Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos are a quick and flavorful twist on classic tacos. Packed with spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese, they make a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 6 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
- Assorted toppings (such as diced celery, ranch dressing, chopped green onions)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir and cook until heated through and well coated, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 2: Divide the buffalo chicken evenly among the tortillas. Use a spatula to gently smash the chicken onto the tortillas, pressing it down slightly.
- Step 3: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken on each tortilla. Allow the cheese to melt slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
- Step 4: Add desired toppings such as diced celery, a drizzle of ranch dressing, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce or mix it with a little honey.
- Use corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice over the tacos for a fresh, tangy finish.
- To make it vegetarian, swap chicken with crispy cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce.
Storage
Store leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble tacos fresh before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs first by baking or sautéing, then shred or chop it before tossing with buffalo sauce.
What are some good toppings to use?
Popular toppings include diced celery, ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, sliced avocado, and shredded lettuce for crunch and balance.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Smash Tacos Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos are a quick and flavorful twist on classic tacos, combining spicy buffalo chicken with melted cheese and fresh toppings all served on soft tortillas. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or game day snack, these tacos deliver a satisfying punch of heat balanced by creamy and crunchy textures.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
For the Tacos
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: In a pan over medium heat, combine the cooked chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken, then cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Place a generous amount of buffalo chicken in the center of each tortilla, then use a spatula to gently smash the chicken flat against the tortilla for better coverage and texture.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the smashed chicken. Add your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Fold the tortillas over the filling and serve the tacos warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to save time – rotisserie chicken works great.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- For crispier tacos, toast tortillas in a dry skillet before assembling.
- These tacos can be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas.
- Leftover buffalo chicken can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken tacos, smash tacos, spicy chicken tacos, quick tacos, game day recipes
