Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Recipes

These Buffalo chicken smash tacos combine ground chicken blended with wing sauce and spices, pan-cooked until crispy on warm tortillas. Crisp shredded cabbage and carrot slaw dressed in tangy ranch provides a cool complement. Ready in just 25 minutes, they make a hearty and flavorful dinner ideal for busy evenings. Customize with blue cheese or plant-based dressing, or swap tortillas for lettuce for a low-carb twist.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:05:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are topped with cool, creamy ranch slaw, a perfect bite. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are topped with cool, creamy ranch slaw, a perfect bite. | mellowspice.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.

This recipe became an instant favorite in my family because of its juicy chicken patties and creamy ranch slaw that balance the heat perfectly.

Ingredients

  • For the Buffalo Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) 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 pan, 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
  • For the Ranch Slaw: 3 cups shredded cabbage, ½ cup grated carrots, ¼–⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred), 1 tbsp dill relish

Instructions

Slaw Preparation:
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.
Chicken Mixture:
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.
Heat Pan:
Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil or cooking spray.
Form Patties:
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.
Cook First Side:
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Flip Tacos:
Lightly oil the tortilla side then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down. Cook 1–2 minutes more to your preferred crispness.
Finish and Serve:
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. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
See the savory steam rising from these delicious Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos sizzling on the griddle. Save to Pinterest
See the savory steam rising from these delicious Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos sizzling on the griddle. | mellowspice.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a casual and tasty meal that everyone enjoys.

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

Calories: 320, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 24 g per 2 tacos

Enjoy juicy, vibrant Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos with overflowing ranch slaw, ready for a quick meal. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy juicy, vibrant Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos with overflowing ranch slaw, ready for a quick meal. | mellowspice.com

These tacos bring the perfect balance of heat and creaminess making them an irresistible choice for a quick meal.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for these tacos?

Ground chicken works best to form patties that cook quickly and develop a crispy exterior when smashed onto the pan.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free tortillas or substitute with lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.

How do I get the chicken patties crispy?

Press the chicken balls flat onto a hot oiled skillet, cooking until golden before flipping to crisp the tortilla side.

Is there a way to make the slaw dairy-free?

Replace ranch dressing with a plant-based alternative to keep the slaw creamy yet dairy-free.

Can I add extra heat to these tacos?

Yes, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle extra buffalo wing sauce for an intensified spicy kick.

Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos

Spicy crispy Buffalo chicken patties smashed on tortillas, topped with creamy, tangy ranch slaw for a bold dinner.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Simple Weeknight Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details None specified

What You Need

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 preferred)
04 1 tbsp dill relish

How To Make

Step 01

Prepare Ranch Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate until serving.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Form and Cook Patties: Divide chicken mixture into 8 loose balls. Place each ball onto a tortilla, then place on the hot pan with chicken side down. Smash the chicken flat with a spatula to cover most of the tortilla surface.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Crisp Tortilla Side: Lightly oil the tortilla side, flip each taco so tortilla side is down, and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until achieving preferred crispness.

Step 07

Assemble and Serve: Remove tacos from the pan. Top each with a generous portion of the ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle with additional ranch or buffalo sauce for enhanced flavor. Serve warm immediately.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains dairy (ranch dressing), wheat (if using flour tortillas), egg (possible in ranch dressing), mustard (possibly in buffalo sauce)
  • For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free tortillas
  • Check ingredient labels for other allergen concerns

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 24 g