Description
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos feature ground chicken mixed with spicy buffalo wing sauce and a blend of aromatic spices, cooked directly on tortillas for a crispy, flavorful base. Topped with a creamy ranch slaw made from fresh cabbage, grated carrots, and dill relish, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of heat, crunch, and tang. Quick to prepare and ideal for an easy weeknight meal, they combine vibrant flavors with a satisfying smash-cooked texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Buffalo 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
- Cooking spray or oil for pan
Tortillas and Slaw
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ to 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 the ingredients together until well mixed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw until you are ready to assemble the tacos, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken: In a separate bowl, gently combine the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix carefully to avoid overworking the meat, preserving a tender texture.
- Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the cooking surface with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Form and Smash Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into eight loose balls. Place one ball on each tortilla, then set them chicken side down on the hot skillet. Using a spatula, press down firmly to smash the chicken until it spreads out and covers most of the tortilla.
- Cook Chicken Patties: Allow the smashed chicken on the tortilla to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Crisp Tortillas: Lightly brush or spray the tortilla side with oil, then carefully flip each taco so the tortilla side contacts the pan. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to crisp up the tortilla to your liking.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the tacos from the pan and place them on a serving plate. Top each taco generously with the prepared ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle extra ranch dressing or buffalo sauce on top. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing to keep the slaw creamy and add protein.
- For extra spice, drizzle additional buffalo wing sauce on the assembled tacos.
- Corn tortillas add a traditional touch but flour tortillas work well and crisp nicely.
- Be careful not to overmix the chicken to maintain a tender patty texture.
- Adjust the level of crispness on the tortilla to your preference during the final cook step.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used in wraps or salads within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, smash tacos, spicy chicken tacos, ranch slaw, ground chicken recipe, quick tacos, skillet tacos, easy dinner
