Turn leftover chicken into a flavorful and spicy taco filling with this easy-to-follow Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe, ready in just 15 minutes. These tacos are perfect for game days, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal. The combination of tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: The spicy buffalo sauce paired with ranch dressing delivers a taste explosion in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve these tacos at parties, casual gatherings, or for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform leftover chicken into a new dish that feels fresh and exciting.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors without any fuss.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Buffalo chicken tacos.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Serving plates
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Perfect for heating up the chicken quickly while ensuring even cooking.
- Non-stick skillet: Ideal for cooking the tacos without sticking, providing a perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce
For the Tacos
- 8 flour tortillas
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- Chopped green onions (to garnish)
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Chicken
In a skillet, heat the shredded chicken over medium heat. Once warm, toss it with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
On a plate, arrange one tortilla. Spread 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing on half of it. Top that half with the heated buffalo chicken and sprinkle cheese on top.
Step 3: Cook the Tacos
Heat your non-stick skillet on medium heat. Place one filled tortilla in the skillet. Cook until it’s lightly golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, remove the taco from the skillet and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Tacos!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
Serving Buffalo chicken tacos is a fun and flavorful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your taco night.
Taco Bar Setup
- DIY Toppings Station: Set up a toppings bar with ingredients like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and avocado for guests to customize their tacos.
- Extra Sauces: Offer additional sauces such as blue cheese dressing or extra buffalo sauce for those who love an extra kick.
Garnishing Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness and color.
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze that complements the flavors beautifully.
Accompanying Drinks
- Craft Beer: Pair your tacos with a refreshing craft beer that balances the spiciness of the dish.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water infused with lime or cucumber for a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
To ensure your Buffalo chicken tacos turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold flavor adjustment: Always taste your buffalo sauce before mixing it with chicken. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Chicken temperature matters: Use warm shredded chicken to ensure it mixes well with the sauce and melts the cheese effectively.
- Tortilla choice: Consider using corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. They add a unique flavor and texture.
- Heat control: Keep your skillet at medium heat while cooking the tacos to prevent burning while ensuring even cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
Complement your Buffalo chicken tacos with delicious side dishes that enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds a satisfying base to your meal.
- Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad tossed with lime juice and cilantro brings brightness to the table.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans make an excellent protein-packed side that pairs well with tacos.
- Guacamole: This classic avocado dip adds creaminess and balances the spice of the tacos perfectly.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide an enjoyable appetizer before digging into the main dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that complements the richness of buffalo chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Buffalo chicken tacos can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using dry chicken: Ensure the chicken is moist and flavorful. If using leftovers, add extra buffalo sauce to enhance moisture.
- Overfilling the tortillas: It’s tempting to pile on the fillings, but overstuffing can lead to a messy taco. Stick to a manageable amount to keep your tacos intact.
- Neglecting the heat: Cooking your tacos on too high a heat can burn the outside while leaving the cheese unmelted. Use medium heat for an even cook.
- Skipping garnishes: Garnishes like green onions add flavor and color. Don’t skip them; they elevate your dish visually and taste-wise.
- Not letting them rest: After cooking, allow the tacos a minute before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making them easier to handle.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Buffalo chicken tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place one taco on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add one taco at a time and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different sauces for the Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Yes! While buffalo sauce is traditional, you can experiment with other sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for different flavors.
How do I make this Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe spicier?
To add more heat, consider using extra hot buffalo sauce or adding jalapeños as a topping.
What sides pair well with Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Great sides include coleslaw, chips and salsa, or a fresh salad for balance.
Can I customize my Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or cilantro according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo chicken tacos recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor. With options for customization, you can create a dish that suits any palate. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, these tacos are sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Give it a try today!
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos per serving) 1x
Description
Discover a quick and delicious way to transform leftover chicken into a crowd-pleasing dish with our Buffalo Chicken Tacos recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these flavorful tacos that are perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings to quick weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing creates a taste sensation that everyone will love. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a customizable meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 ½ cups buffalo sauce
- 8 flour tortillas
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat, then toss with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Prepare tortillas by spreading ranch dressing on one half of each tortilla; top with buffalo chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
- Cook filled tortillas in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (85g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 54mg
Keywords: Adjust the buffalo sauce according to your heat preference. For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas. Experiment with toppings like avocado or jalapeños for added flavor.