Name: Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: A Delicious Fusion Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 tacos
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground chicken; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely diced celery; 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for drizzling); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for cooking; 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons buttermilk (optional, for a thinner consistency); 1 tablespoon ranch dressing seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 12 small flour tortillas (street taco size); 4 oz crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese; Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra buffalo wing sauce, avocado slices

Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: Prepare to have your taste buds blown away by this incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy fusion dish! Imagine the fiery kick of buffalo chicken wings, the satisfying crunch of a smash burger, and the portability of a taco – all rolled into one unforgettable bite. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience!

While the exact origins of this particular combination are shrouded in mystery (likely born from a late-night craving!), the individual components boast rich histories. Buffalo chicken wings, famously created at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, have become a beloved American staple. Smash burgers, known for their crispy edges and juicy centers, offer a modern twist on the classic hamburger. And, of course, tacos, with their deep roots in Mexican cuisine, provide the perfect vessel for culinary creativity.

What makes these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy buffalo sauce, the creamy coolness of the toppings (think blue cheese or ranch!), the crispy chicken patty, and the soft tortilla create a symphony of sensations in your mouth. Plus, they're incredibly convenient to make and eat, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or any occasion where you want a crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to impress. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy buffalo chicken!

Ingredients:

For the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burgers:

1.5 lbs ground chicken
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for cooking

For the Creamy Ranch Slaw:

4 cups shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons buttermilk (optional, for a thinner consistency)
1 tablespoon ranch dressing seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

12 small flour tortillas (street taco size)
4 oz crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra buffalo wing sauce, avocado slices

Preparing the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burgers:

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, diced celery, diced red onion, 2 tablespoons of buffalo wing sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that the buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese will also add saltiness, so taste as you go.
Divide the chicken mixture into 12 equal portions. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure they are all the same size, but you can also eyeball it. Gently form each portion into a ball.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You'll likely need to cook the burgers in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Place 6 chicken balls in the hot skillet, leaving some space between them. Immediately use a burger press or a flat-bottomed spatula to smash each ball down into a thin patty, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges will be!
Cook the smash burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the cooked smash burgers from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken balls, adding another tablespoon of oil to the skillet as needed.

Making the Creamy Ranch Slaw:

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), buttermilk (if using), ranch dressing seasoning, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Season the slaw with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the slaw to become slightly softer.

Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos:

Warm the flour tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven. Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
Lay out the warmed tortillas on a clean work surface.
Spoon a generous amount of the creamy ranch slaw onto each tortilla.
Top the slaw with one or two buffalo chicken smash burgers, depending on their size and your preference.
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese over the burgers.
Drizzle extra buffalo wing sauce over the tacos, if desired.
Garnish with chopped green onions and avocado slices, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce and cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the burgers. For a milder flavor, use a mild buffalo wing sauce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or use a hot buffalo wing sauce.
Cheese Options: If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack.
Slaw Variations: Get creative with your slaw! You can add other vegetables such as shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or diced cucumbers. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
Tortilla Options: While I prefer small flour tortillas for these tacos, you can also use corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Make Ahead: The creamy ranch slaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance. The buffalo chicken smash burgers can also be cooked ahead of time and reheated before assembling the tacos.
Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken smash burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet. Just make sure to grease the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
Air Fryer Option: You can also cook the smash burgers in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the smashed chicken patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the burgers are cooked through and nicely browned.
Serving Suggestions: These buffalo chicken smash burger tacos are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with sides such as sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe is a winner because it combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying flavors of a buffalo chicken burger with the fun and portability of a taco. The creamy ranch slaw provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken, while the blue cheese adds a tangy and pungent note. The smash burger technique ensures that the chicken patties are crispy and flavorful. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize to your own taste preferences.

Troubleshooting:

Burgers are too dry: Make sure not to overmix the chicken mixture, as this can make the burgers tough and dry. Also, avoid overcooking the burgers.
Burgers are sticking to the pan: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the burgers, and use enough oil to prevent sticking.
Slaw is too thick: Add a little more buttermilk or milk to thin it out.
Slaw is too bland: Add more ranch dressing seasoning, lemon juice, or salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per taco):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Calories: 350-450
Protein: 25-35g
Fat: 20-30g
Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover buffalo chicken smash burgers and creamy ranch slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the burgers before assembling the tacos. The assembled tacos are best enjoyed immediately.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let's recap why these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are about to become your new weeknight obsession. We've taken the best parts of a juicy buffalo chicken sandwich, the satisfying crunch of a smash burger, and the fun, customizable nature of tacos and mashed them all together into one glorious, flavor-packed bite. Seriously, what's not to love?

This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about creating an experience. The crispy chicken, the tangy buffalo sauce, the cool and creamy slaw, all nestled in a warm tortilla – it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! Even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this. I promise!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let's talk about how you can make these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos your own. First, consider your spice level. If you're a heat seeker, don't be shy with the buffalo sauce! Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for an extra kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with a little ranch dressing to tame the heat.

For the slaw, feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Add some shredded carrots, red onion, or even a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. You could also swap out the traditional slaw dressing for a creamy avocado dressing for a healthier twist.

Thinking about sides? These tacos pair perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries, a simple side salad, or even some elote (Mexican street corn). And for drinks, a cold beer, a refreshing margarita, or even just some iced tea would be a great complement to the spicy and savory flavors.

Want to make it a party? Set up a taco bar with all the fixings and let your guests customize their own creations. Offer different types of cheese, toppings like diced tomatoes and jalapenos, and a variety of sauces. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy these delicious tacos with friends and family.

For a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or black beans. Just be sure to season them well with buffalo sauce and other spices to mimic the flavor of the chicken. Grilled halloumi cheese would also be a fantastic addition!

And if you're looking for a low-carb option, ditch the tortillas altogether and serve the buffalo chicken mixture over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice. It's a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors without the extra carbs.

Time to Get Cooking!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the magic of these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos. I'm confident that this recipe will become a regular in your rotation. It's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – the perfect combination for a busy weeknight meal.

I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think. Share your photos, your variations, and your overall experience in the comments below. I love hearing from you and seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!