Pin 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.
I love serving these tacos when friends come over because they're always a hit and so simple to make.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with oil or cooking spray.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Step 6:
- Lightly oil the tortilla side then flip each taco so the tortilla side is down. Cook 1–2 minutes more to your preferred crispness.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Pin This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a fun and tasty meal.
Notes
Make it dairy-free by using plant-based ranch; add sliced jalapeños or diced celery for extra crunch.
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.
Pin These tacos are flavorful and simple to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for smashing?
Ground chicken works best as it can be easily shaped and cooked evenly when pressed flat onto the tortilla.
- → How can I make the slaw creamier?
Using Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing enhances creaminess while keeping it light and tangy.
- → Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo wing sauce?
Yes, alternatives like BBQ or spicy sriracha sauces can be used to vary the flavor profile.
- → What’s the best way to get a crispy tortilla side?
Lightly oil the exposed tortilla side and cook it face down on medium heat until it crisps to your liking.
- → Are there easy modifications for dietary restrictions?
Swap tortillas for lettuce leaves for low-carb or use plant-based ranch for a dairy-free option.