Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos with Basil Sauce
Spice up your game day menu with these Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos topped with melty cheese and drizzled in a fresh, creamy basil sauce. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for game day hosting, combining bold buffalo flavor with crispy taco shells for the ultimate party appetizer or dinner idea.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- chicken thighs
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
- honey
- fresh cilantro
- buffalo sauce
- mozzarella cheese
- flour tortillas
- olive oil
- basil
- sour cream
- lemon
- yogurt
What is buffalo chicken?
Buffalo chicken is a common game day chicken that’s been coated in a tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce—typically made from hot sauce, butter, garlic, and sometimes a splash of vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. It’s most commonly associated with Buffalo wings, but the flavor can be used for shredded chicken, tenders, or sandwiches, delivering that signature zesty kick with a buttery finish.
How to store leftover crispy tacos and reheat?
Place leftover crispy tacos in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
To reheat, preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10–12 minutes, or until the shells are crispy and the filling is warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the shells soft and chewy instead of crisp. You could also reheat over the stovetop as when you initially made them.
Cook with me!
Buffalo Chicken Crispy Tacos with Basil Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lb. Chicken Thighs finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp. Paprika
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce or to taste
- 1/3 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp. Honey
For the Crispy Tacos:
- 8 Street-style Sized Flour Tortillas
- 2 cups grated Low Moisture Mozzarella
- 3 tbsp. Olive Oil
For the Basil Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup Fresh Basil
- 1 cup Plain Yogurt
- 1/3 cup Sour Cream
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped chicken and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper). Mix until very well combined.
- In a skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil to warm up for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken to saute for 8-10 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove from the heat before stirring in the buffalo sauce, chopped cilantro, and honey.
For the Crispy Tacos:
- Heat up a griddle over medium high heat, or clean and use the same skillet as earlier.
- Add a generous drizzle of olive oil to the griddle. The more olive oil, the crispier the tacos.
- Working in batches, add the flour tortillas to the griddle then layer with the grated mozzarella over the entire tortilla surface. Add a serving of the buffalo chicken on one side of the tortillas. Let cook 30 seconds so the cheese begins to melt, then fold over to enclose the taco.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until deeply golden.
For the Basil Dipping Sauce:
- Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender. Pulse until very smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. To add depth, add one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Serve with the warm buffalo chicken crispy tacos!
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
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This worked exactly as written, thanks!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Thank you for sharing this recipe
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
I didn’t thought it will be this yummy! I’m so excited to try your other recipes.
Thank you for sharing this recipe I made this and it came out very gooddd.
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Delicious! Only note is that I took your advice and got street taco style tortillas and I think they were a bit too small to flip as described on the skillet.
My family loved this!,it was so delicious
So so good!!
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
literally took a bite and said “oh my god” out loud. this recipe is amazing thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you for sharing this recipe
10/10 such a quick and easy meal when you don’t feel like doing anything. It really does only take one pan.
Easy clean up and just soooooo delicious.
I’ve made this multiple times after finding the recipe.
And don’t skip out on the sauce. Make the damn sauce you picky eaters.
As a college student THANK YOU for having easy to follow and quick cooking recipes.
One of the best meals I have ever made!! So good.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I have to cook for some pretty picky eaters, including my mother and son. We all thought these tacos were wonderful! Will definitely make these again!
awe this is awesome! thank you, Jennifer!!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!!! it’s amazing!!! subbed the basil for cilantro but it’s amazing this way as well!
Hi, I made this recipe for dinner this week and my fiancé and I loved it! We do have a lot of the basil sauce left over, what do you recommend we do with it? Thank you!
aw thank you, kelcea!! You could add it to chicken, steak, salads, and roasted veggies!
I loved this and so did my sister!!
THIS RECIPE WAS DELICIOUS! IT WAS SO GOOD THAT I am making it for 15 people on Superbowl Sunday, along with other food! I LOVED THE INFO ON HOW TO REHEAT THEM BECAUSE I AM GOING TO MAKE THEM A DAY EARLY! thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe with me!
The first time I made it I loved it so much and my family too. Since then I’ve been making them every week, because they are sooo delicious!!!!
The first time I made it I loved it so much and my family too. Since then I’ve been making them every week, because they are sooo delicious!!!!
Agree with all the comments. One of the best meals I have ever made!
This was a hit in my house.. the basil sauce was BEAUTIFUL. You cannot skip that stuff!
My family loved this! Soo good and insanely flavorful. Iv’e never used so much garlic onion and parprika in one recipe so I was questioning it but turned out great.