Crispy Chicken Tacos

Photo of author
Author: Lima
Published:
Plate of crispy chicken tacos topped with fresh vegetables and salsa

why make this recipe

This recipe makes fast, tasty tacos with a nice crunch. It uses simple ingredients you can find at any store. You get bright fresh toppings and a creamy sauce that keeps the tacos lively. It is good for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends.

introduction

Crispy Chicken Tacos are easy and fun to make. You fry small pieces of chicken so each bite is crunchy. If you like fried chicken in a taco, try this crispy chicken taquitos recipe for a similar idea to see a different twist on crunchy chicken.

how to make Crispy Chicken Tacos

  1. Mix the dry coating and season the chicken.
  2. Dredge the diced chicken in the flour mix so it is well coated.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until it is golden and fully cooked.
  4. Make the sauce by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and paprika.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas so they are soft and pliable.
  6. Put the fried chicken on each tortilla. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and diced onions.
  7. Drizzle the sauce on top and serve right away.

Ingredients :

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Directions :

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dredge diced chicken in the flour mixture.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through.
  4. In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and paprika to make the sauce.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas in a pan.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing chicken on tortillas, topping with lettuce, tomato, onions, and drizzle with the sauce.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

how to serve Crispy Chicken Tacos

Serve the tacos hot so the chicken stays crispy. Offer lime wedges on the side. Add extra sauce or hot sauce for those who want more heat. Put bowls of toppings so people can build their own tacos.

how to store Crispy Chicken Tacos

Store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container for up to 3 days. Do not store assembled tacos if you want them to stay crisp. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crunch.

tips to make Crispy Chicken Tacos

  • Cut the chicken into small, even pieces so they cook fast and finish at the same time.
  • Pat the chicken dry before coating for better crisp.
  • Do not crowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches if needed.
  • Use a thermometer or cut one piece to check that the chicken is cooked through.
  • Warm tortillas briefly over a low flame or in a dry pan to make them soft.

variation (if any)

  • Make a baked version by tossing coated chicken in oil and baking at 425°F (220°C) until crisp.
  • Add shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or fresh cilantro on top.
  • Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
  • Use a spice mix with smoked paprika or cayenne for a different heat and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs work well and stay juicy. Cut them into small pieces like the recipe says.

Q: How do I make the chicken less greasy?
A: Drain the fried chicken on paper towels and do not let it sit in oil. Fry at the right temperature so it cooks fast and absorbs less oil.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed jar or container.

Q: What side dishes go well with these tacos?
A: Simple sides are rice, beans, or a green salad. Chips and salsa also work well.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
crispy chicken tacos 2026 02 12 110446 683x1024 1

Crispy Chicken Tacos

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: lima
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten-free (if using corn tortillas)

Description

Fast and tasty tacos with crunchy fried chicken and fresh toppings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dredge diced chicken in the flour mixture.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through.
  4. In another bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and paprika to make the sauce.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas in a pan.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing chicken on tortillas, topping with lettuce, tomato, onions, and drizzle with the sauce.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Serve the tacos hot for the best crunch and offer lime wedges on the side.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Hi, We’re Lima and Isabelle!

A mother-and-daughter duo brought together by one delicious passion: sharing the very best chicken recipes with the world.

You Might Also Like...

Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken with Spicy Sauce Recipe

Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star