If you love bold flavors packed into a fun, handheld meal, the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. These tacos combine the spicy tang of Buffalo sauce with juicy, smashed chicken patties nestled right inside warm tortillas, topped with melty cheese and crisp lettuce. Every bite delivers layers of texture and flavor that feel both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a delicious twist on classic Buffalo chicken, this recipe hits all the right notes in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making these tacos irresistible. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in every bite.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein base that holds the spices and brings juicy flavor when smashed thin.
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce: Adds that iconic fiery tang and a little extra complexity to the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle punch of savory depth that enhances the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and balance the heat.
- 6 small flour tortillas: Street taco size perfect for handheld goodness and holding all the delicious fillings.
- 6 slices of cheddar or pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top to add gooey creaminess and a touch of sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Keeps the skillet ready for crisping the chicken without sticking.
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce: Provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts the spicy chicken.
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy cooling element to balance the Buffalo heat.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Bright, fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and color pop.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
Start by mixing your ground chicken with the Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. This step is crucial because it infuses every bit of meat with that signature spicy tang and seasoning. Once combined, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and loosely shape each into a ball, ready to be smashed and cooked.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Tortillas
Warm up your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. This foundational step ensures that the tortillas get just enough crispness and the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
Step 3: Smash the Chicken Balls onto the Tortillas
Place one tortilla flat in the hot pan, then gently place a chicken ball on top. Using a spatula, press the chicken down thinly into the tortilla to create that smash burger effect — this guarantees maximum browning and flavor on every inch. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the underside is beautifully browned and starting to firm up.
Step 4: Flip and Melt the Cheese
Flip the entire taco so the chicken is now in direct contact with the pan. Immediately top the chicken with a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese, letting it melt deliciously as the chicken finishes cooking. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes; the cheese should be melty and bubbly while the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Step 5: Repeat with Remaining Portions
Keep going with the rest of your tortillas and chicken balls, making sure each one has that perfect smash, golden crust, and melty cheese topping. Each taco should be cooked fresh to maintain the ideal texture and warmth.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Once all tacos are cooked, generously top each with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and if you like it extra spicy, a little more Buffalo wing sauce. These garnishes brighten the rich, spicy flavors while adding cool crunch and creaminess.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these tacos hot and right out of the skillet. Folding them up like a traditional taco lets you bite through layers of crispy, spicy chicken and fresh toppings in one joyful mouthful. The Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, opt for simple yet flavorful additions like extra chopped green onions, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, or even a few thin slices of cucumber for a cooling crunch. These little touches add freshness and a splash of color that make your tacos as beautiful as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos pair wonderfully with classic sides like crisp carrot sticks, celery sticks, or a light coleslaw to keep the meal balanced. You might also crave some crispy sweet potato fries or a tangy pickled veggie salad to complement the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your tacos family-style on a large platter garnished with extra Buffalo sauce drizzles and bowls of ranch and blue cheese for dipping. Or stack them up on colorful plates alongside vibrant slaws to create a festive look that invites everyone to dig in and share. Presentation is all about enhancing the inviting, casual vibe of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap each taco tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the tortillas soft enough to reheat without becoming tough or dry, so you can enjoy the flavors again the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos by placing them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your tacos into a preheated skillet or oven at medium heat until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also use a microwave, but be mindful it might soften the tortillas more. A quick toast in a pan after microwaving revives some crispiness if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works similarly and will soak up the Buffalo sauce just as well. Just keep the cooking time the same, making sure it cooks all the way through and gets that nice crispy crust.
What if I don’t have Buffalo sauce on hand?
You can make a simple Buffalo-style sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder. This DIY version brings the classic flavors right to your pan without needing a store-bought bottle.
Are these tacos spicy?
They have a moderate level of heat, thanks to the Buffalo wing sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, simply use less sauce in the chicken mixture or add extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to tone down the spice.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Is it better to use cheddar or pepper jack cheese?
Both cheeses bring something special: cheddar adds a sharper, classic cheeseburger flavor while pepper jack introduces a mild spicy kick. Choose based on your heat preference or try mixing them for a fun combo.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about combining the juicy goodness of smash burgers with the fun, casual flair of tacos, and the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe nails it perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to spice up weeknight dinners or impress friends at your next gathering with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try, and you just might find these tacos becoming a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos combine the spicy flavor of Buffalo wings with the juicy goodness of a smashed chicken burger, all wrapped in soft street taco-sized tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, these tacos feature ground chicken mixed with Buffalo sauce, cooked to a crispy, tender finish, then topped with cheddar or pepper jack cheese, fresh lettuce, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and green onions.
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
Taco Assembly
- 6 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
- 6 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for the skillet)
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Mix Chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and salt until evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a loose ball.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Cook Chicken on Tortilla: Place one tortilla flat onto the skillet. Place one chicken ball on top of the tortilla and use a spatula or press to smash it thinly into the tortilla. Cook uncovered for 3–4 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown and start cooking through.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip the taco so the chicken is now on the bottom side. Immediately top the cooked chicken with a slice of cheese. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese has melted.
- Repeat for Remaining Tacos: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and chicken balls, cooking each one individually.
- Top and Garnish: Once all tacos are cooked, top each with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and additional Buffalo sauce if desired for extra heat.
- Serve: Serve the tacos hot, folding them taco-style for easy eating and maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Use street taco-sized tortillas for the perfect handheld portion.
- Feel free to substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a slightly different texture.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- To make it lower fat, use a non-stick spray instead of olive oil or butter.
- These tacos are best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispiness and freshness.
