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Buffalo chicken smash burger tacos are the perfect answer to busy weeknight meals that taste like you went out to eat but actually come together super fast at home. The juicy ground chicken gets a kick from buffalo sauce, and flattening it onto tortillas creates amazing crispy edges with a tender middle. Add some cool, crunchy slaw on top, and you've got tacos that hit all the right spots for taste and texture.
I first threw these together when friends showed up without warning. Now they're my go-to when I want something that seems fancy but is actually super simple.
Tasty Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Perfect starting point because it's not fatty and really soaks up the buffalo flavor, try to find a mix with dark and white meat for the best results
- Buffalo wing sauce: Brings that spicy tang, pick one that's got some punch
- Garlic powder: Adds that can't-put-your-finger-on-it yumminess, makes the chicken taste better
- Sea salt: Brings out all the flavors plus adds some good minerals
- Black pepper: Gives a bit of warmth
- Small tortillas: Either corn or flour will do the job, just make sure they're pliable but strong enough for the fillings
- Cooking spray or oil: Helps get those tortillas nice and crispy, any neutral cooking oil works great
- Shredded cabbage: Adds that must-have crunch and freshness, go for firm, fresh heads
- Dill relish: Adds a zippy brightness to the slaw, get one with chunks of dill for extra flavor
How to Make It
- Prepare the Slaw:
- Throw together shredded cabbage, carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish in a big bowl. Mix it all up until the cabbage is coated with dressing. Stick it in the fridge while you cook the meat so it stays crunchy and the flavors get friendly.
- Mix the Chicken:
- Put ground chicken, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix it gently with your hands or a fork until everything's combined. Don't go crazy mixing or the meat will get tough.
- Heat the Pan:
- Get your griddle or big skillet hot over medium-high heat. Add just enough oil or spray to coat the surface. Let it get nice and hot for a couple minutes before you start cooking.
- Shape and Smash:
- Take your chicken mix and form golf ball sized portions. Place one on each tortilla, then flatten the chicken right onto the tortilla with your palm or a spatula so it spreads almost to the edges.
- Cook the Chicken Burgers:
- Put each tortilla chicken-side down onto the hot pan. Don't touch them for three to four minutes so they get a nice golden crust and the chicken cooks all the way through.
- Flip and Crisp:
- Turn the heat down to medium low and add a tiny bit more oil to the tortilla sides. Flip each taco so the tortilla touches the pan and let them crisp up for another minute or two. You can go for soft tortillas or extra crispy – it's up to you.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Top each taco with a big spoonful of your cold slaw. Add a drizzle of Greek yogurt ranch or extra buffalo sauce if you want more kick. Fold them up and they're ready to go.
- Enjoy:
- Eat them right away while they're hot with extra slaw and sauce on the side for dipping.
My family always begs for more slaw on the side and it's always the first thing to disappear on taco night.
Flavor Boosters
Don't have buffalo sauce? Just mix some hot sauce with a little melted butter. No Greek yogurt ranch? Any creamy dressing works fine. If you can't find ground chicken, ground turkey is a great stand-in, or even a meatless option. Flour tortillas are sturdier but corn ones add more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Top these tacos with some sliced avocado or blue cheese crumbles for extra richness. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the end. For game day, serve them with celery and carrot sticks to match the whole buffalo wing vibe.
Creative Twists
Buffalo chicken is such an American favorite and makes awesome smash burgers, but you can play with this idea in lots of ways. During summer, cook the chicken patties outside on your grill. In colder months, try mixing the slaw with shredded apple or fennel for a seasonal change. Add more hot sauce if you love spicy food or tone it down for the little ones.
Whenever I bring these tacos to family gatherings, somebody always wants to know how to make them, and they've become my lifesaver for quick meals during hectic weeks.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you keep the chicken smash burgers juicy?
Combine the ground chicken lightly with buffalo sauce and seasonings, and don't mix too much to keep moisture while cooking quickly at high temperature for a nice crust outside.
- → Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely, you can pick either flour or corn tortillas, based on what you like better for texture and taste.
- → What toppings go best with buffalo chicken tacos?
The cabbage slaw, dill relish, plus some ranch or buffalo sauce drizzled on top give you the tastiest combo of flavors and textures.
- → How can I make the tacos spicier?
Pour in more buffalo sauce or sprinkle some cayenne into your chicken mixture if you want them hotter.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
You can get ready ahead of time: make the slaw and prepare the chicken mixture early, then put together and cook the tacos right before eating for the best results.