Name: Fried Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Vegetable oil, for frying; 8-10 small tortillas (corn or flour); 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup sliced red onion; 1 avocado, sliced (optional); Lime wedges, for serving; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste

Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Fried Chicken Tacos! This crispy and flavorful dish is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s packed with taste, easy to make, and perfect for those fun evenings when you want something exciting and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious batch of Fried Chicken Tacos in no time.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love These Fried Chicken Tacos

There are so many reasons to love this Fried Chicken Tacos recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of crispy fried chicken, fresh toppings, and zesty sauces creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive meal, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

But that’s not all. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more spice, swap out the toppings, or make it healthier, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers. While Fried Chicken Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can repurpose the leftover chicken into salads, wraps, or even a quick snack.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Tacos

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Fried Chicken Tacos:

For the Fried Chicken:

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
buttermilk
all-purpose flour
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Fried Chicken Tacos recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Spicy Fried Chicken Tacos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use hot sauce in the marinade for a kick of heat.
Baked Fried Chicken Tacos: For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Vegetarian Fried Chicken Tacos: Swap out the chicken for a plant-based alternative or use crispy tofu.
Fusion Fried Chicken Tacos: Mix and match flavors from different cuisines. Try adding soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.

How to Make Fried Chicken Tacos

Making Fried Chicken Tacos is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Batter: In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or the microwave. Fill each tortilla with a piece of fried chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro, red onion, and avocado (if using). Drizzle with the sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Fried Chicken Tacos even better:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the chicken and sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
Double-Coat the Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it back into the buttermilk, and then coat it in the flour mixture again before frying.
Keep the Oil Hot: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at around 350°F (175°C).

How to Serve

Fried Chicken Tacos are a fun and interactive meal. Here are some serving suggestions:

Family-Style: Serve all the components separately and let everyone assemble their own tacos.
Side Dishes: Pair with classic sides like Mexican street corn, black beans, or a refreshing mango salsa.
Beverages: Serve with cold beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp beer.

Make Ahead and Storage

While Fried Chicken Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time:

Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Reheat: Reheat the fried chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Store Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are often more flavorful and stay juicy when fried.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the flour. You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.

Can I freeze the fried chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use hot sauce in the marinade for a kick of heat.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add extra vegetables like shredded cabbage, sliced bell peppers, or pickled onions.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Fried Chicken Tacos. This crispy and flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a fun meal to share with friends or a satisfying dinner to enjoy with family, these tacos have you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy cooking!