Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos: Best Weeknight Win!
The Secret to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos You’ll Want Every Weeknight
If you’re on the hunt for a quick and satisfying dinner option, look no further than these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win. Bursting with bold flavors, these tacos offer a delightful combination of spicy, crispy chicken and creamy ranch slaw that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to whip up, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win
– Quick prep and cook time of just 25 minutes
– Spicy and savory flavors that pack a punch
– Crispy texture from the smashed chicken patty
– Customizable with your favorite toppings
– Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To get started on your Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos, you’ll need just a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
– Mixing bowl: For combining the chicken and spices effortlessly.
– Griddle or large pan: Ideal for cooking the chicken patties evenly.
– Spatula: Perfect for smashing the chicken balls and flipping tacos with ease.
– Knife and cutting board: Necessary for prepping vegetables and garnishes.
Preparation Tips
For the best results, ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hot sauces to find your ideal spice level, and remember to let your slaw chill while you cook—this enhances its flavor!
Ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win
For the Chicken Tacos
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 3 tbsp buffalo wing sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp onion powder
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– ½ tsp Himalayan salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
– Cooking spray or oil
For the Ranch Slaw
– 3 cups shredded cabbage
– ½ cup grated carrots
– ¼ –⅓ cup ranch dressing (Greek yogurt preferred)
– 1 tbsp dill relish
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Best Weeknight Win
Spicy, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying, Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos are your new go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. With a delightful crunch from the creamy ranch slaw, it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone rushing to the table. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slaw
Start by making your refreshing slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss everything together until well mixed. This tangy slaw will add a cool contrast to the spicy chicken later on. Once combined, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of your meal.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken
In another bowl, take your ground chicken and mix it with buffalo wing sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to combine everything gently but thoroughly—this helps keep your chicken tender when cooking.
Step 3: Heat Up the Pan
Next up is heating your griddle or large pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil or a few sprays of cooking spray to prevent sticking. The oil should shimmer slightly when it’s ready; this ensures that you’ll get that nice golden sear on your chicken.
Step 4: Smash Those Burgers
Once your pan is hot enough, form the chicken mixture into loose balls—this makes for perfect smash burgers! Place each ball onto the tortillas directly in your heated pan and use a spatula to press down firmly until they’re flat. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture we all love.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden
Let those smashed burgers cook for about 3-4 minutes without moving them around too much. You want them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once cooked through (you can check with a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; it should read 165°F), it’s time to flip them.
Step 6: Toast Your Tortillas
After flipping the burger patties, lower the heat slightly and brush some oil on the tortilla side facing down in the pan. Depending on your preference for texture, you can let them get soft or crisp them up for that extra crunch!
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Take those warm tortillas loaded with delicious chicken smash burgers and pile on your chilled slaw mixture. For an added kick, drizzle some Greek yogurt ranch sauce or extra buffalo sauce over the top before folding them up.
Notes
These tacos are incredibly versatile! If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to substitute ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist. You can also add other veggies like diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the chicken mix or incorporate different toppings like avocado slices or pickled onions for an elevated flavor profile.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven cooking.
– Not letting the pan heat properly may result in sticking.
– Overcrowding the pan will steam rather than sear.
– Flipping too soon prevents that lovely crust from forming.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be hard because these tacos are so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through—you’ll preserve that lovely texture this way! If you want to freeze any extras, wrap them tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last up to three months.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 320 kcal
– Protein: 24 g
– Fat: 16 g
– Carbs: 20 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas offer a great texture but flour tortillas work just as well if you prefer something softer.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much buffalo sauce you use—feel free to start with less and taste as you go!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare both the slaw and chicken mixture ahead of time; just store them separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to cook!
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited about trying these Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos as I am! They’re not only quick but packed with flavor that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table. Give this recipe a whirl and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear all about it!
Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, ranch dressing, and dill relish. Toss everything together until well mixed. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill.
- In another bowl, mix the ground chicken with buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Combine gently but thoroughly.
- Heat your griddle or large pan over medium-high heat. Add oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Form the chicken mixture into loose balls and place each ball onto the tortillas in the heated pan. Use a spatula to press down firmly until flat.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden-brown crust forms. Flip the burgers when cooked through.
- After flipping, lower the heat and brush oil on the tortilla side facing down. Let them get soft or crisp them up.
- Assemble by taking the warm tortillas with chicken smash burgers and adding the chilled slaw mixture on top. Optionally drizzle with ranch sauce or extra buffalo sauce before folding.
