Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos (Easy Recipe)

These buffalo chicken smash tacos are spicy, crispy, and loaded with ranch, veggies, and flavor. An easy weeknight dinner with major viral energy.

Let’s get one thing straight: if you haven’t smashed your tacos yet… you’re doing tacos wrong.

These Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos are crunchy, spicy, melty, and a little unhinged — in the best possible way. 

Think juicy buffalo-seasoned chicken smashed directly into a tortilla, seared until crispy, then loaded up with creamy ranch, buffalo wing sauce, and whatever toppings your spicy little heart desires.

It’s giving bar food meets viral food, and I am so here for it.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, post-leg-day refuels, or honestly anytime you want to feel like a hot girl with hot sauce. It’s high protein, low effort, and dangerously addictive. 

You can keep it simple or pile it high — no judgment if it turns into a loaded, dripping masterpiece.

And the best part? You’re making it all in one pan. No deep-frying, no fuss. Just smash, sear, flip, and feast.

So grab those tortillas, channel your inner spicy queen, and let’s make some Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos that might just ruin you for all other tacos forever.

Warning: once you make them once, they’re going in your weekly rotation. You’ve been warned.

If you love smash burger tacos you may also enjoy my Smash Chicken Caesar Salad Tacos or my Viral Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE BUFFALO CHICKEN SMASH TACOS

You’re going to love these Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos because they check every single box: crispy, spicy, juicy, and ridiculously easy to make. 

The ground chicken is seasoned to perfection and smashed right into a tortilla for that golden, seared finish we all crave. 

Toss in some shredded carrots, lettuce, buffalo sauce, ranch, and green onions, and you’ve got the perfect combo of heat, crunch, and cool creaminess in every bite. 

They’re made in one pan, come together in minutes, and feel way more impressive than the effort it takes. 

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just feeding your spicy little self, these tacos are about to become your new go-to obsession.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE BUFFALO CHICKEN TACOS RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the buffalo chicken mixture (the detailed instructions, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Ground Chicken – The lean, juicy base of your smash tacos. You can sub with ground turkey, ground beef, or even plant-based ground if you want to keep it meatless.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth and flavor. You can swap in onion powder or use minced fresh garlic if you’re feelin’ fancy.
• Salt + Black Pepper – Classic seasoning. Go with smoked salt or a pinch of cayenne if you want to level up the flavor.
• Small Flour Tortillas – These crisp up perfectly when smashed. Corn tortillas work too, but they’re more delicate — warm them first to prevent breaking.
• Shredded Carrots – Adds crunch and color. Sub with coleslaw mix, shaved celery, or even thinly sliced bell peppers.
• Shredded Lettuce – Brings that refreshing cool crunch. Romaine, iceberg, or even cabbage all work here.
• Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce – The star of the show. Use any brand you love, or go homemade with hot sauce + melted butter. Want it milder? Mix with a little ranch or Greek yogurt.
• Ranch Dressing – For that creamy, cooling balance. Swap with blue cheese dressing, Greek yogurt ranch, or a dairy-free option if needed.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh and zippy. You can sub with chives, red onion slivers, or skip altogether if you’re not an onion fan.
• Optional – sour cream, romaine lettuce, chili powder, crispy onions, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, homemade ranch, taco seasoning, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THIS SMASH BURGER TACO RECIPE

In a bowl, mix ground chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Spread a thin, even layer of seasoned chicken on the back of each tortilla, pressing it down firmly.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little avocado oil, place the tortillas chicken side down, and cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked (approx 2-3 minutes). Flip the tortilla and crisp up the other side.

Top each taco with fresh shredded carrots, shredded lettuce, chopped green onions, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.

Fold them up, take a bite, and get ready for the best crispy chicken taco moment ever.

STORING LEFTOVER SMASH BUFFALO TACO RECIPE

Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Keep the tortillas and toppings separate so they stay fresh and don’t get soggy.

When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave, smash it into a tortilla, crisp it up, and load on the goods like it’s day one.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Use a non-stick skillet or cast iron for the crispiest tortillas and easiest smash.

Lightly toast one side of the tortilla first before flipping for extra crunch.

Press the chicken mixture thin and evenly across the tortilla so it cooks through quickly.

Don’t overload with toppings — keep it balanced so it stays easy to fold and eat.

For extra heat, mix buffalo sauce right into the chicken before smashing.

Want it even creamier? Add a layer of cheese after cooking the chicken side down for more indulgence.

FAQS

CAN I USE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN INSTEAD OF GROUND CHICKEN?

Totally! Just shred it up and mix with buffalo sauce. You won’t get the same “smash” effect, but it’s perfect for a shortcut on busy nights.

WHAT LEVEL SHOULD I USE TO COOK THESE BUFFALO CHICKEN SMASH TACOS?

Stick to medium-high or medium heat. It’s hot enough to get that golden crisp on the tortilla without burning the chicken or drying things out.

CAN I COOK THESE BUFFALO CHICKEN SMASH TACOS IN THE AIR FRYER?

You can! Smash them flat on a baking sheet, then air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them for max crispiness.

HOW DO I KEEP THE TACOS CRISPY ONCE THEY’RE ASSEMBLED?

Serve them right away. If you’re batching, place finished tacos on a baking sheet in a warm oven to keep them crispy till serving time.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MAKE MORE SMASH TACOS ALL AT ONCE?

If you’re feeding a crowd (or just extra hungry), the best way to make a bunch of smash tacos at once is to use a flat top grill or two large skillets side by side on medium heat. 

Smash the seasoned chicken onto each tortilla ahead of time, then cook in batches — 2 to 4 tacos at a time depending on your pan size.

Other Easy Dinner Ideas You May Want To Try!

• Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
• Keto Greek Salad Recipe
• Low Carb Big Mac Salad Bowl
• Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
• Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls With Easy Peanut Sauce
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• Steak Stir Fry
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
• Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
• Protein Mac And Cheese
• Greek Chicken Bowl
• Chicken Carcass Soup
• McChicken Tacos Recipe
• Easy Cajun Shrimp Tacos

IF YOU TRIED THESE TACO SMASH BURGERS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE CRISPY TACOS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails