Name: Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb 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 cooking; 8 small tortillas (corn or flour); 3 cups shredded cabbage; ½ cup grated carrots; ¼ – ⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred); 1 tbsp dill relish

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Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines spicy buffalo flavors with crispy smashed chicken patties. Topped with a refreshing slaw and creamy ranch dressing, these tacos bring a perfect balance of heat and coolness in every bite.

A white round plate holds five tacos, each with a crispy golden yellow corn shell as the base layer. Inside each shell is a layer of well-seasoned, grilled orange-brown chicken pieces with slight charring. Above the chicken is a fresh mix of shredded cabbage in light green, purple, and white colors, creating a crunchy texture. The topmost layer consists of light drizzles of creamy white sauce and a spicy orange sauce, adding contrast and flavor. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and natural light softly highlights the tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 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
8 small tortillas, corn or flour
Cooking spray or oil
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 bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well and chill the slaw in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper until just combined.
Step 3: Heat a griddle or large pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Form the chicken mixture into loose balls. Place each ball on a taco tortilla in the pan, then smash them flat into patties.
Step 5: Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Lower the heat. Lightly oil the taco tortillas and flip them so they cook on the tortilla side. Cook until soft or crispy, depending on your preference.
Step 7: Assemble the tacos by adding the chilled slaw on top of the chicken patties. Drizzle with extra Greek yogurt ranch sauce or buffalo sauce, if desired.
Step 8: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy your flavorful weeknight meal.

Tips & Variations

Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
To add extra heat, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce into the slaw or drizzle on top before serving.
Try swapping ground chicken for ground turkey if preferred.
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with smashed cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the chicken patties and slaw separate to maintain texture. Reheat the chicken patties gently in a pan or microwave before assembling fresh tacos. Tortillas are best stored separately to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows five small tostadas on a wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath. Each tostada has three layers: a light golden brown, crispy tortilla as the base; a thick, golden-brown layer of cooked filling with slightly charred, dark brown spots mostly on the edges; and a topping of shredded lettuce and diced onions, which are light green and white in color, spread evenly on top. The textures contrast with the soft, cooked filling layered under the crispiness of the tortilla, and the fresh, crunchy vegetables adding a vibrant touch to each tostada. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, the slaw can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator. This also allows the flavors to meld nicely.

How can I make the chicken patties crispy?

Cook the smashed chicken patties on medium-high heat without moving them too much to develop a crisp exterior. Lower heat after flipping to ensure they cook through without burning.