Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. What are some of the best Crispy Chicken tacos in our house? What are some of the best Tuesday night dinners? Is it healthy to eat a banana? Think of them as the taco’s crunchier cousin. Remember those nights when you’re craving comfort food but want something lighter than a burger? My family devours them faster than I can make them, and I’ve got a sneaky suspicion yours will too. What is my all-time favorite meal of the week?
What is Crispy Chicken Tacos?
What are Crispy Chicken Tacos? Imagine your favorite juicy, flavorful chicken, but instead of being nestled in a soft, spongy shell, it’s stuffed with fat. What are tortillas? They are encased in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown shell. What is essentially a flattened, chicken-filled taco that’s pan-fried until it’ll be irresistibly crunchy? What is the difference between a quesadilla and taco? What a satisfying cru My inspiration came from watching my grandma cook. She always found ways to elevate simple dishes. What is so special about this recipe?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for these Crispy Chicken Tacos. What I love most is the flavor explosion! You get the savory, seasoned chicken paired with the creamy coolness of your favorite taco toppings, all wrapped up in that incredible crunch. It’s pure magic.
* **Flavor:** The combination of spices we use to season the chicken really elevates the whole dish. It’s a little bit smoky, a little bit savory, and perfectly balanced.
* **Simplicity:** This isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen. From start to finish, you can have these on the table in under 30 minutes. That’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
* **Cost-Efficiency:** We’re talking about basic ingredients here – chicken, tortillas, spices. Nothing fancy or expensive required.
* **Versatility:** This is where it gets really fun. You can customize the filling to your heart’s content. Add black beans, corn, different cheeses… the possibilities are endless! I sometimes sneak in some finely diced veggies for my picky eaters, and they never even notice!
These crispy chicken tacos remind me a bit of those Ground Beef Tacos we would get at the fair when I was little, but healthier and much more flavorful. This is definitely one of my top go-to recipes!
How do I make crispy chicken tacos?
Quick Overview
Alright, here’s the lowdown. We’re going to start by cooking and shredding some chicken and mixing it with taco seasoning. Then, we’ll fill tortillas with the chicken and any other fillings you like, fold them in half, and pan-fry them in a little oil until they’re golden brown and crispy. Seriously, that’s it! I promise you, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s surprisingly simple and super rewarding.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts: I always prefer to get organic if possible, but whatever you have on hand works great!
2. 1 tbsp olive oil: For cooking the chicken
3. 1 packet taco seasoning: Use your favorite brand or even better, make your own!
To help keep the chicken moist while cooking, add 12 cup water.
For the Tacos:
I prefer the smaller, street-style tortillas for these. 1. 8-10 flour tortilla.
2. ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: What cheeses do you like to use?
3. 2 tbsp olive oil: For pan-frying the tacos.
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended):
1. Shredded lettuce
2. Diced tomatoes
3. Sour cream
4. Salsa
5. Guacamole
How do I learn step
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. I always check with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s at 165°F. Can you bake chicken for 20-25 minutes at 375°F? I’ve done both and the skillet method is always my favorite! However, baking definitely saves time.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. I sometimes use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly – it’s a cinch. What a game changer
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Add the taco seasoning and water to the Shredded Chicken in the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the water is absorbed and the chicken is nicely coated with the seasoning. Be sure to stir often so that it doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
How do you spread cheese on a tortilla? Top with a generous amount of seasoned chicken. Add any other fillings you like at this point – black beans, corn, diced onions, whatever your heart desires. Then, fold the tortilla in half to create a taco shape.
Step 5: Pan-Fry the Tacos
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Place tacos in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. How do you make cheese gooey? I’ve made the mistake of using high heat; trust me, you want a nice golden brown, not burnt taco!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Crispy Chicken Tacos from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. How do I drain excess oil? Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings. I love topping my salad with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and a generous dollop of cheese. Is Guacamole a must-have?
Step 7: Experiment and Customize
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Crispy Chicken Tacos! Try using different cheeses, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with different sauces and herbs. What makes this recipe so fun?
What should I serve it with?
These Crispy Chicken Tacos are pretty amazing on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides and drinks. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
For a casual dinner:Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. What is a good salad with lime vinaigrette?
For a Fiesta:What are the best toppings for tacos? Think shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeos, and cilantro. What’s a good margarita to serve with your favorite Mexican beer?
For a lighter meal: For 2 people: Serve with a side of grilled corn on the cob and a black bean salad. This is a great option for a summer barbecue or a light and refreshing lunch.
For Game Night: A Game of ThronesWhat are some of the best game day snacks? What are some great side dishes to serve with tortilla chips and queso dip?
In my family, we have a tradition of serving these with mashed potatoes. We also serve them with homemade pico de gallo. The fresh, vibrant flavors of pico de gallo perfectly complement the richness of the tacos.
What are some of the best ways to make crispy chicken tacos?
Okay, so I’ve made these Crispy Chicken Tacos *a lot* over the years, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making them absolutely perfect:
What is the best chicken Don’t overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is a taco killer. If you’re using chicken breasts, pound them out to an even thickness so they cook evenly. I also like to use chicken thighs sometimes – they’re more forgiving and stay nice and juicy.
Seasoning SavvDon’t be shy with taco seasoning! You want the chicken to be bursting with flavor. If you’re making your own taco seasoning, be sure to include a good amount of chili powder, cumin, and salt. What is smoked paprika
Cheese Choices: The cheese is what really holds everything together, so choose wisely! I love using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. The cheddar adds a sharp, cheesy flavor, while the Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
Tortilla Tips: Use good-quality tortillas! They’ll make all the difference in the final result. I prefer flour tortillas because they get nice and crispy when pan-fried. However, you can definitely use corn tortillas if you prefer.
Pan-Frying Perfection: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! If you try to fry too many tacos at once, they won’t get as crispy. Work in batches, and be sure to use enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
Topping Temptation: Don’t skimp on the toppings! This is where you can really let your creativity shine. I like to offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking.
Crispy Secrets: My little secret to making sure these are extra crispy is to spritz the tacos with a little cooking spray before pan-frying. Also, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the tacos.
These tips have taken my taco game to the next level. I even tried a batch with a little lime juice in the chicken once, and the flavor was amazing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Crispy Chicken Tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the tacos. Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Methods: To reheat the tacos, you can use a skillet, an oven, or even an air fryer.
* Skillet: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tacos and cook for a few minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.
* Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the tacos on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
* Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the tacos in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This is my preferred method!
The glaze is best added right before serving, but I sometimes cheat and add it before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Crispy Chicken Tacos! I truly hope you give these a try. They’re guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. The amazing flavor, the simplicity of the recipe, and the endless customization options make them a winner in my book. And trust me, once you taste that incredible crunch, you’ll be hooked! If you’re looking for other easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my Chicken Fajita Bowls recipe. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, I’d love to hear about those too! Happy cooking!
Crispy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- 12 count Corn tortillas
- 1 cup Shredded lettuce
- 0.5 cup Shredded cheese
- 0.5 cup Sour cream or salsa
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Warm tortillas according to package directions.
- Assemble tacos with chicken, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream or salsa.
