Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: The Ultimate Weeknight Win

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring, and these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos prove it. Combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with crunchy taco toppings, this recipe is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: ground chicken is seasoned and smashed to create juicy, flavorful “burger” patties that fit perfectly into tortillas. Topped with a crisp, tangy slaw and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing, these tacos offer a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and crunchy textures. Best of all, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re cooking for kids who love a mild kick or adults who enjoy a fiery bite, this recipe is easy to adjust for any taste. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a casual dinner, game-day snack, or even meal prep option.

Ingredients

To make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Meat & Protein

• 1 lb ground chicken – lean, juicy, and quick-cooking.

Seasonings & Sauces

• 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce – adds heat and tang.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – enhances flavor.
• ½ tsp onion powder – adds savory depth.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – gives a subtle smokiness.
• ½ tsp Himalayan salt – for seasoning.
• ¼ tsp black pepper – balances flavors.

Tacos & Cooking

• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour) – the vessel for your smash burger tacos.
• Cooking spray or oil – for cooking the patties.

Slaw Topping

• 3 cups shredded cabbage – provides crunch and freshness.
• ½ cup grated carrots – adds sweetness and color.
• ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred) – creamy, tangy binder for the slaw.
• 1 tbsp dill relish – adds a tangy, slightly sweet contrast.

These ingredients work together to create a taco that’s bursting with flavor, combining spicy buffalo chicken, crunchy slaw, and creamy dressing in every bite.

Preparation Method

This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these steps to assemble your Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos:

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well until the slaw is evenly coated. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken. Chilling the slaw helps the flavors meld and keeps it crisp.

Step 2: Season the Ground Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken dense.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Divide the chicken mixture into 8 equal portions. Place a portion in the skillet and use a spatula to smash it down firmly, creating a thin patty.

Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Repeat with remaining portions.

Tip: Cooking the patties on high heat helps create a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the patties are cooking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 30–60 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds. Warming the tortillas ensures they’re pliable and won’t tear when you assemble the tacos.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Place a cooked chicken patty on each tortilla, then top with a generous portion of slaw. Add additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing if desired. Fold the tortillas around the filling and serve immediately.

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh but can also be wrapped individually for a portable meal.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos

1. Don’t overmix the chicken: Overmixing can make the patties tough. Gently combine ingredients for tender, juicy burgers.
2. Smash properly: Use a sturdy spatula to press down the patties evenly. Thin patties cook faster and develop a slightly crispy crust.
3. Adjust spice levels: Add more or less buffalo sauce depending on your heat preference.
4. Crisp slaw: For extra crunch, prepare the slaw at least 10–15 minutes before serving.
5. Toppings matter: Feel free to add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Buffalo Tacos: Top each chicken patty with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese before adding the slaw.
• Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb version.
• Sweet Heat: Add a drizzle of honey over the slaw to balance the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the patties in advance and store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Assemble tacos fresh when ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair beautifully with simple sides for a complete meal:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked or air-fried, they complement the tangy buffalo flavor.
• Roasted Veggies: Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini roasted with olive oil and spices add color and nutrition.
• Coleslaw: Extra slaw on the side adds freshness and crunch.
• Pickles: Dill or bread-and-butter pickles enhance the buffalo chicken flavor with tangy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lean alternative. Adjust cooking time if needed.

2. How spicy are these tacos?
The heat comes primarily from the buffalo sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, or use a mild buffalo sauce for kids.

3. Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, shape the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cook just before assembling tacos for best texture.

4. Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, cooked or uncooked patties can be frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

5. What kind of tortillas should I use?
Both corn and flour tortillas work. Corn tortillas add authentic texture, while flour tortillas are more pliable and hold fillings well.

6. Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the slaw up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

8. Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Avocado, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or extra ranch drizzle are all excellent options.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner solution. With tender chicken patties coated in buffalo sauce, topped with crisp slaw, and served on warm tortillas, every bite offers a perfect combination of spice, tang, and crunch.

Easy to customize and quick to prepare, they’re a weeknight win that’s sure to satisfy adults and kids alike. By following this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining.

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Enjoy the bold flavors, the creamy tang of the slaw, and the satisfying crunch of the tacos—it’s a meal that brings flavor and fun to every weeknight.