If you are craving a dish that combines the tangy zest of spicy buffalo sauce with the comforting simplicity of a taco, you are in for a treat. This Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe brings together tender shredded chicken tossed in bold buffalo sauce, melty cheddar, and creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped in a warm, golden tortilla. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a game day snack, these tacos deliver a delightful punch of flavor and satisfying textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each playing a critical role in creating a harmonious balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch. From the tender shredded chicken to the zesty buffalo sauce and tangy ranch, every element is essential and easy to find.

3 cups shredded cooked chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time while providing a meaty base with great texture.
1 ½ cups buffalo sauce: This classic sauce adds that signature spicy kick.
8 flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they serve as the perfect canvas for your ingredients.
½ cup ranch dressing: Creamy and cooling, it balances out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and gooey melted goodness make every bite irresistible.
Chopped green onions (to garnish): Adds a fresh, slightly pungent crunch that brightens each taco.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up and Toss the Chicken

Begin by heating your shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat. This step ensures the chicken is warm and ready to absorb the vibrant flavors of the buffalo sauce. Once heated, toss it generously with 1 ½ cups of buffalo sauce so every shred is coated with that delicious spicy tang.

Step 2: Prepare the Taco Base

Take a flour tortilla and lay it flat on a plate. Spread a tablespoon of ranch dressing over the entire surface—this creamy layer will mellow the heat and add moisture. Then arrange half of the sauced-up chicken evenly over one side of the tortilla, making sure to pile it high.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Fold

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the buffalo chicken to bring in that comforting melt. Fold the tortilla in half to encase the savory filling, creating a classic taco shape that’s easy to handle and perfect for crisping up.

Step 4: Crisp the Taco to Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then add your folded taco. Cook each side until the tortilla turns golden brown and slightly crispy, and the cheddar cheese inside melts beautifully. This simple step transforms the taco into something delightfully crunchy yet gooey inside.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once golden and melty, remove the tacos from the skillet and serve right away, while they’re at their peak of warmth and flavor.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds a fresh, vibrant contrast but also a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness. You can also add a drizzle of extra ranch or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Chicken Tacos pair wonderfully with classic comfort sides. Think crunchy carrot and celery sticks with ranch for dipping, a crisp coleslaw to complement the heat, or even some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up extra sauce. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try doubling up your tacos for a stacked presentation or serve them open-faced on small plates for a fun, easy-to-share appetizer at your next gathering. Adding colorful garnishes like diced tomatoes or sliced jalapeños can also enhance the visual appeal without overshadowing the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply store the prepared buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas and garnishes separate to prevent sogginess, so when you’re ready to eat, everything stays fresh.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat and assemble your tacos as usual for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, crisp the assembled taco gently in a skillet or oven to bring back that satisfying crunch and melt the cheese perfectly. Avoid microwaving directly, as it tends to soften the tortilla rather than crisp it.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves time without compromising the texture needed for these tacos.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can tone down the heat by mixing the buffalo sauce with additional ranch or using a milder buffalo sauce alternative. The ranch dressing will also help cool down the spice.

Can I substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas work well if you prefer a gluten-free option or a slightly different texture; just be gentle when folding to avoid tearing, as corn tortillas can be a bit more fragile.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can substitute the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or tofu tossed in buffalo sauce to keep the same bold, spicy flavor.

Can I prep the buffalo chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just warm it up and assemble your tacos, which makes this recipe even more convenient.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe is one of those gems that brings together simplicity, flavor, and a little bit of comfort all wrapped in one delightful bite. It’s a perfect dish to share with friends or savor on your own whenever you need a quick, crave-worthy meal. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation!

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

These Buffalo Chicken Tacos combine the bold, spicy flavors of classic buffalo chicken with the convenience and fun of tacos, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack. Tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce is layered with creamy ranch dressing and melted cheddar cheese inside a warm flour tortilla, garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Buffalo Chicken Filling

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 ½ cups buffalo sauce

Tacos Assembly

8 flour tortillas
½ cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions (to garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Buffalo Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the shredded cooked chicken. Toss the chicken with 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
Assemble the Tacos: Place one flour tortilla on a plate. Spread about 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing evenly over half of the tortilla. Layer half of the buffalo chicken on top of the ranch, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape.
Cook the Tacos: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the folded taco in the skillet and cook until the tortilla is lightly golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve: Remove the taco from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Garnish each taco with chopped green onions and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
Flour tortillas work best for folding and grilling; corn tortillas may tear more easily.
For a crispy exterior, press the tacos gently with a spatula while cooking.
Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Can be made ahead by preparing the buffalo chicken and assembling the tacos, then reheating and crisping before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop Cooking, Skillet
Cuisine: American