Buffalo chicken smash burger tacos are the perfect weeknight dinner! These crispy, juicy tacos are packed with bold flavors and creamy slaw, making them a family-friendly favorite. They’re easy to whip up and ideal for meal prep, too!
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Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos
These tacos combine the best of both worlds: the savory, spicy goodness of buffalo chicken and the satisfying crunch of a smash burger. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crispy edges of the patties to the cool, creamy slaw. Plus, they can be on your table in just about 30 minutes, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Kids and adults alike will adore their bold, zesty flavors!
The Perfect Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Taco Recipe
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil
- 3 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt ranch preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smash Burger Tacos
Start by preparing the slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix until everything is coated and refrigerate while you cook the chicken. This slaw adds a refreshing crunch to your tacos!
Next, mix the ground chicken. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Be gentle to keep the mixture light and airy.
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Form the chicken mixture into loose balls. Place a ball on a tortilla or directly on the pan, then press down firmly with a spatula to flatten it into a patty.
Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This step ensures those crispy edges we all love!
Lower the heat and oil your tortillas, warming them in the skillet until they’re soft or crispy, depending on your preference. Now comes the fun part: assembling your tacos! Place a cooked patty on a tortilla, top with the chilled slaw, and drizzle with extra ranch or buffalo sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Smash Burger Tacos
Creative Twists on Buffalo Chicken Tacos
These buffalo chicken smash burger tacos are versatile! For a low-carb option, consider using lettuce cups instead of tortillas. If you want to add even more flavor, try mixing some cheese into the chicken patties or topping them with hot honey or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also switch out the ranch dressing for Greek yogurt ranch or blue cheese dressing for a tangy alternative.
Achieving the Best Smash Burger Taco Texture
To achieve that perfect texture, remember not to overmix the chicken. Mixing gently retains the lightness of the patties. Also, preheat your pan for that golden crust. The aim is a crispy exterior with a juicy center. Don’t rush; remove the patties as soon as the edges are crisp and the center is firm!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for buffalo chicken smash burger tacos?
To make buffalo chicken smash burger tacos, you need ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, tortillas, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish.
How do I make buffalo chicken smash burger tacos step by step?
Start by mixing the slaw ingredients and refrigerate. Then mix the chicken with spices and buffalo sauce. Cook the chicken patties on a hot skillet, warm the tortillas, and assemble with slaw and sauces.
Can I make buffalo chicken smash burger tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the slaw hours in advance. The chicken patties can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated.
How should I store leftover buffalo chicken smash burger tacos?
Store leftover chicken patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken smash burger tacos are a truly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. They not only bring together incredible flavors but also are simple to prepare. Get inspired by other delicious recipes available on Pinterest to keep your dinner game strong!
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: A Flavorful Delight
Equipment
- skillet
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce plus extra for topping
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil
- 3 cups shredded green or red cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ –⅓ cup ranch dressing Greek yogurt ranch preferred
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix until coated and refrigerate while cooking the chicken.
- Mix the chicken: In a separate bowl, combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to keep the texture light.
- Cook the patties: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat with oil or cooking spray. Form the chicken mixture into loose balls. Place a ball on a tortilla or directly on the pan, then immediately press down firmly with a spatula or flat-bottomed cup to flatten.
- Finish cooking: Cook for 3–4 minutes until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.
- Warm tortillas: Lower the heat, oil the tortillas, and warm them in the skillet until soft or crispy.
- Assemble: Place the cooked patty on a tortilla. Top with the chilled slaw and drizzle with ranch or buffalo sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
– Ensure the pan is hot before adding meat to achieve a golden crust.
– Do not overcook the lean chicken; remove when edges crisp and center firms.
– Slaw can be prepared hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
– Variations: Use lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Add cheese (cheddar or blue) to patties before removing from pan. Add hot honey or pickled jalapeños for extra heat. Substitute ranch with Greek yogurt and blue cheese dressing. Add cru
