Save to Pinterest 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.
These tacos quickly became a family favorite during our last summer cookout, with everyone loving the crispy chicken and tangy slaw combination.
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
- Make Slaw:
- 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.
- Mix Chicken:
- 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.
- Prepare 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 Side 1:
- 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.
- Assemble:
- 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:
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Save to Pinterest Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these tacos, sharing stories and laughter with each bite.
Notes
Add sliced jalapeños or diced celery for extra crunch and flavor.
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.
Save to Pinterest This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for quick dinners. Customize toppings to suit your taste.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the chicken patties stay tender and crispy?
Mix ground chicken gently with spices and buffalo sauce to keep the texture tender. Smash patties on a hot pan for crispy edges while retaining juiciness.
- → Can I make the ranch slaw dairy-free?
Yes, substitute traditional ranch dressing with a plant-based or dairy-free version to keep the slaw creamy and flavorful.
- → What type of tortillas work best for these smash tacos?
Both corn and flour tortillas are suitable. Lightly oil and crisp them on the pan after cooking for the best texture.
- → Are there low-carb alternatives to tortillas in this dish?
For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to wrap the chicken and slaw.
- → How can I add extra heat or crunch to the tacos?
Top the tacos with sliced jalapeños or diced celery for added spice and crunch, enhancing the bold flavors.