Spicy & Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Zesty Cilantro Ranch

Elevate your taco night with these incredibly flavorful and simple buffalo chicken tacos. Featuring perfectly crisped oven-baked chicken, generously coated in a fiery buffalo sauce, and crowned with a vibrant, zesty cilantro jalapeño ranch, these tacos are guaranteed to be a sensational crowd-pleaser!

About These Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Do you ever find yourself craving a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and packed with an exciting punch of flavor? These buffalo chicken tacos are designed to be your new culinary obsession. They strike the perfect balance between a robust, savory kick and a comforting, creamy finish. Imagine succulent, shredded chicken, perfectly infused with vibrant buffalo sauce, meeting the cool embrace of a tangy cilantro jalapeño ranch. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly become a regular fixture in your weeknight dinner rotation.

What truly sets these buffalo chicken tacos apart is their remarkable ease of preparation. We leverage the magic of either an Instant Pot or a slow cooker to transform simple chicken breasts into incredibly tender, saucy shredded buffalo chicken. This hands-off cooking method ensures the chicken is perfectly juicy and ready to soak up all that incredible buffalo flavor. But we don’t stop there! To add an irresistible layer of texture, we give the chicken a quick broil, developing a delightful crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with its tender interior. A few fresh, essential taco toppings are all that’s needed to complete these masterpieces, turning humble tortillas into an extraordinary meal.

We know that sometimes taco night can feel a bit predictable. However, these buffalo chicken tacos offer an inventive and exhilarating twist that will reawaken your palate. The signature warmth and spice of the buffalo sauce are expertly tempered by the refreshing, herbaceous, and creamy ranch sauce, ensuring that every mouthful is an exciting discovery. It’s a dish that feels familiar and comforting, yet boasts enough zesty flair to keep things exceptionally interesting and leave everyone asking for more. Get ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace an elevated taco experience!

Essential Ingredients

Crafting these sensational buffalo chicken tacos requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing their irresistible flavor profile:

• Chicken: For the star of our tacos, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook up wonderfully tender and shred easily to absorb all the rich buffalo sauce. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and work just as well in this recipe.
• Hot Sauce: The quintessential ingredient for any buffalo dish! We swear by Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for its classic, balanced heat and vinegary tang, which is absolutely essential for achieving that authentic buffalo flavor. Don’t skimp on this one!
• Spices for Chicken: A simple yet effective blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt provides a foundational layer of savory flavor for the chicken, enhancing its natural taste before the buffalo sauce takes over.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to give you full control over the sodium content of your dish. It melts into the chicken as it cooks, adding richness and helping to create that luscious buffalo sauce. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the extra pinch of salt specified for the chicken.
• Sour Cream (for Ranch): This forms the creamy, cooling base of our zesty cilantro ranch. Full-fat sour cream provides the richest texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt makes a fantastic, tangy substitute that won’t compromise on creaminess.
• Mayonnaise (for Ranch): Working alongside the sour cream, mayonnaise adds another layer of classic ranch richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling. Feel free to use either full-fat or light mayonnaise based on your preference.
• Buttermilk (for Ranch): A secret weapon for truly authentic ranch flavor, buttermilk contributes a subtle tang and helps thin the sauce to a beautifully pourable consistency. Don’t skip it for the best results!
• Pickled Jalapeños (for Ranch): These little gems are key to giving the ranch a delightful touch of acidity and a gentle, manageable heat. The pickling liquid also adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If fresh jalapeños are all you have, you can use them, but be aware the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Fresh Cilantro (for Ranch & Topping): Abundant fresh cilantro is non-negotiable for our vibrant ranch sauce! It infuses the dressing with its distinctive, bright, and herbaceous flavor. You’ll also want extra for a fresh garnish on your finished tacos.
• Lime Juice (for Ranch & Topping): Freshly squeezed lime juice is paramount. It brightens both the ranch sauce and the overall taco assembly, cutting through the richness and heat with its irresistible citrusy zing.
• Suggested Toppings: A variety of fresh toppings elevates these tacos. Consider shredded green and purple cabbage (for color and crunch!), creamy avocado slices or guacamole, thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony bite, and extra freshly chopped cilantro.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make these buffalo chicken tacos as effortlessly as possible, a few key kitchen tools will come in handy:

• For the Chicken: You have the flexibility to cook the tender buffalo chicken in either an Instant Pot (we highly recommend models like the Instant Pot Ultra or Instant Pot Duo for their reliability and versatile functions) or a trusty slow cooker. Both methods yield incredibly moist and flavorful shredded chicken.
• For the Ranch Sauce: A food processor or a high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix, is essential for achieving that perfectly smooth and creamy cilantro ranch sauce. These appliances ensure all the fresh ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
• For Crisping: A sturdy baking sheet lined with aluminum foil will be needed for broiling the chicken to create that irresistible crispy texture.
• General Prep: A good utility cutting board and a sharp 8-inch chef’s knife will assist in prepping your chicken, vegetables, and cilantro efficiently.

How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Let’s break down the simple steps to create these phenomenal buffalo chicken tacos:

Perfectly Tender Buffalo Chicken

Our journey to delicious tacos begins with preparing the star ingredient: the buffalo chicken. This method ensures maximum tenderness and flavor with minimal effort.

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the insert of your Instant Pot. (If you’re opting for the slow cooker, you’ll find specific instructions further down in the FAQ section!)
2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine Frank’s Red Hot Sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform, flavorful sauce.
3. Add to Chicken: Pour this vibrant hot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Then, dot the chicken with the tabs of unsalted butter; these will melt and enrich the sauce during cooking.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is sealed. Cook on High pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a manual release of any remaining pressure.
5. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the perfectly cooked chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a sturdy cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken until it’s finely textured and ready to absorb more sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce: With the shredded chicken set aside, whisk the remaining sauce at the bottom of the Instant Pot insert until smooth. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce visibly thickens, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
7. Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the thickened buffalo sauce in the Instant Pot. Stir well, ensuring every piece of tender chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, spicy sauce.

Creamy Cilantro Ranch Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, you can easily whip up the incredibly fresh and tangy cilantro jalapeño ranch dressing that will cool and complement the spicy buffalo chicken.

1. Combine Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients for the ranch sauce (sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and fresh lime juice).
2. Blend Until Smooth: Place all these ingredients into a food processor or a high-speed blender. Process until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy, with no large chunks of cilantro or jalapeño remaining. The consistency should be thick enough to cling to a spoon but still pourable for drizzling.

Crisping the Chicken to Perfection

This crucial step adds an incredible textural contrast that takes these tacos from great to unforgettable.

1. Prepare for Broiling: Spread the saucy shredded buffalo chicken evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Broil for Crispy Edges: Place the baking sheet under your oven’s broiler. Broil for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it. The goal is to achieve browned, slightly caramelized, and crispy edges on the chicken without burning. Broilers can vary, so adjust time as needed and don’t walk away!

Assembling Your Tacos

With all your components ready, it’s time to bring these delicious buffalo chicken tacos to life!

1. Warm Tortillas: Gently warm your flour tortillas. If you have a gas stove, charring them lightly over an open flame for a few seconds per side adds a fantastic smoky flavor and pliability.
2. Load Them Up: Spoon a generous amount of the crispy buffalo chicken onto each warmed tortilla.
3. Add Fresh Toppings: Top the chicken with a refreshing layer of shredded cabbage, creamy chopped avocado, and an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
4. Drizzle and Serve: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a generous drizzle of your homemade cilantro jalapeño ranch. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible burst of flavors!

More tacos to chow down on: Shredded Beef Tacos | Fried Avocado Tacos | Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Tacos | Guacamole Tacos

Instant Pot Burn Notice Concerns?

It’s a common concern when cooking with minimal liquid in an Instant Pot, but rest assured, with this buffalo chicken recipe, you shouldn’t encounter a “burn” notice. The key lies in the chicken itself and the added butter. As the chicken cooks under pressure, it naturally releases a significant amount of its own juices. Simultaneously, the butter placed on top will melt and contribute additional liquid to the pot. This combination of natural chicken juices and melted butter creates enough moisture at the bottom of the insert to prevent the “burn” warning from triggering. So, you can confidently proceed with the recipe knowing your Instant Pot will perform perfectly to create tender, saucy buffalo chicken.

Slow Cooker / Crockpot Method

Absolutely! These buffalo chicken tacos are incredibly versatile and can be made just as easily in a slow cooker or Crockpot, which is perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready when you walk in the door. Here’s how to adapt the recipe:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, the whisked hot sauce mixture, and the butter tabs into your slow cooker insert.
2. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts, so ensure the chicken is easily shreddable.
3. Shred Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
4. Reduce Sauce: The slow cooker tends to produce more liquid. To achieve the perfect saucy consistency, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat on your stovetop and let it reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Combine and Crisp: Return the shredded chicken to the reduced sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Then, proceed with the broiling step as instructed in the main recipe to get those wonderfully crispy edges before assembling your tacos.

Corn vs. Flour Tortillas: Which to Choose?

The choice between corn and flour tortillas largely comes down to personal preference, but for these succulent buffalo chicken tacos, I find that charred flour tortillas truly elevate the experience. The soft, pliable texture of flour tortillas, especially when lightly charred, provides the perfect canvas for the juicy, spicy chicken and creamy ranch. If you have a gas range, achieving that ideal char is simple: just hold each flour tortilla over an open flame for about 15 to 20 seconds per side until it’s slightly puffed and has light brown spots. This not only adds a wonderful smoky flavor but also makes them incredibly flexible and delightful to eat.

However, if you’re a fan of corn tortillas, they can certainly be used! To prevent them from cracking or tearing when folded, it’s crucial to soften them properly. Wrap a stack of corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are warm and pliable. This extra step ensures they’ll hold up beautifully to all the delicious fillings without breaking apart.

Creative Uses for Leftover Buffalo Chicken?

Should you find yourself with a surplus of delicious buffalo chicken – a rare but welcome occurrence! – there’s a world of culinary possibilities waiting. This spicy shredded meat is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of exciting dishes, making meal prep a breeze. Beyond simply enjoying more tacos (which is always a good idea!), consider these creative options:

• Sandwiches & Sliders: Pile the buffalo chicken onto toasted buns for a hearty sandwich or small slider. Top with a dollop of blue cheese dressing or extra ranch and some crisp lettuce.
• Wraps: Roll the chicken with some fresh greens, cheese, and ranch dressing into a large tortilla for a quick and satisfying wrap.
• Burritos & Burrito Bowls: Combine with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa for a flavorful burrito, or serve over a bed of greens for a lighter burrito bowl.
• Quesadillas: Layer between two tortillas with plenty of cheese and grill until melted and golden for a spicy, cheesy quesadilla.
• Taquitos: Roll small amounts of chicken and cheese into corn tortillas, then fry or bake until crispy for a fun appetizer or snack.
• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake a sweet potato until tender, then split it open and fill it with buffalo chicken, a drizzle of ranch, and a sprinkle of green onions.
• Salad Topping: Add a protein punch to your salad by topping fresh greens with warm buffalo chicken.

Need some inspiration for dinner? Check out my main dish recipe page!

What to Serve Alongside Buffalo Chicken Tacos

To truly complete the experience of these buffalo chicken tacos, pairing them with the right accompaniments is key. The star topping, of course, is the homemade zesty jalapeño cilantro ranch – it’s an absolute must for drizzling generously over each taco! For added crunch, freshness, and vibrant color, we highly recommend a mix of shredded green and purple cabbage or a ready-made coleslaw mix. Creamy chopped avocado and extra fresh cilantro also contribute beautifully to the flavor and texture profile. Don’t be shy about serving extra ranch on the side for dipping!

If you’re not a fan of ranch or simply want to explore other flavor combinations, blue cheese crumbles are a classic pairing with buffalo chicken. Their sharp, tangy flavor beautifully complements the spice. You could also drizzle your tacos with a good quality blue cheese dressing instead of ranch.

For side dishes, the possibilities are delicious and diverse:

• Mexican Rice: A classic and comforting choice that perfectly soaks up any extra sauce.
• Charred Corn: Smoky charred corn adds a sweet and smoky element that balances the heat of the tacos.
• Fried Mexican Potatoes: Crispy and flavorful, fried Mexican potatoes make a hearty and satisfying side.
• Black or Pinto Beans: Simple, seasoned beans offer a wholesome and earthy counterpoint.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or onions provides a healthy and flavorful addition.
• Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast.
• Watermelon Feta Salad: For something truly unique and cooling, a refreshing watermelon feta salad offers a sweet and savory burst that’s perfect on a warm day.

And to quench your thirst, especially if you enjoy a little kick, this refreshing cucumber margarita is an ideal cooling pairing for these spicy tacos. It’s a fantastic way to complete your flavorful meal!

Storage Tips for Freshness

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delicious buffalo chicken tacos for days to come. It’s always best to store the components separately to maintain their optimal texture and flavor:

• Shredded Buffalo Chicken: Once the buffalo chicken has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator with any extra buffalo sauce. It will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it appears too dry.
• Cilantro Jalapeño Ranch Dressing: Pour the homemade ranch dressing into a clean, airtight container or a squeeze bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake or stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
• Toppings: Store shredded cabbage, chopped avocado (toss with a little lime juice to prevent browning), and fresh cilantro in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use these fresh toppings within 1-2 days for the best quality.

By storing the ingredients separately, you can assemble fresh, vibrant tacos whenever the craving strikes!

More Mouthwatering Chicken Recipes to Try Out

If you’re a fan of chicken and looking for more culinary adventures, here are a few other fantastic chicken recipes that are worth adding to your repertoire:

• Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings: For a delightful appetizer or a casual meal, these spicy and crispy Korean BBQ chicken wings are a year-round favorite, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
• Smoked Whole Chicken: Master the art of smoking with a savory and tender smoked whole chicken. It’s an impressive dish that’s perfect for a backyard BBQ or a comforting weeknight dinner, boasting deep, rich flavors.
• Instant Pot Chicken Stew: When you need a recipe that delivers comfort and warmth without the fuss, this Instant Pot chicken stew is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly hearty.

Finally, if you make this buffalo chicken tacos recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is invaluable, and I genuinely love hearing about your culinary successes. I always make time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section below, and I’ll be happy to help!

Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! It brings me immense joy to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens – scrolling through your photos is one of my favorite things. It truly means the world to me!

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

These incredible tacos feature spicy and tender buffalo chicken, crisped to perfection, and nestled in warm tortillas with a vibrant, zesty cilantro ranch for an unforgettable meal!

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Equipment

• Instant Pot Max (or Instant Pot Ultra/Duo)
  Essential for perfectly tender, shredded buffalo chicken.
• Utility Cutting Board
  For safely shredding chicken and prepping toppings.
• 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
  A sharp knife makes all the difference for quick prep.
• 9-Cup Food Processor (or high-speed blender)
  Crucial for blending the cilantro ranch to a silky-smooth consistency.

Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken

• 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for extra juiciness
• 1 1/2 cups Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for authentic buffalo flavor
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Pinch of salt omit if using salted butter
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter cut into 4 tabs for even melting

Creamy Cilantro Ranch

• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy base
• 1/2 cup mayo full fat or light, adds richness
• 1/4 cup buttermilk for classic tang and smooth consistency
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños adds zesty heat and tang
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed tightly, for vibrant flavor
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors

Tacos & Toppings

• flour tortillas or corn tortillas, warmed or charred
• shredded cabbage a mix of green and purple adds color and crunch
• fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
• avocado sliced or diced, for creaminess
• lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Buffalo Chicken

• 1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the insert of your Instant Pot.
• 2. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
• 3. Pour the hot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Place the butter tabs on top of the chicken; they will melt and incorporate during cooking.
• 4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the vent is set to sealing. Cook on High pressure for 15 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully manually release any remaining pressure.
• 5. Carefully remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into desired pieces.
• 6. Whisk the sauce remaining at the bottom of the Instant Pot insert until smooth. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to your preference (approximately 5 minutes).
• 7. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot insert, stirring well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, thickened buffalo sauce.
• 8. For crispy edges, spread the saucy shredded chicken evenly onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully, until the chicken is browned and slightly crispy.

Creamy Cilantro Ranch

• 1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vibrant cilantro ranch dressing. Combine all the ranch ingredients (sour cream, mayo, buttermilk, dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and fresh lime juice) in a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

Taco Assembly

• 1. Warm your flour tortillas (charring them lightly over an open flame for extra flavor, if desired). Fill each tortilla generously with the crispy buffalo chicken. Top with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a liberal drizzle of the creamy cilantro ranch dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Nutrition Information

The following nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size provided. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions. This information is intended for general guidance only.

Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 2555mg | Potassium: 886mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Calories: 469kcal

Cuisine: American

Category: Main Course, Main Dish