Pin It Spicy, crispy Buffalo chicken patties smashed on tortillas and topped with a creamy ranch slaw—these tacos are a bold, satisfying, and quick weeknight dinner.
I love making these tacos when I need a fast, protein-packed dinner that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken: For the Buffalo Chicken
- 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce: For the Buffalo Chicken
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For the Buffalo Chicken
- ½ tsp onion powder: For the Buffalo Chicken
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: For the Buffalo Chicken
- ½ tsp Himalayan salt: For the Buffalo Chicken
- ¼ tsp black pepper: For the Buffalo Chicken
- Cooking spray or oil: For pan
- 8 small tortillas: Corn or flour
- 3 cups shredded cabbage: For the Ranch Slaw
- ½ cup grated carrots: For the Ranch Slaw
- ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing: Greek yogurt preferred
- 1 tbsp dill relish: For the Ranch Slaw
Instructions
- Make the slaw:
- In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish to make the slaw. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Combine chicken mixture:
- In another bowl, combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined do not overwork.
- Heat skillet:
- Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil or cooking spray.
- Form and cook patties:
- Divide the chicken mixture into 8 loose balls. Place a ball on each tortilla, then place on the hot pan, chicken side down. Smash the chicken flat with a spatula to cover most of the tortilla.
- Cook patties:
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Flip tacos:
- Lightly oil the tortilla side, then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down. Cook 1–2 minutes more, to your preferred crispness.
- Top tacos:
- Remove tacos from the pan. Top each with a generous spoonful of ranch slaw. For extra zing, drizzle with more ranch or buffalo sauce if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together for a fun and delicious meal.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowls Box grater Large non-stick skillet or griddle Spatula Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (ranch dressing) Wheat (if using flour tortillas) Egg (possible in ranch dressing) Mustard (possible in buffalo sauce) For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free tortillas. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 24 g per 2 tacos
Pin It These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are perfect for a quick and flavorful meal any night of the week.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve crispy chicken on the tacos?
Cook the smashed ground chicken directly on a hot, lightly oiled skillet to form a golden crust, flipping carefully to crisp both sides.
- → Can I use a different dressing for the slaw?
Yes, swapping ranch for blue cheese or plant-based dressings works well to suit dietary preferences or add variety.
- → What tortillas work best for these tacos?
Either corn or flour tortillas can be used; flour tends to crisp nicely when lightly oiled and cooked, while corn offers a classic texture.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free tortillas and check dressings and sauces to ensure they’re free from gluten-containing ingredients.
- → Is there an option to reduce carbs in this meal?
Replace tortillas with lettuce leaves to create a low-carb, fresh alternative while keeping the flavorful chicken and slaw intact.
- → What spices enhance the Buffalo chicken flavor?
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper combine with buffalo wing sauce for a balanced bold taste.