Buffalo chicken smash tacos
Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
Buffalo chicken smash tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining the spicy zest of buffalo chicken with the crunch of fresh vegetables. This quick and easy recipe offers a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With flavorful ingredients and simple preparation, you will love making and enjoying these tasty tacos at home.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
These buffalo chicken smash tacos are the ideal comfort food. They are easy to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and refreshing ranch slaw gives each taco a unique flavor profile. Plus, you can customize your toppings to suit your family’s likes and dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick bite, these tacos will impress everyone at the table.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for pan
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
- 1 tablespoon dill relish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss thoroughly to mix, then cover the bowl and refrigerate until serving.
- Mix the Chicken: In a separate bowl, blend the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the chicken.
- Preheat the Skillet: Warm a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or oil.
- Shape the Tacos: Divide the chicken mixture into 8 loose balls. Place one ball onto each tortilla, positioning the tortilla side down. Use a spatula to smash the ball flat, covering most of the tortilla.
- Cook the Tacos: Cook the smashed patties for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Flip and Crisp: Lightly oil the tortilla side, then flip the tacos so the tortilla side contacts the pan. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, depending on your desired crispness.
- Add Slaw and Serve: Remove the tacos from heat and top each with a generous portion of ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle additional ranch or buffalo sauce on top. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
These buffalo chicken smash tacos are best served immediately after cooking. You can present them on a platter alongside extra ranch or buffalo sauce for dipping. Consider pairing them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal. If you want to add more substance, a light salad or fresh fruit can complement these spicy tacos nicely.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken patties and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to three days, while the slaw is best consumed within two days for optimal crunch. To reheat the chicken, simply warm it on a skillet or in the microwave before serving again.
Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos Perfect
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the chicken with seasonings, mix gently to maintain a tender texture.
- Regulate Heat: Keep an eye on the skillet’s heat. Medium-high is ideal for achieving a nice golden color without burning the tortillas.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the slaw to enhance flavor and crunch.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to customize these tacos to suit your taste. You can add additional spices like cayenne pepper for extra heat or switch out the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing. You can also include toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Chicken: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality ground chicken.
- Experiment with Sauces: If you want to try something different, consider other sauce varieties like chipotle or teriyaki.
- Make It a Meal: Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a heartier meal.
FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can use ground chicken breast. However, be aware that ground chicken tends to be more flavorful and juicier. If using chicken breast, consider finely chopping or shredding it to achieve a similar texture to ground chicken.
2. Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the slaw a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when served.
3. How can I make these tacos spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or extra buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also top the tacos with sliced jalapeños or a spicy salsa to boost the spice level.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken smash tacos are a delicious way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo chicken in a fun, handheld format. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can make a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings to make these tacos your own. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bite of this delightful dish!
Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound ground chicken Opt for high-quality ground chicken for best flavor.
- 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce Adjust amount based on spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for pan Lightly coat skillet before cooking.
For the Tacos
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour) Use your preferred type of tortilla.
- 3 cups shredded cabbage Fresh vegetables are recommended for crunch.
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred) For a lighter option.
- 1 tablespoon dill relish
Instructions
Preparation of Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss thoroughly to mix, then cover the bowl and refrigerate until serving.
Mixing the Chicken
- In a separate bowl, blend the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the chicken.
Cooking the Tacos
- Warm a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or oil.
- Divide the chicken mixture into 8 loose balls. Place one ball onto each tortilla, positioning the tortilla side down. Use a spatula to smash the ball flat, covering most of the tortilla.
- Cook the smashed patties for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Lightly oil the tortilla side, then flip the tacos so the tortilla side contacts the pan. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, depending on your desired crispness.
- Remove the tacos from heat and top each with a generous portion of ranch slaw. Optionally, drizzle additional ranch or buffalo sauce on top. Serve immediately while warm.
