Easy Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe: Your Spicy Weeknight Fix

Buffalo chicken tacos ignite a flavor explosion that redefines ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Spicy, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy, these tacos blend the iconic wing sauce with handheld comfort.

Crispy chicken pieces drenched in signature hot sauce create a mouthwatering centerpiece for any gathering.

The combination of zesty heat and cooling ranch dressing strikes a perfect balance between bold and smooth.

Crunchy lettuce and tangy slaw add textural complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Versatile enough for game nights or casual dinners, these tacos appeal to adventurous and classic palates alike.

Grab your favorite toppings and prepare for a taste sensation that will leave everyone craving more.

Why Quick Buffalo Chicken Tacos Are a Win for Weeknights

• Rapid Fire Flavor Explosion: Buffalo chicken tacos burst with tangy, spicy goodness that transforms a simple meal into a taste sensation, delivering maximum flavor in minimal preparation time.
• Protein-Packed Power Meal: Packed with 28g of protein, these tacos offer a nutritious punch perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone craving a satisfying, muscle-supporting dinner.
• Speedy Kitchen Magic: From microwave to table in under 15 minutes, this recipe conquers weeknight dinner challenges with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet-style meals accessible to everyone.
• Texture Carnival: Crisp coleslaw, tender buffalo chicken, and soft tortillas create a delightful multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.

What Brings the Kick to These Tacos

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken as the main protein source with a tangy buffalo flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick preparation.
• Blue Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds rich flavor and complements buffalo sauce.

• Butter: Creates smooth base for buffalo sauce and helps coat chicken evenly. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
• Hot Sauce: Provides signature buffalo heat and flavor. Choose classic cayenne-based hot sauce for authentic taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aromatic notes to the buffalo coating.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas for wrapping buffalo chicken. Warm tortillas ensure better texture and flexibility.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Creates creamy, tangy dressing for coleslaw. Greek yogurt offers a healthier alternative.
• Coleslaw Mix: Fresh, crunchy vegetable base for adding texture and cooling contrast to spicy chicken.
• Lime Juice: Brightens dressing and adds fresh citrus note to coleslaw.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind coleslaw dressing and adds smooth richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balancing flavors in dressing.
• Scallions: Fresh, green onion garnish that provides mild onion flavor and color.

Fast, Flavorful Assembly Tips You’ll Love

Step 1: Prepare Buffalo Chicken Sauce

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and melt butter in 4-6 short 10-second bursts. Whisk in hot sauce and garlic powder until the mixture looks smooth and combined. Toss shredded chicken into the sauce, making sure every piece gets perfectly coated.

Step 2: Create Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

• Greek yogurt
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until well blended and creamy.

Step 3: Mix Coleslaw

Pour coleslaw mix into the dressing and toss thoroughly, ensuring each shred gets nicely covered.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

Place tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until soft and pliable.

Step 5: Wrap Tortillas

Transfer warm tortillas to a clean kitchen towel or wrap in foil to keep them heated.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Layer coleslaw onto each tortilla. Top with buffalo chicken. Sprinkle scallions and blue cheese over the top. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.

Tips for Spicy but Not Too Spicy

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for the most even, tender buffalo chicken coating.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal heat tolerance, mixing gradually to achieve desired buffalo flavor.
• Keep Tortillas Warm: Wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel immediately after microwaving to prevent them from drying out and maintain soft texture.
• Prep Ahead: Cook and shred chicken in advance, storing separately from sauce to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Balance Creamy Coleslaw: Ensure coleslaw is evenly coated with yogurt dressing for a tangy, smooth complement to spicy buffalo chicken.

Keep It Zesty Even the Next Day

• Storage
• Refrigerate leftover buffalo chicken and coleslaw separately in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Keep chicken and slaw in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevent soggy tortillas by storing them separately in a sealed plastic bag or container.
• Reheating Chicken
• Warm buffalo chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave chicken in 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.
• Assembling Leftovers
• Rebuild tacos just before serving to maintain crisp texture. Quickly heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Sides and Sauces That Work with Buffalo Tacos

• Sparkling Citrus Companion: Pair these zesty buffalo chicken tacos with a crisp, chilled lemon-lime sparkling water to cut through the spicy buffalo sauce and refresh your palate.
• Cool Down with Creamy Contrast: Serve a side of extra blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing to balance the heat and provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
• Craft Beer Fusion: Select a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer that complements the tangy buffalo flavor and stands up to the bold chicken seasoning.
• Refreshing Slaw Sidekick: Enhance the meal with a cold, crisp cucumber salad or additional coleslaw to add extra crunch and provide a mild, cooling element alongside the spicy tacos.

Buffalo Twists to Try Next Taco Tuesday

• Spicy Ranch Remix: Swap hot sauce with ranch dressing and add jalapeños for an extra kick. Mix diced peppers directly into the chicken for bold flavor.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace buffalo sauce with tzatziki, use feta cheese instead of blue cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano. Add cucumber strips to the coleslaw for a fresh Mediterranean touch.
• BBQ Chicken Carnival: Substitute buffalo sauce with smoky BBQ sauce, top with crispy onion straws, and mix corn kernels into the coleslaw for sweet crunch.
• Tex-Mex Buffalo Blast: Incorporate taco seasoning into the chicken, use pepper jack cheese, and add pickled jalapeños. Drizzle with chipotle crema for extra southwestern flair.

Quick and Easy Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tacos bring zesty Mexican-American fusion to your dinner table. Crispy tortillas packed with tangy shredded chicken and cool ranch drizzle promise a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 small or 0.5 large plain rotisserie chicken (about 1.75 pounds), shredded (about 4 packed cups)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 0.5 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula)
• 6 tablespoons (0.75 stick) unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 medium lime)

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 packed cups (10 ounces) coleslaw mix
• 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
• 3 tablespoons whole milk plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a microwave-safe bowl and gently melt butter using short 10-second intervals (4-6 times) until completely liquefied.
2. Whisk melted butter with hot sauce and garlic powder until a smooth, uniform mixture forms.
3. Add shredded chicken to the sauce, thoroughly coating each piece to ensure even flavor distribution.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream with fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour the creamy dressing over coleslaw mix, tossing carefully to ensure each shredded cabbage and carrot piece is evenly coated.
6. Place corn or flour tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, covering them with a slightly dampened paper towel to prevent drying.
7. Warm tortillas for 30-45 seconds in the microwave, creating soft, pliable wrappers for the filling.
8. Transfer warm tortillas to a clean kitchen towel or wrap in aluminum foil to maintain temperature and flexibility.
9. Layer prepared coleslaw onto each tortilla, creating a crisp foundation for the protein.
10. Generously spoon buffalo-coated chicken atop the coleslaw, ensuring an even distribution.
11. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and crumbled blue cheese for added flavor complexity.
12. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum temperature and textural contrast.

Notes

• Elevate your taco game with this spicy, creamy buffalo chicken twist that transforms boring weeknight dinners into exciting flavor explosions.
• Skip complicated cooking methods and embrace a quick microwave or stovetop technique for perfectly coated, zesty chicken.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantities, making this recipe flexible for mild-loving kids or fire-breathing spice enthusiasts.
• Prep everything in under 20 minutes, from shredding chicken to whisking creamy coleslaw dressing, ensuring a stress-free meal solution.
• Leftovers taste amazing the next day, with flavors melding together for an even more delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg