Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos

Featured in: Fun Weeknight Dinners

These Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos feature spicy, crispy ground chicken patties smashed on warm tortillas. Topped with a creamy ranch slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, they deliver a satisfying, bold flavor perfect for weeknight dinners. Cooking involves quick pan-searing and flipping for maximum crispness. Options for blue cheese, dairy-free, or low-carb variations let you customize the meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, these tacos offer a flavorful and protein-rich option packed with smoky, zesty seasonings and refreshing toppings.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos with vibrant, creamy ranch slaw, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos with vibrant, creamy ranch slaw, ready to eat. | chomzo.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.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken: Buffalo chicken component
  • 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce: For spicy flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Seasoning
  • ½ tsp onion powder: Seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika: Seasoning
  • ½ tsp Himalayan salt: Seasoning
  • ¼ tsp black pepper: Seasoning
  • Cooking spray or oil: For pan
  • 8 small tortillas (corn or flour): Base for tacos
  • 3 cups shredded cabbage: For the ranch slaw
  • ½ cup grated carrots: For the ranch slaw
  • ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred): For the ranch slaw
  • 1 tbsp dill relish: For the ranch slaw

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.
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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 (per 2 tacos)

Calories: 320 Total Fat: 16 g Carbohydrates: 20 g Protein: 24 g

Golden-brown Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: a quick, easy, and totally satisfying American meal! Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: a quick, easy, and totally satisfying American meal! | chomzo.com

Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos

Bold buffalo chicken smashed on tortillas with creamy ranch slaw for a spicy, crispy meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Time Needed
25 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

Required Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken

01 1 lb ground chicken
02 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce
03 1 tsp garlic powder
04 ½ tsp onion powder
05 ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 ½ tsp Himalayan salt
07 ¼ tsp black pepper
08 Cooking spray or oil, for pan
09 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)

Ranch Slaw

01 3 cups shredded cabbage
02 ½ cup grated carrots
03 ¼ to ⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt based preferred)
04 1 tbsp dill relish

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Prepare Slaw: Combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate until serving.

Step 02

Mix Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Stir just until combined without overworking.

Step 03

Heat Pan: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface with cooking spray or oil.

Step 04

Form and Smash Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into eight loose balls. Place one ball on each tortilla, then place the tortilla chicken-side down onto the hot pan. Smash the chicken flat with a spatula to cover most of the tortilla.

Step 05

Cook Chicken Patties: Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 06

Cook Tortilla Side: Lightly oil the tortilla side, then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until tortilla crisps to your liking.

Step 07

Assemble and Serve: Remove tacos from the pan and top each with a generous spoonful of ranch slaw. Optionally drizzle with extra ranch or buffalo sauce. Serve immediately while warm.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy, wheat (if flour tortillas used), egg (possible in ranch dressing), and mustard (possible in buffalo sauce).

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 24 g