tortillas?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well; choosing depends on your texture preference and dietary needs.
- → How do I achieve the crispy texture on the chicken?
Smashing the chicken patties thin on a hot, oiled skillet and cooking until golden creates a flavorful crispness.
- → What can I substitute for ranch slaw?
Blue cheese dressing makes a tangy alternative, or use plant-based ranch for a dairy-free option.
- → Is this suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, substituting tortillas with lettuce leaves reduces carbs while maintaining the bold flavors.