Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the fun, handheld convenience of tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos feature juicy, smashed chicken patties topped with a creamy ranch slaw for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
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 shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well and chill the slaw in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.
- 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, taking care not to overmix.
- Step 3: Heat a griddle or large pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil.
- Step 4: Form the chicken mixture into loose balls—one for each taco. Place a ball on each tortilla, then place the tortilla with the chicken ball onto the hot pan chicken-side down. Immediately smash the chicken flat with a spatula until thin and even.
- Step 5: Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Lower the heat. Lightly oil the empty side of the tortillas and flip them over to warm the tortilla side as desired—soft or crispy.
- Step 7: Assemble the tacos by placing each cooked chicken patty on a tortilla, topping with a generous spoonful of ranch slaw, and drizzling with extra ranch or buffalo sauce if you like.
- Step 8: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy the bold, spicy flavors balanced by creamy, fresh slaw.
Tips & Variations
- Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Add a slice of cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on each patty before finishing cooking for extra richness.
- Drizzle with hot honey or add pickled jalapeños for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Swap ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing or plant-based ranch for dairy-free alternatives.
- Prepare the ranch slaw a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld and save time at dinner.
Storage
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken patties gently in a pan over medium heat to preserve their crispy edges. Keep the slaw chilled and fresh; avoid reheating. Assemble tacos just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What makes buffalo chicken smash burger tacos unique?
These tacos blend the spicy, crispy edges of a smash burger with the convenience and flavor of buffalo chicken, topped with a creamy ranch slaw for a fresh contrast that traditional tacos or burgers alone don’t offer.
Are these tacos high in protein?
Yes, made with lean ground chicken, each serving provides a good amount of protein while keeping the dish lighter than traditional burgers or fried chicken options.
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Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo chicken with the casual convenience of handheld tacos. Featuring juicy, smashed ground chicken patties cooked to crispy perfection on soft tortillas, topped with a cooling and creamy ranch dill slaw, these tacos are a perfect weeknight meal. Quick to prepare and packed with protein, they offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that are both indulgent and health-conscious.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burgers
- 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 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 until all ingredients are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate to chill while you prepare the chicken.
- Mix the Chicken: In another bowl, gently mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix carefully to keep the texture light and tender, avoiding overmixing.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Form and Smash Chicken Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into loose balls, one per taco. Place each ball on a tortilla, then transfer onto the hot pan with the chicken side down. Immediately use a spatula or a flat-bottomed cup to smash the ball flat, creating thin patties.
- Cook the Chicken Patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until golden-brown and cooked through. The edges should be crispy while the center remains juicy.
- Warm and Crisp the Tortillas: Lower the heat and lightly oil the tortillas. Flip them on the skillet, warming until they reach your preferred texture — soft and pliable or crispy and slightly browned.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place each cooked chicken patty on a warmed tortilla. Top generously with the chilled ranch slaw. Drizzle with additional Greek yogurt ranch dressing or buffalo sauce, according to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos warm for best flavor and texture, enjoying the interplay between spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based ranch alternatives.
- Lettuce wraps can replace tortillas to make the recipe low-carb or keto-friendly.
- Add a slice of cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on each patty right before removing from the pan to make it cheesy.
- For extra heat, drizzle with hot honey or add pickled jalapeños.
- Crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions make great crunchy toppings.
- Mix the chicken gently to avoid dense patties.
- Use a wide, flat tool to smash the patties firmly for crispy edges.
- Preheat the pan so patties sizzle immediately on contact, forming a golden crust.
- Do not overcook chicken; cook until edges crisp and center firms.
- Make the slaw ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and save time during dinner.
- 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
