Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos

Buffalo chicken smash burger tacos are the ultimate answer to quick weeknight dinners that feel like a restaurant treat but come together effortlessly at home. The tender ground chicken packs a punch with buffalo sauce, and smashing it onto tortillas creates the best contrast of crispy edges and soft centers. Paired with a cool, crunchy slaw, these tacos check all the boxes for flavor and texture cravings.

I first whipped these up when my friends dropped in unexpectedly. Now I make them on repeat whenever I want a meal that feels special but is secretly so easy.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Best base since it is lean and takes on the buffalo flavor, soak up moisture for juicy results, look for ground chicken with both thigh and breast meat if possible
• Buffalo wing sauce: Adds tangy heat, find a bold variety with a peppery kick
• Garlic powder: For savory depth, makes the chicken mixture pop
• Himalayan salt: Enhances every ingredient plus a mineral boost
• Black pepper: Offers subtle heat
• Small tortillas: Corn or flour work, choose ones that are soft but sturdy enough to handle toppings
• Cooking spray or oil: Helps crisp the tortillas, go for a neutral oil or classic nonstick spray
• Shredded cabbage: Brings unbeatable crunch and freshness, look for tightly packed heads
• Dill relish: Gives brightness to the slaw, select one with whole dill pieces for extra zing

How to Make It

Prepare the Slaw:

Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, creamy ranch, and dill relish in a large bowl. Toss well to coat all the cabbage in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate while you make the burgers to let flavors blend and the slaw stay crisp.

Mix the Chicken:

Combine ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, Himalayan salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.

Heat the Pan:

Set a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a light coating of oil or nonstick spray. Let the pan heat for at least two minutes before you start cooking.

Shape and Smash:

Divide the chicken mixture into loose balls about golf ball size. Press one ball onto each tortilla, then gently smash the chicken directly onto the tortilla with your hand or a spatula to form an even layer almost to the edges.

Cook the Chicken Burgers:

Carefully place each tortilla chicken side down onto the hot pan. Let cook for three to four minutes without moving them so a golden brown crust forms and the chicken cooks through.

Flip and Crisp:

Reduce the heat to medium low and mist or brush a little more oil on the tortilla sides. Flip each taco so the tortillas are now on the pan and crisp them up for one to two more minutes. You can go for a softer finish or keep cooking until extra crispy depending on your preference.

Assemble the Tacos:

Layer a heaping spoonful of chilled slaw onto each taco. Add a drizzle of Greek yogurt ranch or more buffalo sauce for extra kick. Fold and serve piping hot.

Enjoy:

Serve the tacos straight from the pan while everything is hot with extra slaw and sauce on the side.

My family always asks for extra slaw on the side and it is the one thing that never lasts long on taco night.

Flavor Boosters

No buffalo sauce on hand Try mixing hot sauce with a splash of melted butter. For a Greek yogurt ranch swap, use your favorite creamy dressing. If you are out of ground chicken, look for ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative. Flour tortillas hold up well but corn gives an extra bite.

Serving Suggestions

Layer these tacos with avocado slices or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor. Add a final dash of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. On game day serve alongside celery or carrot sticks to echo classic buffalo wings.

Creative Twists

Buffalo chicken is a classic American favorite and works well as smash burgers but you could take this idea in different directions. In summer grill the chicken patties on the barbecue. In winter switch up the slaw with shredded apple or fennel for a seasonal twist. Load on extra spicy sauce if you love heat or go milder for kids.

Every time I serve these tacos at a family get together someone always asks for the recipe, and they have become a go to for quick lunches during busy weeks.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do you keep the chicken smash burgers juicy?

Mix the ground chicken gently with buffalo sauce and spices, and avoid overworking to retain juiciness while cooking on high heat for a crisp exterior.

→ Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, both flour and corn tortillas work well, depending on personal preference for softness or crispness.

→ What toppings go best with buffalo chicken tacos?

Cabbage slaw, dill relish, and a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce add the best flavor and texture contrast.

→ How can I make the tacos spicier?

Add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken mixture for more heat.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

The components can be made ahead: prep the slaw and chicken mix in advance, then assemble and cook the tacos fresh for best results.