Introduction
Why You'll Love Buffalo Chicken Tacos is honestly the recipe that saved my last Super Bowl party! I'd been stressing about what to make - you know how picky my brother-in-law can be - when it hit me: combine everyone's two favorite foods. The tender shredded chicken gets tossed in that signature spicy buffalo sauce (adjust the heat to your taste!), then nestles into warm tortillas with a cooling ranch slaw that I literally dream about. It's messy in the best possible way, and I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't ask for seconds.
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (or thighs - they're actually juicier)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (I swear by Frank's RedHot)
- 12 small corn tortillas (flour works too!)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Blue cheese crumbles (optional - my husband hates it but I can't resist)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season those chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper - don't be shy! Pop them into a large pan over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Cook about 6-7 minutes per side until they're done through. The smell of searing chicken always brings my cat running... every single time!
Step 2: Make the Magic Happen
Shred that chicken - two forks work great, but honestly sometimes I just use my hands (when they've cooled enough obvs). Melt the butter in the same pan (hello, flavor!), then toss the chicken back in with your buffalo sauce. Let it get all happy and coated, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Whip Up the Slaw
While the chicken's doing its thing, mix the cabbage, ranch, lime juice, and half the cilantro in a bowl. This slaw is seriously life-changing - I've started putting it on everything. Let it hang out for a few minutes; it gets better!
Step 4: Taco Assembly Time!
Warm those tortillas - I like to char mine a bit on the gas stove (careful tho, I may have set off the smoke alarm once... or twice). Layer in your buffalo chicken, top with that amazing slaw, sprinkle with extra cilantro and blue cheese if you're into it. And maybe grab some extra napkins. You'll need them!
Healthier Alternatives
Look, I get it - we're all trying to be good! For a lighter version, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas (butter lettuce is perfect). Greek yogurt makes a great stand-in for the ranch, and you can totally use cauliflower instead of chicken for my veggie friends. Just roast it with the buffalo sauce until crispy - trust me on this one.
