Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos combine spicy, juicy ground chicken with a crunchy ranch slaw for a vibrant and satisfying meal. These tacos are quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Mix the buffalo chicken by combining ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Mix gently until just combined to maintain texture.
3. Step 3: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil.
4. Step 4: Divide the chicken mixture into eight loose balls. Place one ball onto each tortilla, then set the tortilla chicken-side down on the hot pan. Smash the chicken ball with a spatula until it covers most of the tortilla.
5. Step 5: Cook the chicken patties for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. 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 the tortilla is crisped to your preference.
7. Step 7: Remove tacos from the pan and top each with a generous portion of ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle with additional ranch dressing or buffalo sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt ranch dressing for a healthier, tangy twist that complements the buffalo flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred for a different taste.
• Add diced celery to the slaw for added crunch and freshness.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure tortillas are corn-based and check that sauces are gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos again. Avoid storing assembled tacos to keep tortillas from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Prepare the buffalo chicken and ranch slaw in advance, but assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas crisp and fresh.

What type of tortilla works best?

Either corn or flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas offer a classic flavor, while flour tortillas provide a softer, more pliable shell for smashing the chicken.