Zesty Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe: Fun & Simple Dinner Magic

Sizzling with flavor, these buffalo chicken tacos bring a spicy kick to your weeknight dinner routine.

The tangy buffalo chicken tucked inside soft tortillas creates an irresistible meal that packs a punch.

Tender, shredded chicken coated in bold buffalo sauce delivers a mouthwatering experience from the first bite.

Whipping up this recipe takes minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Each taco bursts with zesty heat and creamy coolness that balances perfectly.

Crumbled blue cheese and fresh cilantro add delightful layers of texture and flavor.

Let’s find out these tacos and transform an ordinary evening into a delicious culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need for Quick and Easy Buffalo Chicken Tacos

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a silky, rich foundation for the buffalo sauce, helping to mellow the heat and add depth.
• Hot Sauce: Delivers the signature tangy and spicy buffalo kick that defines the dish's bold character.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Offers convenient, tender meat that absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully and saves preparation time.
• Whole Milk Greek Yogurt, Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess to balance the spicy buffalo sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, zesty citrus note that cuts through the richness.
• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Coleslaw Mix: Brings crisp texture and a refreshing crunch to contrast the spicy chicken.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable base that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, sharp bite and vibrant green color as a fresh garnish.
• Blue Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy element that complements the buffalo sauce's heat.

Tools That Make Buffalo Chicken Tacos Fast and Fun

• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting butter quickly and evenly.
• Microwave-safe plate: Used to warm tortillas softly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauces and dressings smoothly.
• Large bowl: Needed for mixing chicken with buffalo sauce and preparing coleslaw.
• Small saucepan: Alternative option for melting butter on stovetop.
• Clean kitchen towel or foil: Helps keep tortillas warm after heating.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise seasoning and oil measurements.

Making Buffalo Chicken Tacos for a Spicy Twist

• Butter Blast A quick zap in the microwave transforms butter into a silky base for your sauce. Swirl hot sauce and garlic powder into a smooth, fiery blend that'll make taste buds dance.
• Chicken Coating Dive your shredded chicken into the spicy sauce, ensuring every strand gets a flavor-packed embrace. The chicken becomes a tangy, zesty masterpiece ready to rock your taco world.
• Creamy Coleslaw Creation Mix Greek yogurt with a splash of lime, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dreamy dressing turns plain coleslaw into a tangy, refreshing sensation.
• Tortilla Warm-Up Rescue cold tortillas with a quick microwave steam. A damp paper towel works magic, transforming them into soft, pliable vessels of deliciousness.
• Taco Assembly Layer the crisp coleslaw as your foundation, crown it with the saucy buffalo chicken, then shower with fresh scallions and crumbled blue cheese. Your flavor explosion is ready to devour.

Tips for Heat, Crunch, and Coolness in Buffalo Tacos

• Swap classic hot sauce with sriracha or chipotle sauce for a spicy twist that elevates the buffalo chicken's heat profile.
• Cook and shred chicken in advance, storing in sealed containers for quick taco assembly during busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Replace chicken with pulled pork, shredded turkey, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for diverse dietary preferences and exciting flavor combinations.
• Sprinkle crispy fried onions, crushed tortilla chips, or toasted panko breadcrumbs on top for an unexpected textural element that adds delightful crispiness to each bite.
• Use cashew cream or coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt to create a creamy coleslaw dressing that accommodates lactose-intolerant or vegan guests without compromising taste.

Serving Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Style

• Spice-Packed Party Platter: Create a vibrant buffalo chicken taco spread with multiple garnishes like extra blue cheese crumbles, diced celery, and ranch dressing. Guests can customize their own tacos with these fun toppings.
• Tangy Side Companion: Pair these zesty tacos with a cool cucumber salad or crisp pickled vegetables to balance the spicy buffalo chicken. The refreshing sides will complement the bold flavors perfectly.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this recipe into a crowd-favorite appetizer by cutting tortillas into smaller rounds and serving as mini buffalo chicken taco bites. Perfect for sports viewing parties or casual gatherings where people love finger foods.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare buffalo chicken and coleslaw separately in advance, storing them in sealed containers. When ready to eat, quickly warm tortillas and assemble for a quick weeknight dinner solution that saves time and reduces kitchen stress.

Storing Leftover Chicken Tacos Made Easy

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer any leftover buffalo chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy delicious chicken for up to 3-4 days when stored properly.
• Batch Prep Strategy: Cook extra chicken during weekend meal prep to enjoy quick taco lunches throughout the week. Shred and season chicken in advance, storing separately from coleslaw and tortillas to maintain optimal texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm buffalo chicken gently in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth or hot sauce to maintain moisture and zesty flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze seasoned buffalo chicken in flat, sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Keep tortillas and coleslaw fresh by storing separately and assembling just before serving.

Mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken tacos deliver a zesty flavor explosion that combines Mexican and American culinary traditions. Crispy tortillas, tender shredded chicken, and tangy sauce create a mouthwatering meal you can whip up in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 1 small or 0.5 large plain rotisserie chicken (about 1.75 lbs), shredded (about 4 packed cups)
• 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• 4 packed cups (10 oz) coleslaw mix
• 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
• 0.5 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula)
• 6 tbsps (0.75 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps whole milk plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Butter Preparation: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl using short 10-second intervals until fully liquefied, stirring between each interval.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk melted butter with hot sauce and garlic powder until a smooth, cohesive mixture develops, creating a vibrant buffalo coating.
3. Chicken Infusion: Thoroughly coat shredded chicken in the prepared buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly dressed with the spicy mixture.
4. Coleslaw Dressing: Blend Greek yogurt or sour cream with lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a tangy, creamy dressing.
5. Coleslaw Assembly: Toss coleslaw mix with the prepared dressing, guaranteeing each cabbage and carrot strand is uniformly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
6. Tortilla Preparation: Warm corn or flour tortillas in the microwave, covered with a slightly dampened paper towel to prevent moisture loss, creating soft and pliable wrappers.
7. Taco Construction: Layer prepared coleslaw as the base, top with buffalo-coated chicken, and garnish with thinly sliced scallions and crumbled blue cheese for a flavor-packed finish.
8. Serving: Present tacos immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity, allowing diners to experience the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements.

Notes

• Butter Melting Technique: Use short 10-second microwave intervals to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even melting.
• Sauce Coating Strategy: Thoroughly toss chicken in buffalo sauce for maximum flavor penetration and uniform seasoning.
• Tortilla Warming Hack: Dampen paper towel when microwaving to prevent dryness and maintain soft, flexible texture.
• Serving Pro Tip: Assemble tacos just before eating to preserve crisp coleslaw and warm chicken, preventing soggy ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg