Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

These Buffalo chicken smash tacos bring a flavorful punch with spicy, crispy chicken patties pressed on warm tortillas. Topped with a creamy, tangy ranch slaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots, they offer a satisfying mix of textures and bold taste. The dish is quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals. Customize with blue cheese dressing, plant-based ranch, or lettuce wraps for variety. A delicious, protein-packed option with a zingy finish.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:19:00 GMT
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos sizzling on a griddle, ready to be flipped and served. Save to Pinterest
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos sizzling on a griddle, ready to be flipped and served. | recipesforevers.com

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.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite for weeknight dinners thanks to its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • For the Buffalo Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) 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, 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • For the Ranch Slaw: 3 cups shredded cabbage, ½ cup grated carrots, ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred), 1 tbsp dill relish

Instructions

Step 1:
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
Step 2:
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
Step 3:
Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil or cooking spray
Step 4:
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
Step 5:
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through
Step 6:
Lightly oil the tortilla side then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down Cook 1–2 minutes more to your preferred crispness
Step 7:
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
Step 8:
Serve warm and enjoy immediately
Golden-brown Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos filled with creamy ranch slaw—a delicious, easy meal. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos filled with creamy ranch slaw—a delicious, easy meal. | recipesforevers.com

This dish always brings everyone to the table for a fun and tasty family 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

Close-up of a plated Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Taco, showcasing the textures of the ingredients. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a plated Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Taco, showcasing the textures of the ingredients. | recipesforevers.com

Enjoy this flavorful recipe as a quick dinner that never disappoints.

Recipe FAQs

How do you achieve the crispy texture on the chicken?

Smashing the ground chicken patties directly onto a hot skillet creates a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, the ranch slaw can be mixed and refrigerated a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.

What tortilla types work best for these tacos?

Both corn and flour tortillas hold up well, but for a gluten-free option, certified corn tortillas are recommended.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based ranch dressing and choose dairy-free alternatives to keep the dish free from dairy ingredients.

How can I adjust the heat level?

Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce in the chicken mixture or add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.

Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos

Spicy crispy chicken patties smashed on tortillas and topped with creamy ranch slaw for a bold dinner.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Complete Duration
25 minutes

Recipe Type Everyday Cozy Meals

Complexity Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You Need

Buffalo Chicken

01 1 pound ground chicken
02 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
05 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 0.5 teaspoon Himalayan salt
07 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
08 Cooking spray or oil, as needed for pan
09 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)

Ranch Slaw

01 3 cups shredded cabbage
02 0.5 cup grated carrots
03 0.25 to 0.33 cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
04 1 tablespoon dill relish

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Ranch Slaw: Combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish in a large bowl. Toss to mix thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 02

Mix Buffalo Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking the mixture.

Step 03

Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and coat lightly with cooking spray or oil.

Step 04

Form and Smash Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 8 loose balls. Place each ball onto a tortilla, then transfer to the hot pan with chicken side down. Press down firmly with a spatula to flatten and cover most of the tortilla.

Step 05

Cook Chicken Patties: Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 06

Crisp Tortilla: Lightly oil the tortilla side, then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to achieve desired crispness.

Step 07

Assemble Tacos: Remove tacos from the pan and top each with a generous spoonful of ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle additional ranch or buffalo sauce to taste.

Step 08

Serve: Serve tacos warm and enjoy immediately.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Box grater
  • Large non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (ranch dressing), wheat (if flour tortillas used), egg (possible in ranch), and mustard (possible in buffalo sauce). Use certified gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free needs.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 320
  • Total Fat: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 24 grams