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 the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Mix well, then chill the slaw in the refrigerator while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: In another bowl, mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.

Step 4: Form the chicken mixture into loose balls, place each ball on a taco tortilla, then set the tortilla in the pan with the chicken side down. Smash the chicken balls flat using a spatula or the bottom of a flat cup.

Step 5: Cook the chicken patties for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Lower the heat, lightly oil the tortillas, and flip them on the tortilla side. Cook until warm and soft or crispy, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked chicken patty on the tortilla, topping generously with the ranch slaw, and drizzling with extra Greek yogurt ranch dressing or buffalo sauce.

Step 8: Serve the tacos warm and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy flavors.

Tips & Variations

Mix the chicken gently to avoid dense patties; light handling keeps them tender.

Use a wide, flat tool to smash the chicken firmly for crispy, caramelized edges.

Try swapping tortillas for lettuce cups to make low-carb buffalo chicken wraps.

Add a slice of cheddar or crumbled blue cheese to each patty before removing from the pan for a cheesy twist.

Drizzle with hot honey or add pickled jalapeños for a spicy-sweet flavor boost.

For a dairy-free version, substitute ranch with plant-based alternatives.

FAQs

What makes buffalo chicken smash burger tacos unique?

The smash technique creates crispy-edged, juicy chicken patties cooked right on tortillas, combining burger flavors with taco convenience and topped with a creamy, tangy ranch slaw for balanced heat and crunch.

Are these tacos high in protein?

Yes, these tacos are made with lean ground chicken, providing a high-protein meal that’s satisfying without being heavy, making them great for weeknight dinners.