Buffalo Chicken Tacos Are a No-Stress, 20-Minute Dinner

This weeknight winner is ready in under 20 minutes.

By
Sheela Prakash
Sheela Prakash
Sheela Prakash
Food and wine writer, recipe developer, and the author of Mediterranean Every Day. Her work can be found in numerous online and print publications.
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Published August 07, 2023
Sheela Prakash
Buffalo Chicken Tacos Topped With Blue Cheese Crumbles and Green Onion Slices and Next to a Lime Quarter, All on a Platter, and in the Surroundings, Another Lime Slice on the the Counter, a Small Bowl With More Cheese, and a Glass of Water

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I didn’t really appreciate Buffalo chicken anything—be it wings, dip, or burgers—until I met my husband. His family doesn’t let a gathering go by without someone bringing over Buffalo wings. If you can’t fight ‘em, join ‘em. 

To be fair, my appreciation really blossomed when I realized Buffalo chicken is a vehicle for blue cheese. As someone who loves that funky, pungent, often divisive cheese, it’s reason enough to dig in at my in-laws.

These Buffalo chicken tacos are one of my favorite ways to bring the flavors of the classic wings to my own weeknight dinner table. They come together in under 20 minutes thanks to grocery store shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and bagged coleslaw mix. Even better, you don’t need to turn on the oven or stove. It’s a no-sweat, family-friendly dinner that is sure to become a regular on your roster.

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Topped With Blue Cheese Crumbles and Sliced Green Onion Next to More Buffalo Chicken Tacos, a Small Bowl Witch Chicken and a Small Bowl With More Buffalo Sauce

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

A Few Clever Shortcuts = A Weeknight Win

This recipe is all about leaning into conveniences. It’s a dinner I turn to when I crave something familiar and comforting but also feel a bit lazy (which, if I am being honest, happens often). 

A rotisserie chicken and a bag of coleslaw mix are at the center of this shortcut-driven dinner. Simply shred the chicken and toss it in a quick homemade Buffalo sauce made from melted butter (thank you, microwave), your favorite hot sauce, and garlic powder. 

The coleslaw mix is combined with lime juice, olive oil, and a couple of spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or sour cream, depending on what you have on hand. It’s a creamy, crunchy barrier between the Buffalo chicken and the soft flour tortillas. All that’s left to do is top each taco with crumbled blue cheese and sliced scallions. 

Using Leftover Chicken and Cabbage

Already have leftover chicken or half a head of cabbage in the fridge? You’ve got your shortcuts right in front of your very eyes without the need to head to the store. Simply use 4 packed cups of both shredded chicken and shredded cabbage in the recipe.

Plate With a Serving of Buffalo Chicken Tacos Topped With Blue Cheese Crumbles and Green Onion Slices and Next to Two Lime Slices. In the Surroundings, a Platter With More Tacos, Lime Slices on the Counter, a Bowl of Coleslaw, and a Glass

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Variations and Substitutions

Everyone has their own preferred take on Buffalo chicken, which means there are lots of ways to spin these tacos based on your family’s preference. 

  • Hate blue cheese and would rather bring ranch to this taco party? Skip the blue cheese crumbles and drizzle ranch dressing on each taco instead. 
  • Franks RedHot is the classic choice for Buffalo chicken and will lend the most signature flavor, but I actually prefer the tangy, spicier flavor of Cholula. Use whichever you like best.
  • While I think these tacos are best made with flour tortillas due to their extra pillowy softness, feel free to swap in corn tortillas if you’re gluten-free. 

Side Dish Ideas

These satisfying Buffalo chicken tacos don’t need too much else to become a satisfying dinner, but if you’d like to add a side dish to the table, these are a few of my favorites:

Buffalo Chicken Tacos Topped With Blue Cheese Crumbles and Green Onion Slices and Next to a Lime Quarter, All on a Platter, and in the Surroundings, Another Lime Slice on the the Counter, a Small Bowl With More Cheese, and a Glass of Water

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 mins
Total Time 17 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings
Yield 12 tacos

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce, such as Franks RedHot or Cholula

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 small or 1/2 large plain rotisserie chicken (about 1 3/4 pounds), shredded (about 4 packed cups)

  • 3 tablespoons whole milk plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 medium lime)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 packed cups (10 ounces) coleslaw mix

  • 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

  • 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)

Method

  1. Make the Buffalo chicken:

    Microwave the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl in 4 to 6 (10-second) bursts until just melted. Add the hot sauce and garlic powder and whisk until combined. Add the shredded chicken and toss to coat. 

    Alternatively, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat and add the hot sauce and garlic powder, then transfer to a large bowl and combine with the chicken.

    Bowl of Buffalo Sauce and Melted Butter Whisked Together for Buffalo Taco Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
    Shredded Chicken Mixed With the Buffalo Sauce Mixture for Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
  2. Make the coleslaw:

    Place the Greek yogurt or sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the coleslaw mix and toss to coat.

    Coleslaw Sauce Ingredients Whisked Together (Greek Yogurt, Seasoning, and Lime Juice) for Buffalo Chicken Tacos Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
    Coleslaw Mix Tossed in the Sauce for Buffalo Chicken Taco Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
  3. Warm the tortillas: 

    Stack the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave until warm, 30 to 45 seconds. Wrap the stack in a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil to keep warm until ready to use.

    Flour Tortillas on a Plate Partially Covered in a Wet Paper Towel

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
    Flour Tortillas on a Plate Partially Covered in a Kitchen Towel

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
  4. Assemble the tacos:

    To assemble the tacos, top the warmed tortillas with coleslaw. Top with the buffalo chicken and garnish with the scallions and blue cheese.

    Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

    Buffalo Chicken and Coleslaw Added to Flour Tortilla, and in the Surroundings, More Tortillas With Filling, a Bowl With More Buffalo Sauce, a Bowl With Coleslaw, and a Glass

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
    Plate With a Serving of Buffalo Chicken Tacos Topped With Blue Cheese Crumbles and Green Onion Slices and Next to Two Lime Slices. In the Surroundings, a Platter With More Tacos, Lime Slices on the Counter, a Bowl of Coleslaw, and a Glass

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
753 Calories
48g Fat
46g Carbs
34g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 753
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 48g 62%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 169mg 56%
Sodium 1242mg 54%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 34g
Vitamin C 17mg 84%
Calcium 203mg 16%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 617mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.