If you are looking for a show-stopping mashup that delivers bold flavor and weeknight simplicity, these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos absolutely need to be on your table. Imagine spicy, juicy chicken smashed thin right onto a golden, crisp tortilla, fresh toppings to cut the heat, and all the classic trimmings of a buffalo feast — but in the fun, hand-held style of a taco. Each bite has that crave-worthy buffalo kick, a perfect cheesy melt, and satisfying crunch. These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are a guaranteed crowd pleaser, whether you’re serving game day snacks or shaking up your family dinner routine!

Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients, but each one truly brings something special, from tender meat to zippy heat and fresh crunch. Let’s break down what you’ll need for Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos so every bite packs its punch.

Ground Chicken: The foundation for juicy, tender burger patties that soak up every bit of flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory warmth that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.
Onion Powder: For subtle depth and that classic allium backbone without any chopping.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the nuances in the seasoned chicken.
Black Pepper: A gentle heat that balances the tangy, spicy buffalo notes.
Olive Oil: Ensures golden, crispy edges and helps prevent sticking.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star element — go for your favorite store-bought or whip up a quick homemade batch with hot sauce and butter.
Shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheese blends beautifully with spicy chicken and brings a creamy finish.
Small Flour Tortillas: Soft, slightly chewy, and the perfect vessel to smash your patties thin and crisp.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For drizzling — the cool, tangy contrast that makes these tacos so addictive.
Shredded Lettuce: Adds refreshing crunch and balances all that rich heat.
Diced Red Onion: Brings a pop of color and sharp, sweet bite to each taco.
Chopped Celery (optional): For extra crunch and a nod to the classic buffalo wing side.
Chopped Parsley or Green Onion (optional): These fresh herbs elevate the look and flavor with a bit of color and brightness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos

Step 1: Season and Divide the Chicken

Start by mixing the ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Don’t overmix; you want the chicken to stay tender! Once combined, divide it into six equal portions. This helps your patties cook evenly and ensures every taco gets the right amount of flavor-packed chicken.

Step 2: Smash the Chicken onto the Tortillas

Lay a small flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and grab one portion of seasoned chicken. Press and spread the chicken evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla — edge to edge! Take your time, as this step is what gives Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos their unmistakable crispy-thin bite.

Step 3: Sear and Crisp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, place the tortilla chicken-side down and press lightly with a spatula. After about 3 to 4 minutes, the chicken should be cooked and beginning to brown. Flip the taco so the tortilla side crisps for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting it turn golden and lightly crisped. Work in batches so your pan doesn’t get overcrowded!

Step 4: Sauce and Cheese It Up

With all your tacos cooked, it’s time to drizzle or brush buffalo sauce on top of the chicken, then sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese right on top. The heat from the chicken will help the cheese melt a bit — absolute perfection.

Step 5: Pile on the Classic Toppings

Now for the finishing touches. Add a mound of shredded lettuce, scatter over diced red onion, and chopped celery if you like that extra snap. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing — whichever you adore most. A sprinkle of parsley or green onion makes them pop visually and adds a fresh bite.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos

Garnishes

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos is in the toppings! Sprinkle each taco with fresh parsley or a scattering of sliced green onions for a pop of color, or add a few thin jalapeño slices for an extra fiery kick. Don’t skip the classic ranch or blue cheese drizzle — it’s that creamy counterpart that buffalo needs!

Side Dishes

Serve these tacos alongside crisp celery and carrot sticks, or a cooling cucumber salad to keep things refreshing. Crispy oven fries or kettle chips are always a hit for a crunchy side. And, if you want to really wow, try a simple corn salad with lime for an extra zingy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Think party platter! Arrange your finished Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos in a big spiral on a serving board, scatter plenty of toppings in small bowls, and let everyone build their own. Mini tacos are also adorable for game day snacking. Set out buffalo sauce and dressings for drizzling so each person can customize their level of heat and creaminess — it’s interactive and irresistibly fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the fresh toppings (lettuce, onion, celery, and herbs) separate so the tortillas don’t get soggy — you can easily assemble tacos fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken-on-tortilla portions (without sauce, cheese, or toppings) for up to 2 months. Stack them with parchment paper in between, wrap tightly, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When a craving hits, reheat from frozen and pile on your toppings for a quick and tasty meal.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat the tacos in a hot dry skillet over medium heat, flipping once, until warmed through. You can also use the oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Add your chilled toppings and dressing after reheating to keep everything crunchy and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works beautifully and delivers a similar juicy, tender result. You may want to add a splash more buffalo sauce since turkey can be a bit milder than chicken, but the swap is easy and tasty.

Are Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos spicy?

This dish has a moderate level of heat from the buffalo sauce, but you can adjust by swapping in a mild wing sauce or adding a touch more ranch or blue cheese dressing. Jalapeños will dial up the spiciness, so leave them out if you prefer things mild.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Monterey Jack and mozzarella both melt well and have a mild flavor that complements the spicy chicken, but you could use a pepper jack if you want more kick, or a blend for extra melty goodness.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Prep the smashed chicken tortillas in advance and cook them just before serving. Hold off on sauces and fresh garnishes until the last minute to keep everything crisp and fresh at party time.

How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?

All you need is equal parts hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter. Whisk them together, and you’ve got a quick, classic buffalo sauce — add a splash or two of Worcestershire for a special twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright exciting about sinking your teeth into Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos. The sizzle, the spice, the crunch and melt — this recipe is pure fun and flavor wrapped up in a tortilla. Give these tacos a try, and get ready to watch your dinner table light up with happy faces and empty plates!

Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors, combining the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the comfort of a burger, all wrapped up in a convenient taco format. Perfect for a fun and flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Patties:

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tacos:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
6 small flour tortillas
1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
Chopped parsley or green onion for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a medium bowl, mix the ground chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 6 equal portions.
Assemble the Tacos: Flatten a portion of seasoned chicken onto each tortilla. Cook in a skillet, pressing down to form a ‘smash’ patty.
Add Toppings: Drizzle each taco with buffalo sauce, top with cheese, and let it melt slightly. Add lettuce, red onion, celery, and dressing. Garnish with parsley or green onion.
Serve: Enjoy warm and fresh!

Notes

You can use pre-made buffalo sauce or make your own with hot sauce and melted butter.
For extra heat, top with sliced jalapeños.
Best served fresh for crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American