Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day

The Best of Two Worlds

I have always loved taco nights. The whole family gathers around. Everyone builds their own perfect bite.

I also love the spicy kick of buffalo wings. But they can be so messy. My grandson once got sauce on the ceiling. I still laugh at that.

A Little Story for You

I first made these for a big football game. My husband was skeptical. He said, “Tacos and wings don’t mix.”

He ate four of them. Now he asks for them every Sunday. This matters because trying new things can lead to happy surprises. What new food have you tried lately?

Why This Recipe Works

The slow cooker does all the hard work. It makes the chicken so tender. It just falls apart with two forks.

Dipping the tortilla in the sauce is the secret. It gives every single bite that great buffalo flavor. Doesn’t that smell amazing while it cooks?

A Fun Little Fact

*Fun fact*: The first buffalo wings were made in a place called Buffalo, New York. That is how they got their name.

They were an accident, using leftover chicken parts. The best recipes often start by mistake. This matters because it shows anyone can create something wonderful.

Making It Your Own

The best part is the toppings. I like a cool drizzle of ranch dressing. It calms the spice down just right.

You could use blue cheese too. Or add some crunchy celery inside. What is your favorite taco topping? Tell me all about it.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day

Ingredients:

IngredientAmountNotes
boneless skinless chicken breasts2 pounds
garlic powder1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt1/2 teaspoon
pepper1/4 teaspoon
buffalo sauce2 cups
small flour tortillas12about 6-inches in size
mild cheddar cheese, shredded1 1/2 cups
green onions, diced3about 4 tablespoons
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day

Game Day Magic: My Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Oh, game day in our house is a noisy, happy mess. I love it. The best part is the food everyone can grab. These Buffalo Chicken Tacos are my grandson’s favorite. He asks for them every single time.

See also  Taco Lasagna

They are so simple to make. Your slow cooker does most of the work. Your kitchen will smell amazing. It reminds me of busy Sundays with my own family. I still laugh at how fast these tacos disappear.

Let’s get that chicken cooking. Here is how you make them.

  • Step 1: First, we get our chicken ready. Sprinkle that garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. This little step makes the flavor so much better. It’s like giving the chicken a cozy blanket.
  • Step 2: Now, place the chicken right into your slow cooker. Pour that buffalo sauce all over it. I love the zingy smell. Just put the lid on and let the magic happen.
  • Step 3: Let it cook on low for about 4 hours. You can also cook it on high for 1 1/2 hours. The chicken is done when it pulls apart easily. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t peek too often! You let the heat out.)
  • Step 4: Take the chicken out and put it in a bowl. Use two forks to shred it all up. It should be so tender. Then, put all that shredded chicken back into the saucy juice. This keeps it moist and tasty.
  • Step 5: Time for the fun part! Heat up a skillet. Spray it with a little cooking spray. We are going to make the tacos one by one. It feels like a little craft project.
  • Step 6: Dip a tortilla into the saucy crockpot. You might have to push the chicken aside. Then, lay it in the hot skillet. Quickly add the chicken, cheese, and green onions. Fold it over and cook until it’s golden. Do you think the dip makes the tortilla crispier? Share below!

Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 tacos
Category: Dinner, Main Course

Three Tasty Twists to Try

I love a good recipe, but playing with it is even better. You can make these tacos your own. Here are a few ideas from my kitchen.

  • Veggie Power: Use cauliflower instead of chicken. It soaks up the sauce beautifully. A wonderful meat-free Monday option.
  • Extra Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño right into the slow cooker. My son-in-law loves it this way. It really makes you reach for your milk.
  • Sweet & Smoky: Mix a tablespoon of honey into the buffalo sauce. It gives a sweet little surprise. It balances the heat so nicely.
See also  Golden Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Taco Masterpiece

Now, what to serve with these glorious tacos? A cool, creamy dip is a must. I always put out a big bowl of ranch dressing. Some folks like blue cheese, too.

For sides, keep it simple. A few carrot and celery sticks are perfect. They are cool and crunchy. It’s a nice break from the spicy taco.

To wash it all down, I have two suggestions. A cold, fizzy lemonade is wonderful for everyone. For the grown-ups, a light lager beer pairs just right. Which would you choose tonight?

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day

Keeping Your Tacos Tasty for Later

Let’s talk about saving these tasty tacos. You can keep the shredded chicken in your fridge for three days. Just put it in a sealed container. The sauce keeps it moist and flavorful.

You can also freeze the chicken for a busy day. I freeze it in small bags. This way, I have a quick meal ready. I once made a big batch for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to find it in my freezer later!

To reheat, warm the chicken in a pan with a little sauce. This keeps it from drying out. Batch cooking like this saves you time. It also means a good meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Taco Troubles

Sometimes, our cooking needs a little help. Your chicken might turn out dry. The fix is easy. Just make sure it’s always sitting in that yummy sauce.

Another problem is a soggy tortilla. Your skillet must be nice and hot before you start. I remember my first taco fell apart. The pan was not hot enough! A hot pan gives you a crispy shell.

Lastly, the tacos can be too spicy for some. Serve them with cool ranch dressing. This balances the heat perfectly. Fixing small issues makes you a more confident cook. It also makes your food taste so much better. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Taco Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use corn tortillas and check your buffalo sauce label.

Q: How far ahead can I make the chicken? A: You can cook and shred it two days before.

Q: What if I don’t have green onions? A: A little chopped celery gives a nice fresh crunch.

See also  Creamy Cajun Ranch Chicken Pasta Dinner

Q: Can I make a smaller amount? A: Of course. Just use one pound of chicken and half the sauce.

Q: Any other tasty add-ins? A: A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese is delicious. *Fun fact: The first buffalo wings were served with blue cheese!* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love these zesty tacos as much as I do. They are perfect for a fun family dinner. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore.

I would be so thrilled to see your creations. It makes my day to see your kitchen adventures. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe for Game Day

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time:4 hours Rest time: Total time:4 hours 10 minutesServings:12 servingsCalories:350 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Spicy and cheesy Buffalo Chicken Tacos are the perfect game day food, made easy in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In the bowl of your slow cooker add chicken and buffalo sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. When ready, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. You should have about 4 cups of shredded chicken. Add the shredded chicken back to the juices in the slow cooker.
  5. Preheat a nonstick skillet to medium-high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  6. Once hot, working one at a time, dip a tortilla into the buffalo sauce in the crockpot. (You may have to push the chicken down a bit.) Add the tortilla to the hot skillet. While it is cooking, top half with about 1/3 cup shredded chicken, 2 tablespoons cheese, and about a teaspoon of green onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Using a spatula, fold the taco and flip, cooking another minute or until browned. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining tacos.
  7. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and extra buffalo sauce for dipping.

Notes

    For added flavor, top with ranch or blue cheese dressing and extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Keywords:Buffalo Chicken Tacos