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Quick, crunchy, and wildly simple, these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos turn pantry basics into a dinner you’ll want on repeat. Ground chicken makes lean, speedy patties that sear up extra crispy when smashed, and a quick ranch slaw cools everything down. Use corn or flour tortillas and you’ve got handheld comfort food ready in about half an hour. For another fast skillet favorite, check out this speedy sirloin recipe for inspiration. Time-saving prep and bold sauce mean happy eaters with minimal cleanup.

Why This Recipe Works
The method is built around one smart move: smash and sear. Pressing the ground chicken thin on the hot surface creates maximum browning and texture in minutes. Using pre-made ranch dressing and a coleslaw mix saves chopping time while still delivering crunch and creaminess. Buffalo sauce adds bright heat without extra steps, and tortillas keep assembly fast. It’s a lean, approachable recipe that scales easily for weeknights or quick gatherings.
Flavor and Texture
You get a pleasing contrast from the crunchy seared edges of the chicken and the soft tortilla base. Ranch slaw brings cool, tangy creaminess that balances the vinegar-forward buffalo sauce. Ground chicken soaks up seasoning and sears into slightly crisp edges that mimic a smash burger bite. The buffalo drizzle provides an immediate bright heat that doesn’t overpower. Overall it’s a tightly balanced taco built for quick bites and bold flavor.
Ingredients
– Ground chicken
– Tortillas
– Ranch dressing
– Coleslaw mix
– Buffalo sauce
– Salt
– Pepper
– Oil for frying
Step by Step Instructions
1. In a bowl, season ground chicken with salt and pepper. Form into patties.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Smash the patties onto the tortillas and sear until crispy on both sides.
4. In another bowl, mix coleslaw mix with ranch dressing.
5. Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, assemble the tacos by adding the chicken patties, top with ranch slaw, and drizzle with buffalo sauce.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Quick Tips and Shortcuts
Work smart by forming patties slightly larger than your tortillas so they fit when cooked and trimmed. Use a sturdy spatula or a flat press to get a thin, even smash for optimal crust. If you’re short on time, buy pre-shredded coleslaw mix and bottled ranch no shame, just speed. Warm tortillas on a dry skillet for 10 to 20 seconds per side to prevent tearing when you fold them. For more quick skillet tricks and fast dinner ideas, try this quick skillet sirloin technique to sharpen your pan skills.
Storage and Meal Prep
Cooked patties store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat briefly in a hot skillet to re-crisp the edges. Keep slaw separate and add fresh when serving to avoid soggy tortillas. Tortillas can be wrapped and stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated if prepping ahead. For meal prep, pack components separately and assemble just before eating for best texture.
Short Closing Note
Fast, flavorful, and flexible, these tacos are perfect when time is tight but you still want a punchy meal. Minimal ingredients, maximum payoff—weeknight wins are that simple.
Conclusion
Want a similar take with detailed photos and variations? Check the original inspiration at Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos | Munchin’ With Maddie for extra ideas and serving suggestions.
FAQ
Can this be made in under 30 minutes?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.
Does it work for meal prep?
Most versions store well for one to three days.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos
Quick and crunchy Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos with a cool ranch slaw, ready in just 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 8 tortillas
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, season ground chicken with salt and pepper. Form into patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Smash the patties onto the tortillas and sear until crispy on both sides.
- In another bowl, mix coleslaw mix with ranch dressing.
- Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, assemble the tacos by adding the chicken patties, top with ranch slaw, and drizzle with buffalo sauce.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Form patties slightly larger than the tortillas to fit when cooked. Use a sturdy spatula for an even smash. Warm tortillas briefly before folding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
