Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines the zesty flavors of buffalo sauce with the satisfying crunch of fresh slaw. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

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 shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well and chill the slaw while preparing the chicken.
- Step 2: In another 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 on medium-high heat and add a light coating of cooking spray or oil.
- Step 4: Form the chicken mixture into loose balls. Place each ball on a tortilla on the heated pan, then smash the chicken down flat directly on the tortilla.
- Step 5: Cook the smashed chicken for 3–4 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Step 6: Lower the heat, lightly oil the tortillas, and flip them so the tortilla side cooks. Finish cooking to your desired softness or crispiness.
- Step 7: Assemble the tacos by topping each with the chilled slaw salad. Drizzle with extra ranch dressing or buffalo sauce if desired.
- Step 8: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy your flavorful, easy meal!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for a different flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt in the ranch dressing for a healthier, tangy twist.
- For extra spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chicken mix.
- Try topping the tacos with sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for added freshness.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken patties in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. Assemble the tacos fresh before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free tortillas to accommodate a gluten-free diet without altering the recipe’s flavors.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos?
The level of spice depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. You can adjust the heat by choosing a milder sauce or adding extra hot sauce to suit your taste.
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Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring spicy buffalo-seasoned ground chicken smashed and cooked directly on tortillas for a crispy, tender texture. Topped with a refreshing cabbage-carrot slaw and creamy ranch dressing, these tacos offer the perfect balance of heat and crunch in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Tortillas and Cooking
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- Cooking spray or oil
Slaw and Toppings
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup grated carrots
- ¼ – ⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tbsp dill relish
Instructions
- Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use to let flavors meld.
- Mix the Chicken: In another bowl, combine ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the chicken tender.
- Heat the Pan: Place a griddle or large skillet on medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form and Smash Chicken: Divide the chicken mixture into loose balls. Place each ball onto the center of a taco tortilla on the heated pan. Using a spatula, smash each ball flat into a patty shape directly on the tortilla.
- Cook Chicken Patties: Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Avoid moving them too early to achieve a nice crust.
- Finish Tortillas: Lower the heat. Lightly oil the top side of the tortillas still on the pan, then flip them over so the tortilla side is down on the pan. Cook to your desired doneness—either soft or crispy.
- Assemble Tacos: Remove the tortillas with cooked chicken from the pan. Top each with a generous portion of the chilled slaw. Drizzle with additional Greek yogurt ranch dressing or more buffalo sauce if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos warm immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Use either corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference; thinner tortillas crisp nicely in the pan.
- Chilling the slaw ahead improves its flavor and texture.
- Use Greek yogurt-based ranch for a healthier dip option.
- Make sure not to overmix the ground chicken, which can make the patties dense.
- Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the thickness of the smashed chicken patties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken tacos, smash burger tacos, quick weeknight dinner, spicy chicken tacos, chicken taco recipe

