Long time no see, taco aficionados! I hope all goes well with you.
Ever had one of those days where you’re just craving something crispy, crunchy, and completely satisfying? You’re lounging on the couch, dreaming of that perfect taco crunch. You decide to whip up some crispy chicken tacos, and bam – dinner becomes an instant party!
Whether you’re channeling your inner taco critic or just trying to make Taco Tuesday a little more special, these tacos are here to save the day (well served with Street Taco Seasoning).
Trust me, they’re so goodddddd, even Taco Bell might need take notes!
Ingredients Used to Make Crispy Chicken Tacos
Ready to satisfy anyone’s taste buds? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- ½ cup sour cream
Tips for Preparing Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Tacos
The secret to the perfect crispy chicken tacos lies not just in the cooking but also in how you prepare your ingredients. Here are some handy tips to ensure your tacos are as delicious as they can be:
- Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, marinate your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a mix of lime juice, taco seasoning, and a splash of olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with a zesty kick and keep it juicy.
- Get the Right Coating: Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the best crispy coating. The cornstarch helps absorb moisture, giving you that extra crunch when fried. Panko breadcrumbs are crucial for achieving a light and crispy texture, so don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures even cooking and prevents the temperature of the oil from dropping, which can result in soggy crispy taco chicken. Fry in batches if necessary for that perfect crispy texture.
- Prepare Fresh Toppings: Slice your toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch. A little squeeze of lime over the toppings can also enhance their flavors and brighten up the dish.
Following these tips will help you craft the most satisfying crispy chicken tacos that everyone will rave about, even rivaling the Taco Bell crispy chicken taco or cantina chicken crispy taco!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Tacos
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and taco seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the coating sticks well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm your taco shells according to the package instructions. Fill each shell with crispy chicken, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve: Enjoy these tacos hot and crispy!
Tadaaa!! Crispy chicken tacos are sure to bring a smile to your face. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Grab your taco shells and enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts for Crispy Chicken Tacos (Per Serving)
To help you enjoy your delicious crispy taco chicken while staying informed about your nutrition, here’s a breakdown for one serving (two tacos filled with crispy chicken and standard toppings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Crispy Chicken Tacos
Crispy chicken tacos are a delicious treat on their own, but if you want to create a taco night feast, pairing them with complimentary side dishes can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are some fantastic options:
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice brings a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the crunch of your tacos. This classic Mexican dish adds a creamy and spicy twist that your taste buds will love!
- Guacamole and Chips: A fresh bowl of guacamole paired with crispy tortilla chips is a classic side that everyone enjoys. The creamy avocado and zesty lime in the guacamole perfectly balance the crispy chicken tacos, providing a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
- Black Bean Salad: This refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro is not only healthy but also adds a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness. Toss it with a light lime vinaigrette for a zesty finish that complements the savory tacos.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro adds brightness and acidity to your meal. Serve it on the side or spoon it directly onto your tacos for an extra layer of flavor.
These sides are simple to prepare and will make your taco night even more enjoyable!
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Inactive Time: 5 minutes (for draining)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
Yield: 4-6 servings
Crispy chicken tacos are your ticket to a crunchy, flavorful taco night. Easy to make and packed with deliciousness, these tacos are perfect for any taco lover. Check out our simple recipe for crispy chicken tacos that beat even Taco Bell’s version!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat with flour mixture, dip in eggs, then panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry in vegetable oil until crispy and golden.
- Assemble tacos with chicken and toppings.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add extra toppings if you like.
For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, visit So Damn Delish. Explore my delicious world and discover easy, cost-effective, and flavorful meals like the Crispy Chicken Tacos that will make your kitchen the heart of your home.
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Crispy Chicken Tacos: A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Single Bite
Crispy chicken tacos are your ticket to a flavorful taco night. Easy to make and packed with deliciousness, sodamndelish knows these tacos will be must-try.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat with flour mixture, dip in eggs, then panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry in vegetable oil until crispy and golden.
- Assemble tacos with chicken and toppings.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add extra toppings if you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
