If you love the bold, tangy kick of Buffalo sauce combined with juicy, flavorful chicken served in a fun and handheld way, you are going to adore this Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe. These tacos are a game-changer—imagine all the satisfying goodness of a smash burger but with tender ground chicken infused with spicy Buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and crisp toppings wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and zesty flair that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is a breeze because the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Each item plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish a standout. The combination of Buffalo sauce and chicken sets the spicy foundation, while fresh toppings and cheese add a cool and creamy contrast.
- Ground chicken: The lean and tender base that absorbs the Buffalo sauce beautifully to create juicy taco filling.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Adds that signature spicy kick essential for authentic Buffalo flavor.
- Garlic powder: A subtle aromatic that enhances the savory depth of the chicken mixture.
- Salt: Brings balance by accentuating the natural flavors.
- Flour tortillas (small, street taco size): The soft, pliable vessel to hold all the deliciousness.
- Cheddar or pepper jack cheese: Melted perfectly over the chicken for a creamy, sharp bite.
- Olive oil or butter: For greasing the skillet, contributing to a golden crust on the chicken.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and color contrast in every bite.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy, cooling elements that balance out the spicy heat.
- Chopped green onions: A bright, oniony finish that freshens the whole taco experience.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
Start by combining ground chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and salt right in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients lets the heat and flavors fully infuse each bite. Once blended, divide the mixture into six equal portions and loosely form each into a ball. This shape is key for smashing down later.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Prepare Tortillas
Warm up a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, then lightly coat it with olive oil or butter. This step ensures your tacos get a nice sear without sticking—plus it helps the chicken develop a caramelized crust that’s packed with flavor.
Step 3: Smash and Cook the Chicken on Tortillas
Place a tortilla flat in the hot pan, then top it immediately with one chicken ball. Using a spatula or a press, smash the ball flat into the tortilla so it spreads out thinly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom gets browned and starts to cook through—this technique helps achieve that irresistible smash burger texture.
Step 4: Flip and Add Cheese
Flip the taco so the chicken side is now down against the skillet. Immediately add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top. Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese melts delightfully.
Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Tacos
Continue the process with the rest of the chicken balls and tortillas, working in batches if needed to keep the pan from overcrowding. Each taco gets that perfect balance of crisped chicken and gooey cheese.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Sauce
Once cooked, top each taco with shredded lettuce, a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, freshly chopped green onions, and extra Buffalo sauce if you want more spice and tang. These finishing touches add brightness, creaminess, and cooling bites to round out the dish.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and fold your Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos for that authentic street-taco experience. Each bite delivers a flavor-packed combination you’ll keep wanting more of.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these tacos is where you can let your creativity shine. Beyond shredded lettuce and green onions, consider adding diced celery for crunch or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an herby pop. A wedge of lime can also brighten the spicy flavors when squeezed over the top.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe pairs wonderfully with cooling sides like creamy coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad. Crispy sweet potato fries or classic kettle chips also add a fun texture contrast, making your meal varied and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, present the tacos in a colorful ceramic platter lined with parchment paper. You can also serve them open-faced on small plates so everyone sees the layers. Mini taco holders make for a tidy and visually appealing presentation that keeps the tacos upright and intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken mixture and tortillas keep well for up to 2 days, although it’s best enjoyed fresh for the crisp textures.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked seasoned ground chicken in a sealed bag for about 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. Cooked tacos don’t freeze as well, since the tortillas can turn soggy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken tacos gently in a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the outside again without drying the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the tortillas chewy and the cheese clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is great for a lean, tender result, you can swap in ground turkey or even ground beef for a richer flavor. Keep the Buffalo sauce ratio the same to maintain that signature spicy taste.
What if I don’t have Buffalo wing sauce on hand?
You can make a quick homemade Buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder. This simple blend will give you that classic tangy and spicy punch needed for the recipe.
Are these tacos very spicy?
The heat level depends on the Buffalo wing sauce you choose. Most store-bought sauces are moderately spicy, but you can adjust the amount of sauce in the mixture or add extra ranch dressing on top to mellow things out if you prefer less heat.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free, and ensure your Buffalo wing sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the recipe without worry.
What’s the best cheese for melting in these tacos?
Cheddar and pepper jack both melt beautifully and offer different flavor profiles—cheddar lends sharpness, while pepper jack adds a mild spicy kick. Choose whichever fits your taste preference or try a blend for extra creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe—they combine fiery flavor, tender texture, and comforting cheesiness in a handheld package that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or party snack, these tacos are always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they become a favorite in your meal rotation!
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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 kick of Buffalo wing sauce with juicy ground chicken patties cooked right inside soft street-sized flour tortillas. Topped with melty cheddar or pepper jack cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and chopped green onions, these tacos offer a delicious twist on classic Buffalo chicken in a handheld, smash burger style perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering.
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
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with Buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until evenly combined. 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 first side: Lay one tortilla flat in the pan. Place one chicken ball on top and use a spatula or press to smash it thinly into the tortilla. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is browned and starting to cook through.
- Flip and add cheese: Carefully flip the taco so the chicken is now on the bottom side. Immediately top the chicken with a slice of cheese. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Repeat for remaining tacos: Remove the taco from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and chicken balls.
- Add toppings: Top each cooked taco with shredded lettuce, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and additional Buffalo wing sauce if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos hot and enjoy by folding them like traditional tacos.
Notes
- Use ground chicken for a leaner protein option, but ground turkey or beef can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to control the spiciness of the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas that are gluten-free certified.
- Cooking the chicken smashed thin onto the tortilla ensures even cooking and a crispy edge.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet to maintain texture, but are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
