Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos

There’s something magical about Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos that always brings a smile to my face. Picture this: a cozy evening at home, friends gathered around, and the savory aroma of spicy buffalo chicken tickling your senses. I remember the first time I whipped these up for a game night. Everyone was raving about how the bold flavors combined with the crunch of the herby ranch slaw created the perfect bite. Every taco was a testament to the joy of shared meals and laughter. The best part? It’s so easy to make! You can have these delightful tacos ready in no time, making them perfect for any casual get-together or a laid-back weeknight dinner.

What to Buy for Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos

When preparing for Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos, it’s essential to choose high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The combination of fresh veggies, lean protein, and zesty flavors creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. Key players here include the vibrant cabbage for crunch, ground chicken for protein, and the tangy buffalo sauce that ties it all together.

• Shredded Green Cabbage – This provides a crunchy texture and is the base for the slaw.
• Shredded Carrots (optional) – Adds a hint of sweetness and color to the slaw.
• Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing flavors in the slaw and chicken.
• Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy and tangy dressing for the slaw.
• Fresh Cilantro – Adds a bright and fresh flavor to both the slaw and chicken mixture.
• Jalapeño – Provides heat and a fresh crunch to the tacos.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Brightens the flavors in the slaw.
• Honey or sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Garlic – Imparts a savory depth to the slaw and chicken mixture.
• Chopped Dill – Offers an herby freshness to the slaw.
• Chopped Chives – Adds a mild onion flavor to the dressing.
• Ground Chicken – The star protein of these tacos, lean and flavorful.
• Buffalo Sauce – Delivers that signature spicy kick.
• Diced Scallions – Enhances the chicken mixture with onion-y goodness.
• Tortillas – The perfect vessel for holding all those delicious fillings.
• Avocado Slices – A creamy addition for topping.
• Extra Buffalo Sauce – For those who like it extra spicy.
• Jalapeño Slices (optional) – For an additional kick.

Making This Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Making Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos is as exciting as it sounds! You’ll create a vibrant slaw, mix some flavorful chicken, and assemble everything into delicious tacos. Let’s dive into the steps.

1. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots (if using) to a medium bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Use tongs to toss the mixture together, ensuring the salt gets evenly distributed.
2. In a blender, add the yogurt, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, honey (or sugar), garlic, dill, and chives. Blend until smooth and well combined, about one minute. Pour this dressing over the cabbage and toss using the tongs until the cabbage is well coated. Set this slaw aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cilantro, buffalo sauce, scallions, garlic, and kosher salt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Spread two tablespoons of this chicken mixture onto a tortilla to create a thin layer. You should be able to get about ten to twelve tortillas covered.
5. Heat a griddle, large cast iron skillet, or a nonstick pan over medium heat (around 400 degrees F). I prefer using a griddle because it allows you to cook more tortillas at once, making flipping easier.
6. Once the pan is hot, add one to two tablespoons of avocado oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. Place the tortilla meat side down, pressing down gently with a spatula. Cook until golden for two to four minutes, then flip and cook for another one to two minutes until cooked through. Remove from the heat and transfer to a wire rack or platter. Repeat for remaining tortillas, adding more oil as necessary.
7. Top each tortilla with the cabbage slaw, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, slices of avocado, and jalapeño if desired. Enjoy your tasty creation!

Expert Tips about Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos

To make your experience making Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos even better, here are some expert tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of baked sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Customization: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for added flavor and texture.
• Garnishes: Don’t forget to top your tacos with additional fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Options for Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos

When it comes to serving Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos, there are endless possibilities to explore. Here’s how you can elevate your taco night:

• Side Dishes: Pair these tacos with a refreshing corn salad or a hearty bean dip to add variety to your meal.
• Occasions: These tacos are perfect for casual get-togethers, game nights, or even taco Tuesday celebrations with friends and family.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge. For best results, reheat the chicken separately to maintain the texture.
• Seasonal Pairings: Serve with seasonal ingredients like diced mango or avocado during summer, or pair with butternut squash in the fall.
• Make It a Buffet: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings so guests can build their own tacos, making it a fun and interactive meal!

FAQ

Conclusion

Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos are truly a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal! The combination of spicy chicken and fresh, crunchy slaw creates a delightful taco experience that everyone will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try for your next gathering or family dinner. You won’t be disappointed with the bold flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy every bite and make it a staple in your recipe rotation!

Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos

The ultimate comfort food that combines the spicy goodness of buffalo chicken with a fresh, herby slaw. Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos are a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option, perfect for a casual gathering or family meal. Make them tonight and enjoy a burst of flavor!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups Shredded Green Cabbage
• ½ cup Shredded Carrots optional
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt plus more to taste
• ½ cup Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt
• ½ cup Roughly Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 1 unit Jalapeño seeded and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 teaspoon Honey or sugar
• 1 clove Garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Chopped Dill
• 1 tablespoon Chopped Chives
• 1 pound Ground Chicken (93% lean)
• ¼ cup Diced Fresh Cilantro
• 2 to 3 tablespoons Buffalo Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Diced Scallions
• 1 clove Garlic grated (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 8 to 10 small Flour Tortillas
• 1 to 2 unit Avocado Slices from avocados
• 1 unit Extra Buffalo Sauce for drizzling
• 1 unit Jalapeño Slices if desired

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Blender
• Cutting Board
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet

Method

 

1. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots (if using) to a medium bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Use tongs to toss together.
2. Add the yogurt, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, honey (or sugar), garlic, dill, and chives to a blender and blend until smooth and well combined, 1 minute. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and use tongs to toss to combine until the cabbage is well coated. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cilantro, buffalo sauce, scallions, garlic, and salt until well combined.
4. Spread 2 tablespoons of the chicken onto a tortilla so that it is thin. You should get about 10 to 12 tortillas.
5. Place a griddle, large cast iron skillet or a large nonstick pan over medium heat (about 400 degrees F.) I prefer to use a griddle so that you can do more tortillas at a time and flip easier.
6. Once the pan is hot, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and swirl the oil around the pan. Place the tortilla meat side down, pressing down slightly with a spatula, and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack or platter and cook the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the pan if necessary so the chicken doesn’t stick.
7. Top each tortilla with the cabbage slaw, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, avocado slices and jalapeño, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
• Dairy-Free: Opt for a dairy-free yogurt in the slaw or check the full post for more topping ideas.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.