If you are craving a dish that combines the fiery kick of spicy buffalo sauce with the cozy comfort of a handheld taco, then this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant fusion of tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and cool ranch dressing, all folded inside warm flour tortillas. Every bite bursts with bold flavor and satisfying textures, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day party hit, these tacos will quickly become a staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is key to bringing this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe to life. Each component, from the spicy buffalo sauce to the creamy ranch, plays an essential role in balancing taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken speeds things up and soaks up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce: This is the heart of the recipe, delivering that iconic spicy tang and vibrant color.
- 8 flour tortillas: Soft, pliable, and mild-flavored to cradle the bold fillings.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the fiery chicken.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, adding richness and a little sharpness.
- Chopped green onions (for garnish): A fresh, crunchy, eye-catching finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Start by heating the shredded cooked chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once warm, pour in the buffalo sauce and toss everything together, ensuring every morsel is coated in that beautiful, spicy sauce. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s heated through and fragrant. This step is where the bold personality of the dish truly begins to shine.
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
Lay out your flour tortillas and spread about one tablespoon of ranch dressing on half of each tortilla. This will provide a creamy base that balances the heat. Then, layer on a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture, followed by a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Folding each tortilla in half creates the perfect handheld taco shape that’s ready to be cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Assembled Tacos
Place each folded taco in the skillet over medium heat. Toast them until the tortillas turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese inside melts into a luscious blanket, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step adds a delightful crunch and melds all the flavors together into a harmonious bite.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the tacos from the skillet and let them cool for just a moment. Then sprinkle chopped green onions over the top to add a fresh, slightly pungent crunch. Your Buffalo Chicken Tacos are now ready to enjoy—hot, flavorful, and utterly addictive.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe to restaurant-worthy status. Fresh chopped green onions provide a mild bite that contrasts wonderfully with the spicy chicken. For extra freshness, you can add diced celery or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair beautifully with classic sides like crunchy coleslaw or crispy baked potato wedges. A creamy cucumber salad also makes for a refreshing companion, balancing the heat without overwhelming your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the buffalo chicken as mini taco bowls by using small tortillas molded into muffin tins and baked until crispy. Alternatively, wrap them in foil for portable eats that are perfect for picnics or tailgates. Presentation is part of the joy when sharing this vibrant Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the buffalo chicken mixture and tortillas separately in airtight containers. The chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, keeping its spicy flavor intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken mixture for up to two months. Portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers to thaw and reheat quickly whenever taco cravings hit.
Reheating
Reheat the buffalo chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warm. To restore the crispness of the tacos, toast them again in a pan for a couple of minutes before assembling fresh with cheese and ranch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Cook and shred boneless chicken breasts before tossing them in the buffalo sauce. It’s a lean option that works beautifully for this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe.
Is it possible to make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of buffalo sauce works best?
Traditional buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and butter is ideal as it balances heat and richness perfectly. Feel free to adjust the heat level depending on your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute shredded jackfruit or cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce as a fantastic vegetarian alternative that still delivers the signature spicy tang.
How spicy are these tacos?
The heat level is moderate and mostly depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of sauce or add more ranch dressing to create a creamy buffer.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe enough for anyone who loves a mix of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness wrapped into one fun, easy meal. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again, whether for casual dinners or when you want to impress friends without hours in the kitchen. Dive right in and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Tacos offer a spicy, flavorful twist on traditional tacos with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. Combined with creamy ranch dressing, melted cheddar cheese, and garnished with fresh green onions, they create a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce
Tacos
- 8 flour tortillas
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the chicken: Heat the shredded chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the buffalo sauce and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated.
- Assemble the tacos: Lay out each flour tortilla and spread 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing on half of the tortilla. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture over the ranch, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook the tacos: Place the folded tacos back into the skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheddar cheese has melted inside.
- Garnish and serve: Remove tacos from the skillet and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken for best results, such as rotisserie or leftover chicken breast.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity for desired spice level.
- Flour tortillas work best for folding and crisping, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
- Serve with extra ranch dressing or celery sticks to complement the spicy buffalo flavor.
