If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and a little bit of fun, then this Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken strips, marinated to perfection and coated in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy golden crust, nestled inside warm, soft tortillas. Topped with a vibrant, tangy slaw that adds a refreshing crunch and zing, these tacos bring together everything you love about comfort food with a delightful twist. Whether it’s weeknight dinner magic or a weekend crowd-pleaser, these tacos hit all the right notes and promise a satisfying meal every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe come to life, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the bright and flavorful slaw that balances out all that crispy goodness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips, these are the star protein, tenderized perfectly by the marinade.
- Buttermilk: Adds acidity and moisture, making the chicken juicy and great for the breading to stick.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the crispy coating, giving that coveted crunch.
- Paprika: A smoky spice that deepens flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory note into the breading.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor to round out the mix.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Small flour tortillas: Soft and flexible carriers for all that delicious filling.
- Shredded green cabbage: Provides a crisp, fresh texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Corn kernels: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and pops of color.
- Finely chopped red onion: Offers sharpness and crunch that contrasts the richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens the slaw with herbal freshness.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the slaw dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and balance to the slaw’s creaminess.
- Lime juice: Brings zesty citrus notes that lift the entire dish.
- Sugar: A pinch sweetens the slaw just enough to unify flavors.
- Salt and pepper (for dressing): To taste, ensuring the slaw sings with flavor.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating those chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is a game-changer — it tenderizes the chicken so it’s juicy and perfectly moist inside, giving you that tender bite you’re dreaming of.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
While the chicken marinates, mix together your flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This blend creates a beautifully seasoned crust that delivers crunch and flavor in every bite of the crispy fried chicken tacos recipe.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C) — hot enough to crisp the coating perfectly without soaking up oil. Dredge each chicken strip in your seasoned flour, coating thoroughly, then fry in batches until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Drain on paper towels to keep them light and crisp.
Step 4: Make the Slaw
Mix the shredded cabbage, corn, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro in a bowl. In another, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the creamy, tangy dressing over the veggies and toss gently to make a fresh slaw that adds bright crunch and zest to your chicken tacos.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas to make them nice and pliable. Layer on the crispy fried chicken strips, then pile on the zesty slaw. The combination of crunchy chicken and vibrant slaw is pure taco perfection — the signature of this crispy fried chicken tacos recipe.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to personalize your tacos with extra garnishes like sliced avocado for creaminess, fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top, or a drizzle of spicy chipotle mayo for a smoky kick. Crispy fried chicken tacos recipe is flexible and waiting for your creativity.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken tacos with sides like Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or simple cilantro-lime rice to round out the meal. The freshness of these sides complements and balances the rich, crispy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your tacos deconstructed on a platter for a fun taco bar or layer them in a casserole dish for a crunchy chicken taco bake. Even wrapping in parchment with a few pickled jalapeños creates an inviting handheld feast. The crispy fried chicken tacos recipe adapts easily to festive occasions or casual dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fried chicken strips and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping components apart helps the chicken stay crisp longer and the slaw fresh and crunchy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken strips for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. Avoid freezing the slaw since it’s best fresh for the perfect texture.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat chicken strips in a hot oven or air fryer rather than a microwave. This helps restore their crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy for your next round of crispy fried chicken tacos recipe enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking in your crispy fried chicken tacos recipe.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’s ready to tenderize your chicken perfectly.
How do I keep the tortillas from tearing when filling them?
Warming tortillas before assembling prevents them from breaking by making them soft and pliable. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat them briefly on a skillet.
Can I make the slaw vegan?
Yes! Swap mayonnaise for a vegan alternative or use mashed avocado for creaminess. The rest of the slaw ingredients are naturally vegan and just as delicious.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is flavorful but mild by default. You can always add chili powder in the seasoning or top with spicy salsa or hot sauce if you love a bit of heat!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience, and this Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, the balance of crunchy, juicy, fresh, and tangy makes these tacos irresistible. Go ahead and dive in — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos feature tender, buttermilk-marinated chicken strips fried to golden perfection, served in warm flour tortillas with a fresh and zesty cabbage-corn slaw. A perfect balance of crunchy texture and tangy flavors makes this taco recipe a crowd-pleaser and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Remove chicken strips from buttermilk, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Fry the chicken strips in batches for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, corn kernels, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm the flour tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Place a few fried chicken strips in each tortilla, then top generously with the prepared slaw. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or the slaw dressing.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier taco filling.
- Use fresh lime juice for the dressing to enhance the bright flavor.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to ensure crispy chicken without excess oil absorption.
- Leftover chicken and slaw can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
