What ingredients are needed for buffalo chicken tacos?

Buffalo chicken tacos require chicken breast or thighs, Frank’s buffalo sauce, tortillas, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and fresh slaw or cabbage. Optional toppings like avocado, pickled jalapeños, and ranch or blue cheese dressing add extra flavor. Using high-quality ingredients ensures your buffalo chicken tacos are juicy, spicy, and full of bold flavor.

How can I make buffalo chicken tacos healthier?

To make buffalo chicken tacos healthier, try baked buffalo chicken tacos or air-fried buffalo chicken tacos instead of frying. Use whole wheat or corn tortillas, add plenty of fresh slaw or cabbage, and skip or reduce cream cheese. This keeps the flavor bold while lowering calories and fat.

Can I bake, fry, or air-fry the chicken for buffalo chicken tacos?

Yes! You can bake, fry, or air-fry chicken for buffalo chicken tacos. Baking or air-frying gives a lighter, healthier option, while frying adds extra crunch. Toss the cooked chicken in Frank’s buffalo sauce for signature spicy flavor.

What are some popular variations of buffalo chicken tacos?

Popular buffalo chicken tacos variations include adding cream cheese, shredded cheese, or cabbage slaw. You can also make fried buffalo chicken tacos for crunch or baked buffalo chicken tacos for a healthier twist. Toppings like avocado, pickled jalapeños, and ranch dressing make buffalo chicken tacos customizable and delicious.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe – Quick & Delicious 2026

Name: Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 tacos
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded (or bite-sized strips if frying); ½ cup Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 small flour or corn tortillas; ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup cream cheese, optional; ½ cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or cilantro; Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling; Optional: sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges

Description

Spicy, tangy, and packed with flavor, these Buffalo Chicken Tacos feature crispy or shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and served in warm tortillas. Top them with creamy slaw, shredded cheese, or a dollop of cream cheese for the ultimate finger-licking taco experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacks!

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for 6 tacos):

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded (or bite-sized strips if frying)
½ cup Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce (or your favorite)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking/frying)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos:

6 small flour or corn tortillas
½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
¼ cup cream cheese, optional
½ cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or cilantro
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling

Optional Extras:

Sliced avocado
Pickled jalapeños
Lime wedges

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

For shredded chicken: Poach or bake chicken until fully cooked, then shred with forks.
For crispy chicken: Coat strips lightly with flour, season with salt and pepper, and pan-fry in olive oil until golden and cooked through.

Step 2: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Place cooked chicken in a bowl and mix with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Step 3: Prep Toppings

Shred cabbage or slaw mix and chop green onions or cilantro.
If using cream cheese, soften slightly for easier spreading.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
Spread cream cheese (optional) on each tortilla.
Add buffalo chicken, shredded cheese, and slaw.
Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and top with green onions/cilantro.
Add optional extras like avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Air Fryer Option: Cook chicken strips in the air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispy, healthier alternative.
Make Ahead: Cook and shred chicken a day ahead; assemble tacos just before serving.
Spice Level: Adjust buffalo sauce to taste for milder or hotter tacos.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Category: Main / Dinner / Game Day Snack
Method: Pan-fried, baked, or air-fried
Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex