If you love bold flavors and crave something that combines the best of comfort food with a spicy kick, then the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, tender ground chicken infused with classic Buffalo wing sauce, smashed thin on a warm tortilla, and topped with melty cheese and fresh, crunchy toppings. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and satisfying texture wrapped in a convenient handheld taco, making it an irresistibly delicious meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role, from the spicy Buffalo wing sauce that brings the heat to the fresh lettuce adding a cool crunch, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the Buffalo flavor perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce: Adds the signature tangy, spicy heat that defines this dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile and balances the heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the flavors.
- 6 small flour tortillas (street taco size): Soft and pliable shells that cradle the filling with just the right tenderness.
- 6 slices of cheddar or pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, slightly sharp bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: For perfectly crisping the chicken in the skillet.
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the spicy chicken.
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy dressing that cools down the heat and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Bright, oniony freshness that finishes the tacos with a burst of color and flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
Start by combining your ground chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients lets the chicken absorb all those bold Buffalo flavors. Once combined, divide the mixture into six equal portions and carefully shape each into a loose ball, ready to be smashed onto the tortillas.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil or butter. This step ensures your tacos develop a nice crispy exterior without sticking, building flavor right from the pan.
Step 3: Smash the Chicken onto the Tortilla
Lay a tortilla flat in the pan, then place one of the chicken balls on top. Using a spatula or press, smash the chicken ball thinly right onto the tortilla. This technique gives the burger its signature crispy edges and allows the chicken to cook evenly. Cook for about three to four minutes until the chicken looks browned and just starts cooking through.
Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese
Flip the entire taco so the chicken side is on the bottom now. Immediately top the chicken with a slice of your preferred cheese—cheddar or pepper jack are both fantastic choices. Let the taco cook for another two to three minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Continue with the remaining tortillas and chicken portions, making each taco fresh and hot. This step ensures every bite is crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings
Once all your Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are cooked, pile on shredded lettuce, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top, sprinkle chopped green onions, and add a little extra Buffalo sauce if you like it spicy. These toppings add layers of texture and flavors that complete the dish beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the tacos immediately while they’re hot, and fold them just like a traditional taco. The combination of spicy chicken, melted cheese, and cool toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla is guaranteed to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The freshness of the garnishes can elevate these tacos from tasty to truly unforgettable. Crisp shredded lettuce adds a light crunch, while creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing cools and complements the heat. A sprinkle of green onions finishes the tacos with a subtle onion flavor that brightens every bite. Don’t be shy to drizzle a bit more Buffalo sauce for an extra fiery kick.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with classic sides that either cool the palate or complement the spicy notes. Crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks with a dip of ranch or blue cheese dressing create a fresh counterpoint. Crispy fries or onion rings work well for those who want a more indulgent meal, while a simple side salad keeps things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter with sides in small bowls to create a festive spread. You could also serve them with individual ramekins of extra Buffalo sauce, diced avocados, or pickled jalapeños for guests to customize their tacos. Wrapping each taco in parchment paper or colorful napkins adds a fun street-taco vibe that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the toppings separate so the lettuce and dressing don’t wilt or become soggy overnight.
Freezing
Freezing these tacos is not the best option because the tortillas can become soggy, and the fresh toppings will lose their texture once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked Buffalo chicken patties separately after flattening and cooking, then reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated Buffalo chicken patties on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to preserve the crispy edges. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until soft. Then, add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain that vibrant, fresh feel for your Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works well with Buffalo sauce and will give you a similar texture and flavor profile in these tacos.
What if I don’t have Buffalo wing sauce on hand?
You can make a simple Buffalo sauce substitute by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. This combo brings the same tangy heat and richness needed for the dish.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or even corn tortillas that fit your dietary needs while keeping that handheld taco enjoyment.
What’s the best cheese to use for melting on these tacos?
Cheddar and pepper jack are excellent choices thanks to their meltability and flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky smoked gouda for a twist.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos?
The heat level depends largely on the Buffalo wing sauce you choose. You can easily adjust the spiciness by selecting mild, medium, or hot Buffalo sauce, or by adding more or less to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a finger-licking, flavorful meal to your table fast. It’s colorful, packed with layers of texture, and has that perfect spicy punch that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, these tacos never disappoint. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become one of your new favorites to share around the table.
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Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine the spicy, tangy flavors of classic buffalo chicken with the satisfying crispiness of smash burgers, all wrapped in soft street-size tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, they feature juicy ground chicken patties cooked right in the taco shell, topped with melted cheese, cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, and fresh lettuce and green onions for crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Tacos
- 6 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- 6 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for the skillet)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a loose ball.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken in tortillas: Lay one tortilla flat on the hot pan. Place one chicken ball on top and smash it thinly inside the tortilla using a spatula or press. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is browned and starting to cook through.
- Flip and melt the cheese: Flip the taco so that the chicken side is now on the bottom. Immediately top the chicken with a slice of cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted.
- Repeat for remaining tacos: Continue cooking the rest of the chicken balls inside tortillas following the same process until all 6 tacos are prepared.
- Add toppings: Remove cooked tacos from the pan. Top each with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and extra Buffalo wing sauce if desired.
- Serve warm: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos hot. Fold the tortillas and enjoy these flavorful, crispy, and juicy tacos.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken if desired.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy and the cheese melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
