Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
If you love bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and crave a fun twist on classic tacos, Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos are your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, spicy buffalo chicken wrapped in crispy shells, topped with fresh veggies and creamy dressings for an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these tacos are quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, making Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos a standout option you’ll want to make time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Kick: The tangy buffalo sauce packs just the right amount of heat, awakening your taste buds in every bite.
- Satisfying Crunch: Crispy taco shells offer a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken inside.
- Easy to Customize: You can tailor toppings and spice levels to suit your preferences or dietary needs effortlessly.
- Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Great for Sharing: These tacos make fantastic finger food for parties and get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together to create an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Each component adds color, moisture, or crunch, elevating the Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos to a dish you’ll love making over and over.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced chicken provides a lean, protein-packed base with great texture.
- Buffalo sauce: The star of the show, it delivers spicy, tangy flavor to the chicken.
- Crispy taco shells: Choose hard corn taco shells for that iconic crunch.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and bright green color.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts and vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Shredded cheese: Mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend enhances the creamy, indulgent factor.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy dressings balance the heat of buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Optional green onions or cilantro: For a zesty herbal note and a pop of color.
Variations for Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos are incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with ingredients to match your cravings or dietary preferences. Here are some easy ways to switch things up while keeping the bold, satisfying spirit alive.
- Swap the protein: Try shredded rotisserie turkey, grilled tofu, or chickpeas marinated in buffalo sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Different taco shells: Use soft flour tortillas, lettuce wraps, or even crispy pita chips for a unique twist.
- Add veggies: Incorporate sliced avocado, diced red onions, or roasted corn for extra texture and flavor layers.
- Change up the cheese: Pepper jack for a bit of spice or feta for a tangy finish.
- Try alternative sauces: Mix buffalo sauce with honey for sweetness or chipotle ranch for smoky heat.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding or dicing cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken thoroughly in buffalo sauce, making sure every morsel is coated with that spicy, tangy goodness.
Step 2: Warm the Taco Shells
Heat your crispy taco shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This step amplifies the crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy once filled.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each taco shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, then add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for freshness and crunch.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Dressing
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and top with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the spice and add creaminess.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a burst of color and herbal brightness, then serve immediately for maximum crispness.
Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken for quick preparation without sacrificing flavor.
- Balance heat with creaminess: Adding enough ranch or blue cheese dressing helps mellow the spice while enhancing flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Avoid filling taco shells too full to maintain their crisp texture.
- Customize spice level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to either dial up or down the heat.
- Prep toppings ahead: Wash and chop veggies a day before for a swift assembly process.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions elevate these tacos with color and a hint of herbal brightness. A squeeze of lime juice also adds a zesty burst that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with classic sides like coleslaw, celery sticks with ranch dip, or a crunchy corn salad for balanced and refreshing accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter layered with parchment paper, and serve with small bowls of blue cheese dressing and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, create a taco bar so everyone can customize their own Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store taco shells separately to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
Buffalo chicken freezes well if you want to meal prep. Store the cooked buffalo chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing assembled tacos, as shells will lose their crispy texture.
Reheating
Reheat buffalo chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, then fill freshly heated taco shells to enjoy that delicious crispy crunch once again.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo chicken and toppings in advance, but it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the shells crispy.
What type of cheese works best in these tacos?
Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mild Mexican blend cheese melts nicely and complements the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly.
Is there a vegetarian version of Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with buffalo-seasoned tofu, tempeh, or roasted cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos? Can I adjust it?
The heat level depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. You can always start with less and add more to suit your spice tolerance.
What are good sides to serve with these tacos?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or a side of black beans all pair wonderfully, balancing the spicy and crispy elements of the tacos.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos are a vibrant and crunchy crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying. With only a handful of ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a delicious meal bursting with bold flavors anytime. Don’t hesitate to customize the toppings and spice levels to fit your mood—these tacos are all about fun and flavor. So go ahead, give these Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos a try and watch them become a firm favorite in your kitchen!
Related Posts
PrintBuffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos
Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos deliver bold, spicy flavors combined with satisfying crunch. Tender buffalo-coated chicken is wrapped in crispy hard corn taco shells, topped with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. This quick and customizable recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or parties, offering a delicious twist on classic tacos with a tangy buffalo kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Taco Shell & Toppings
- 8 hard corn taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss thoroughly with buffalo sauce to coat every piece evenly with the spicy, tangy flavor.
- Warm the Taco Shells: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hard taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes to enhance crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm taco shell with the buffalo chicken mixture, distributing evenly among the shells. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for freshness and crunch.
- Add Cheese and Dressing: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken mixture, then drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing to add creaminess and balance the heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with optional chopped green onions or cilantro for color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately to retain maximum crispness of the shells.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to customize the spice level.
- Don’t overfill taco shells to keep them crispy.
- Prepare and chop toppings ahead of time for quick assembly.
- Store taco shells separately from chicken to maintain crunchiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken tacos, spicy tacos, crispy tacos, buffalo sauce, quick weeknight meal, chicken tacos, party finger food
