Buffalo chicken tacos
Buffalo chicken tacos 🌮😮💨 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cookin With Megg on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 42 min
Cost: $10.39 total, $2.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; will be shredded after cooking)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 0.33 cup Buffalo Sauce (Frank's RedHot original sauce preferred)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional but adds depth)
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 8 pieces Flour Tortillas (6‑inch size; can substitute corn tortillas)
- 0.5 packet Ranch Seasoning Packet (use half of a standard packet)
- 0.25 cup Sour Cream (plain)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Red Onion (finely diced, for garnish)
Instructions
Prep Garnishes
Rinse cilantro and red onion, then finely chop the cilantro and dice the onion. Set aside in a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Season Chicken
Pat the chicken dry, sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the seasonings into the meat until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Skillet
Place the large skillet over medium‑high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Cook Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cover the pan and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 10‑12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium-high
Shred Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT2M
Make Buffalo‑Ranch Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine the buffalo sauce, half a ranch seasoning packet, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Coat Chicken with Sauce
Add the shredded chicken to the sauce bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Crisp Tortillas
Wipe the skillet clean, add a thin layer of oil, and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until lightly browned and crisp. Keep warmed tortillas covered with foil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Assemble Tacos
Place a generous spoonful of buffalo chicken onto each tortilla, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack, then top with chopped cilantro and diced red onion. Add a squeeze of lime if desired.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and enjoy!
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be made dairy‑free using dairy‑free cheese and vegan sour cream
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Buffalo Sauce: Any hot sauce
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (½ tsp)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Ground onion
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Cheddar cheese
- Instead of Flour Tortillas: Corn Tortillas
- Instead of Ranch Seasoning Packet: Homemade ranch mix
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Red Onion: White Onion
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Tongs (optional)
- Plate for Serving (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season chicken evenly with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil
- Cook chicken until it shreds easily and is fully cooked
- Coat shredded chicken thoroughly with buffalo‑ranch sauce
- Crisp the tortillas just enough to be crunchy but not burnt
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, finish the chicken with a pat of butter before tossing with the sauce.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for brightness.
- If you like extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turned out dry
Do not over‑cook; keep the skillet covered and remove the chicken as soon as it shreds easily. Adding a splash of broth or extra sauce can restore moisture.
Tortillas became soggy
Crisp each tortilla on high heat for a short time and serve immediately. If making ahead, keep them in a single layer on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Sauce too spicy
Stir in extra sour cream or a drizzle of honey to mellow the heat, or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separate and re‑crisp before serving.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken mixture in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling.
Room temperature: Assembled tacos are best eaten immediately; they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and shred the chicken a day ahead; store the buffalo‑ranch sauce separately and combine before serving.
- Tortillas can be warmed and crisped just before plating; they do not store well once crisped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Buffalo Chicken Tacos in American cuisine?
Buffalo Chicken Tacos are a modern fusion that blends the iconic Buffalo wing flavor from the American Northeast with the handheld convenience of Mexican‑style tacos, reflecting the cross‑cultural creativity of contemporary U.S. comfort food.
What are the traditional regional variations of Buffalo Chicken Tacos in the United States?
While the classic version uses flour tortillas, some regions swap in corn tortillas or add blue cheese crumbles for a nod to traditional Buffalo wing toppings. In the Southwest, you might find added avocado or pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
How is Buffalo Chicken Tacos authentically served in American casual dining?
They are typically served hot, with the tacos assembled just before eating, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and sometimes a drizzle of extra ranch or a wedge of lime for brightness.
What occasions or celebrations are Buffalo Chicken Tacos traditionally associated with in American culture?
They are popular at game‑day gatherings, casual parties, and backyard barbecues because they combine the crowd‑pleasing spice of Buffalo wings with the easy, handheld format of tacos.
How does Buffalo Chicken Tacos fit into the broader American Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?
The dish exemplifies Tex‑Mex’s adaptable nature, taking a beloved American flavor profile and marrying it with Mexican staples like tortillas and fresh toppings, creating a hybrid that feels both familiar and exciting.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tacos versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, shredded Monterey Jack, and flour tortillas. Acceptable substitutes are any hot sauce, homemade ranch mix, cheddar or pepper jack cheese, and corn tortillas for a gluten‑free version.
What other American dishes pair well with Buffalo Chicken Tacos?
They pair nicely with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or a crisp garden salad, and a cold beer or a citrusy margarita complements the spicy flavor.
What makes Buffalo Chicken Tacos special or unique in American fusion cuisine?
The unique combination of tangy, buttery heat from Buffalo sauce with the fresh, bright toppings of a taco creates a contrast of flavors and textures that is both comforting and novel.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Buffalo Chicken Tacos?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry; under‑seasoning the sauce; and letting the tortillas sit too long, causing them to lose crispness. Follow the timing steps and keep the tortillas hot and crisp right before assembly.
Why does this Buffalo Chicken Tacos recipe use ranch seasoning instead of a full ranch dressing?
Using a dry ranch seasoning packet allows the flavor to blend evenly with the hot sauce and sour cream without adding excess liquid, keeping the chicken mixture thick enough to stay on the tortilla.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Tacos ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes—cook and shred the chicken, then store the buffalo‑ranch mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep tortillas separate and re‑crisp them just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Cookin With Megg specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cookin With Megg focuses on approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often adding quick twists and helpful kitchen hacks for home cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
