Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos are the ultimate fusion of bold flavors and the beloved taco format. This recipe takes the classic buffalo chicken and transforms it into a delectable hand-held meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender shredded chicken is tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce and nestled in warm tortillas, topped with cool, creamy toppings that balance the heat. Get ready to experience the perfect marriage of comfort and adventure in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos offer the best of both worlds – the comforting familiarity of buffalo chicken paired with the exciting, portable format of tacos. The contrast of the tender, spicy chicken, cool creamy toppings, and soft tortillas creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. These tacos are endlessly customizable, making them the perfect meal for any occasion, from game day gatherings to cozy weeknight dinners. Plus, with simple, chef-tested steps, you can recreate this restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos recipe calls for a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed meal. The star of the show is tender, juicy shredded chicken that’s coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. For the toppings, you’ll need cool, creamy elements like shredded cabbage, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing to balance the heat. Warm tortillas or taco shells provide the perfect vessel for this delicious flavor combination.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup – Spicy buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 8-10 – Corn or flour tortillas or taco shells
- 2 cups – Shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup – Crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup – Ranch dressing
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts (for convenience)
- Buffalo Sauce: Make your own with hot sauce, melted butter, and seasonings (for a custom touch)
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos
Follow these chef-tested steps to create the perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Next, prepare your toppings by shredding the cabbage, crumbling the blue cheese, and gathering any other desired toppings.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat the tortillas or taco shells according to package instructions, either in the oven or on the stovetop. This will ensure they are warm and pliable, ready to hold the delicious fillings.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the tacos, simply place a generous portion of the spicy buffalo chicken in each warm tortilla or taco shell. Top with the shredded cabbage, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until all the tacos are assembled.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, consider topping the tacos with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Mild Version: Use a less spicy buffalo sauce or serve the chicken on the side for guests to customize their own tacos.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the buffalo chicken over a bed of lettuce instead of tortillas.
- Extra Heartiness: Add cooked rice or beans to the tacos for a more filling meal.
- Flavor Boosters: Top the tacos with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra buffalo sauce on the side.
Storage: Leftover shredded buffalo chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the tortillas may become a bit soft.
Reheat: To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a skillet or the microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The shredded buffalo chicken can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos with the fresh toppings.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos are a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as a main dish or shared as an appetizer. Each serving (2 tacos) provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded option. The spicy buffalo chicken and cool toppings create a delicious contrast of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 33 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 1,080 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
The easiest way to shred the chicken is to use two forks to pull the cooked chicken breasts apart into thin, stringy pieces. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to quickly shred the chicken.
Can I use a different type of sauce instead of buffalo?
Absolutely! While the buffalo sauce provides a classic spicy-tangy flavor, you can certainly experiment with other sauces or marinades. BBQ, teriyaki, or even a creamy chipotle sauce would all be delicious alternatives.
Do I have to use tortillas, or can I serve this over something else?
The tortillas provide the perfect handheld format for these tacos, but you can definitely get creative with the base. Try serving the spicy buffalo chicken over a bed of lettuce, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a delicious and versatile meal.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten up this dish, you can use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried, opt for low-fat or Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing, and load up on the fresh veggie toppings like shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The shredded buffalo chicken can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos with the fresh toppings.
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Street Tacos are the perfect blend of heat and flavor, served with fresh toppings and a zesty sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. 2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet.
4. 3. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
5. 4. Remove chicken from skillet and shred it with two forks.
6. 5. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
7. 6. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
8. 7. Assemble tacos by adding buffalo chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, blue cheese, and green onions on each tortilla.
9. 8. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
These tacos can be served with ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce for dipping. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tacos, buffalo chicken, street food