If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both bold and satisfying, let me introduce you to my beloved Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos. These tasty tacos pack a punch with spicy ground chicken and are topped with a creamy ranch slaw that adds the perfect cool crunch. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Trust me, once you try these tacos, they will be your best weeknight win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these tacos make dinner a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors of buffalo chicken—perfect for picky eaters!
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the slaw and chicken in advance for an even quicker assembly on hectic nights.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the heat level or toppings to suit everyone’s tastes!
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and flavor, these tacos will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos come together using simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s check out what you’ll need for this flavorful dish!
For the Chicken
- 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 Slaw
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ –⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or tofu for a different twist.
- Add some greens: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
- Change up the sauce: Use sriracha or another hot sauce if you want more heat!
- Make it vegan: Substitute ground chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use a vegan ranch dressing.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw
In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well and let it chill in the fridge while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. This cooling slaw will balance out the spicy chicken beautifully!
Step 2: Mix the Chicken
In another bowl, mix together the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper until just combined. The spices add depth to your chicken without overwhelming it.
Step 3: Cook Your Chicken
Heat a griddle or large pan over medium-high heat and add some cooking spray or oil. Form your seasoned chicken mixture into loose balls and place them on your taco tortillas before smashing them down flat. This technique creates those crispy edges we all love!
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Cook each smash burger taco for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Lower the heat afterward and oil the tortillas lightly before flipping them onto their tortilla side. You can finish cooking them soft or crispy based on your preference!
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Once everything is cooked, assemble your delicious tacos by adding generous spoonfuls of that refreshing slaw on top of each burger. Drizzle with extra Greek yogurt ranch sauce or buffalo sauce according to your taste.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos! They’re not just food; they’re an experience filled with flavor that you’ll want to share again and again!
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win
Making these tacos can be a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly.
Preheat your pan properly: Ensuring your griddle or pan is adequately heated before adding the chicken helps achieve that delicious golden crust and prevents sticking.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches allows for even cooking and helps maintain a crispy texture, making each bite delightful.
Customize your spice level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your taste preference. Adding less will yield milder flavors, while more will ramp up the heat!
Use fresh ingredients for slaw: Fresh cabbage and carrots enhance the crunch and overall flavor of the slaw, giving your tacos that extra freshness.
Let the slaw chill: Allowing the slaw to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors and creates a refreshing contrast to the warm tacos.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win
Presenting these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos is all about creating an inviting and flavorful experience. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the spiciness.
- Extra ranch dressing: Serve with additional ranch on the side for those who love a creamy dip with their tacos.
Side Dishes
- Sweet potato fries: These crispy, sweet fries add a delightful contrast to spicy tacos and are easy to prepare alongside them.
- Guacamole and tortilla chips: The creaminess of guacamole pairs well with the heat from the tacos, creating a perfect balance.
- Corn salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing can brighten up your meal and adds a nice crunch.
- Mexican street corn (elote): This flavorful side dish topped with cheese, cilantro, and chili powder adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your taco night.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos recipe is fantastic for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze! You can easily prepare components in advance to save time when you’re ready to eat.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and quality.
- Keep the slaw separate to maintain its crunchiness.
Freezing
- If you have extra cooked chicken or slaw, freeze them separately.
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Consume frozen items within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
- To reheat cooked tacos, place them on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- For slaw, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
FAQs
Have questions about Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos? You’re not alone!
Can I use a different protein in Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option while maintaining great flavors.
How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference—start with less and add more if desired!
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken mixture and slaw in advance. Just cook the tacos right before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are not just a delightful meal but also a fun way to spice up your weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Each bite is filled with flavor and comfort—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos
Enjoy spicy and crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos for dinner tonight. Quick and easy to prepare—try it now!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ –⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Prepare the slaw by mixing shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish in a bowl. Chill in the fridge.
- In another bowl, combine ground chicken with buffalo sauce and spices until mixed.
- Heat a griddle over medium-high heat and form the chicken into balls on tortillas before smashing flat.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown; then flip and cook until desired texture is reached.
- Assemble tacos by topping each with slaw and additional sauce as desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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