It’s very possible that you’re thinking I’m really weird right about now…….
That’s okay ’cause I already know that and will freely admit to it. All that really matters is that you let me tell you about these life changing redneck tacos!
I may not have a Southern drawl due to the fact that my parents and most all the friends I grew up with were Cali transplants, but I definitely know my way around classic southern-style foods. I spent the first fifteen years of my life in a small town near Nashville for goodness sake, so there was really no way around it.
Speaking of my hometown, I’ve found myself missing it a lot this past week like I do every Autumn. It’s probably because that was the only time of year that I really enjoyed in TN. Winters there are cold and sometimes icy, but with very little snow to make it all worth it, then summers are miserably humid and sticky with a lot of bugs. Spring was okay, but it was usually just depressing to me because it meant it was almost Summer. Fall was when I really got excited to be living there. Omg, the brilliant colors of the season and the smell in the air would make me so happy and the moment the weather cooled down meant my dad would have the windows open as much as possible. That was wonderful, to say the least, after the many months of our sanity depending so heavily on the AC.
Yep, I kinda really miss it, just like I miss the winter snow in Idaho or how I know I’ll miss the perfect summers of my current home if I ever move away. It’s now officially starting to get cold here, as proved by the fact that we’ve started using the fireplace again, and I can’t help wishing that I could somehow spend only my favorite times of year in each of the places I’ve lived. But that’s enough living in the past, let me tell you about the future. Your future just got te potential to be way better if you realize how much it should include these tacos.
Basically, they’re a classic bbq chicken sandwich with a really good coleslaw that’s had it’s bun traded out for a soft fluffy pancake. Is that not the best idea ever? What I love about them is that they make a great quick and easy meal for when you’ve got leftover pancakes or when you forget to buy sandwich buns. The toppings are really simple, but you cannot skip the slaw. It’s everything! I even got my picky brothers to try one of these with the slaw this time when I mixed it into the bbq sauce and chicken. Chase wasn’t crazy about me putting vegetation in his food but he ate it anyway and Brock really liked it.
I feel like these can fit pretty well into every season because they initially give a summer vibe with the bbq and slaw, but then the comfort food element from the pancakes makes them great for a cozy indoor meal during the cold seasons. As for how to devour them, you can either eat it with two hands like a regular taco or choose the more civilized option of a fork, both are acceptable. See, so there’s no excuse not to make them. Redneck tacos people, make it happen!
Ingredients
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- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons oil of your choice (I used sunflower)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
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- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3/4 all purpose flour
- cups cooked chicken, shredded
- BBQ sauce (I used this recipe for Maui BBQ)
- salt and pepper to taste
- shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
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- Whisk together vinegar, dijon mustard, honey, oil, salt, pepper, and celery seed in a large mixing bowl. Toss the rest of ingredients for slaw with the dressing until everything is well mixed. Cover and store in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
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- Whisk eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add buttermilk and melted butter and stir until combined. Add soda, baking powder, salt and flours and mix until just smooth.
- Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease lightly. Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto griddle and cook for 1 to 2 minutes then flip and cook on other side for 1 to 2 minutes more until done.
- Mix chicken and bbq sauce in a small frying pan or saucepan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir over medium heat until hot. Spoon mixture over warm pancakes and top with slaw, sour cream, and/or cheese.
