If you are craving a dish that brings together irresistible crunch, zesty freshness, and a burst of vibrant flavors, you are in for a treat with this Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe. These tacos are a perfect combination of golden, crispy fried chicken strips nestled in warm, soft tortillas, topped with a tangy and colorful slaw that adds an exciting crunch and brightness to every bite. Whether serving friends for a casual get-together or enjoying a family dinner, these Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos always deliver a satisfying, crave-worthy meal that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is a superstar, playing a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and color. From the buttermilk soak that tenderizes the chicken to the tangy slaw ingredients that add freshness and crispness, these components come together to create a harmonious taco experience.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips for perfect frying and easy taco assembly.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy inside and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the crispy, golden crust that gives each bite irresistible crunch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and lovely color to the breading mix.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the chicken’s savory taste without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness that complements the spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: For frying—choose one with a high smoke point to get that perfect crispiness.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Soft and warm, they cradle the crispy chicken and fresh slaw.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage: Provides crunch and freshness in the slaw topping.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion: Offers bite and a touch of sharpness.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings bright herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the slaw dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Sprinkles in citrus brightness for a lively finish.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Softens the acidity and rounds out the flavors in the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the slaw perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This simple marination step is key to tenderizing the chicken and adding subtle tang that will make every bite juicy and flavorful. Trust me, this is worth the wait!
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
While the chicken marinates, mix your flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This blend seasons the flour perfectly to create that crave-worthy, crispy crust when fried.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour, ensuring they’re fully coated. Fry the strips in batches until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to keep them perfectly crisp without excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Slaw
Combine shredded cabbage, corn kernels, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a big bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over your veggie mix and toss until everything is beautifully coated and vibrant. This slaw brings a refreshing, tangy contrast to the crunchy chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas just enough to make them pliable. Fill each one with a few crispy chicken strips and a generous helping of the fresh slaw. The balance of textures and flavors at this stage truly makes this Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe shine.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle extra fresh cilantro or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Some folks love a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy chipotle sauce on top to elevate the layers of flavor even further. Each garnish adds its own little magic touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or a zesty black bean salad. For a lighter approach, try serving with a fresh guacamole or a crisp corn and avocado salad to keep things vibrant and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve the fried chicken and slaw components separately, letting guests assemble their own tacos. You can also use mini tortillas as sliders for bite-sized versions perfect for appetizers. Layering tortilla chips with all the fixings for a taco-inspired nacho plate is another crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the slaw dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crisp texture. This way, the chicken stays crunchy and the slaw stays fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken strips after they cool completely by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. The slaw doesn’t freeze well, so prepare it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the tacos again.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken strips and restore their crispiness, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Assemble tacos fresh with slaw right before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and can make your Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe even more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can be a bit thicker.
Is there a way to make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with similar starch content, and make sure your tortillas are gluten-free corn tortillas. The crispy texture will still be fantastic.
Can I prepare the slaw in advance?
You can prepare the slaw veggies chopping up to a day ahead, but toss them with the dressing shortly before serving. This keeps the slaw fresh and crunchy without getting soggy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk for marinating?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it will have the same tenderizing effect.
How do I keep the fried chicken crispy when assembling tacos?
Drain the chicken well on paper towels and serve immediately after frying. Warm—not too hot—tortillas keep the chicken crisp, and adding the slaw right before serving helps preserve that delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is truly a joyful experience from start to finish, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite and a perfect blend of fresh, tangy flavors on top. Whether you’re a seasoned taco lover or just looking to try something new and exciting, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make this dish your next go-to. It’s simple, vibrant, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Print
Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos offer a delightful combination of juicy, buttermilk-marinated chicken fried to golden perfection, paired with a fresh and tangy cabbage slaw. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, this recipe brings bold flavors and satisfying crunch to your taco night.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 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
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
Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken strips into a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will create a crispy and flavorful coating.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Remove chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until fully coated. Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, corn kernels, chopped red onion, and cilantro. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm the flour tortillas gently on a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Place a few pieces of the crispy fried chicken onto each tortilla, then top with a generous spoonful of the prepared slaw. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Work in batches while frying to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even crispiness.
- The slaw can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavor.
- Use fresh corn kernels for better texture, but canned corn works as a convenient substitute.
- Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce for added zest.
