Sizzling Buffalo Chicken Tacos: A Fiery Family Recipe

Crispy and bold buffalo chicken creates a mouthwatering twist on traditional taco nights.

Spicy flavors dance across tender meat wrapped in warm tortillas.

Jalapeños and crumbled blue cheese add unexpected zings to every delicious bite.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with minimal kitchen skills.

Ranch dressing provides a cooling counterpoint to the fiery buffalo sauce.

Crunchy shells deliver an irresistible textural experience that keeps people coming back for seconds.

You’ll want to make these tacos again and again for weekend gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

What Goes In Fried Buffalo Chicken Tacos Today

• Chicken Tenders: Juicy and tender chicken pieces that form the main protein of the dish.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy and light breading for the chicken.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a smooth base for the coating.
• Buffalo Sauce: Provides a spicy and tangy flavor to the fried chicken.
• Ranch Dressing: Optional creamy topping that complements the spicy Buffalo chicken.

• Taco Shells: Crunchy vessel for holding the Buffalo chicken and toppings.
• Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes: Fresh ingredients that add crunch and brightness to the tacos.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty texture and extra flavor to the dish.

• Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

Easy Steps For Buffalo Chicken Tacos Crunch

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

Blend a zesty dry mix in a spacious mixing bowl.

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended for a mouthwatering crust.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Coating

Dunk each chicken tender into cold buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage.

Immediately transfer the wet chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place coated chicken tenders into hot oil.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the inside reaches safe internal temperature.

Step 4: Drench in Spicy Sauce

Transfer crispy chicken to a clean bowl.

Pour Buffalo sauce over the fried tenders, gently tossing to ensure every piece gets a generous, fiery coating.

Step 5: Prepare Taco Shells

Warm corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or according to package directions until slightly crisp and pliable.

Step 6: Build Flavor-Packed Tacos

• Crisp shredded lettuce
• Fresh diced tomatoes
• Sharp cheddar cheese

Step 7: Final Flavor Explosion

Nestle spicy Buffalo chicken into prepared taco shells.

Optional: Drizzle with cool ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.

Smart Tips For Crispy Buffalo Chicken Taco Night

• Pat chicken dry before dredging to ensure the flour mixture sticks perfectly and creates a crispy exterior.
• Adjust Buffalo sauce intensity by mixing mild and hot sauces or using less sauce for a milder flavor.
• Keep oil between 350-375°F for even, golden-brown chicken without absorbing excess oil.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary variations.
• Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent steam buildup.

Fun Ways To Flavor Buffalo Chicken Tacos Different

• Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos: Replace chicken with breaded and fried cauliflower florets, maintaining the same coating and Buffalo sauce technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Tacos: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal mix, using corn tortillas to create a celiac-friendly version of the original recipe.
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Eliminate deep-frying by coating chicken tenders and baking in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, achieving a crispy texture with less oil.
• Spicy Caribbean Buffalo Tacos: Incorporate jerk seasoning into the flour mixture and use mango salsa instead of traditional toppings for a tropical flavor profile.

Creative Ways To Serve Buffalo Chicken Tacos Tonight

• Flavor Explosion Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with extra Buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and sliced green onions for guests to customize their tacos.
• Cool Down Companion: Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or crisp coleslaw to balance the spicy chicken and provide a light, crunchy contrast.
• Game Day Feast Upgrade: Pair these tacos with cold beer, celery sticks, and additional ranch dipping sauce for the ultimate casual gathering experience.
• Quick Sides Magic: Add quick pickled jalapeños or a zesty corn salsa to enhance the taco's flavor profile and add exciting texture variations.

How To Keep Fried Buffalo Chicken Tacos Crispy

• Store leftover Buffalo chicken tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate taco shells from fillings to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Crisp taco shells separately for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

• What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

Use chicken tenders for the best results, as they are tender, uniform in size, and cook quickly.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Adjust the heat level by choosing a mild or hot Buffalo sauce. You can also control spiciness by adding more or less sauce when coating the chicken.

• Is buttermilk necessary for the coating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and creates a crispy, flavorful coating. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar as a substitute.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and appears golden brown on the outside. Cut into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.

Why You’ll Want Fried Buffalo Chicken Tacos Soon

• Spice Up Your Meal: Kick your taste buds into high gear with these zesty Buffalo chicken tacos that blend crispy, tangy flavors in every bite.
• Master Quick Cooking: Whip up restaurant-quality tacos at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can nail.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine classic Buffalo wing excitement with taco fun, creating a dish that works perfectly for game nights, casual dinners, or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust spice levels by changing Buffalo sauce intensity or adding extra toppings to make these tacos match everyone's personal taste preferences.

Fried Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy buffalo chicken meets crispy taco shells in this mouthwatering Fried Buffalo Chicken Tacos creation. Zesty sauce, crunchy chicken, and cool ranch drizzle make these tacos an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken tenders

Breading and Spices:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) black pepper

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup Buffalo sauce
• Oil for frying

Taco Assembly:

• 8 small taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty seasoning blend by whisking together flour, cornstarch, and aromatic spices until well combined.
2. Immerse chicken tenders in buttermilk, then meticulously dredge each piece in the spice-infused flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Pour oil into a large skillet, heating to 350°F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the sizzling oil, frying for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then generously coat each piece in tangy Buffalo sauce.
5. Gently warm taco shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp and pliable.
6. Layer each taco shell with crisp lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese.
7. Crown the assembled tacos with saucy Buffalo chicken and finish with a generous drizzle of creamy ranch dressing for added zest.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by mixing different hot sauces or using mild buffalo sauce for sensitive palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• For extra crunch, double-dip chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg