Taco night is a beloved tradition of FOOD in many households, offering a chance to bring everyone together over a delicious meal. While classic beef or chicken tacos are always a hit, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up and try something new. Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Homemade Ranch Slaw.
This dish combines the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken with the cool, creamy crunch of ranch slaw, creating a mouthwatering taco that will leave your taste buds dancing. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making these delectable tacos, ensuring that your next taco night is one to remember.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
For the Buffalo Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Ranch Slaw:
2 cups shredded cabbage (you can use a mix of green and red cabbage for color)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
8 small flour or corn tortillas
Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Lime wedges for serving
Preparing the Buffalo Chicken
Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Shred and Toss: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
Making the Homemade Ranch Slaw
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
Make the Ranch Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Pour the ranch dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until the slaw is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assembling the Tacos
Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable and slightly browned.
Fill the Tacos: Place a generous amount of buffalo chicken in each tortilla. Top with a spoonful of homemade ranch slaw.
Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese and fresh cilantro over the top. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Tacos
Homemade Buffalo Sauce and Taco Recipes
• Combine hot sauce with butter and vinegar. Adjust to taste.
• Adjust spice levels for milder or hotter tacos.
• Make-Ahead Slaw: Store in refrigerator for up to 2 days for flavor melding.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Homemade Ranch Slaw are a delicious and exciting addition to taco nights. The spicy buffalo chicken and creamy ranch slaw create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making them a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for casual dinner parties or as a new family favorite, these tacos are sure to impress and become a staple in your meal rotation.
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