Crispy chicken tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crunchy fried chicken with fresh, flavorful toppings. These tacos are ideal for a fast and simple evening meal or an enjoyable weekend gathering of friends and family.
How To Make:
To make crispy chicken tacos, start by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices and buttermilk for at least an hour. This imparts flavor and helps the meat become more soft. After marinating, the chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden brown and crispy.
When the chicken is done cooking, it's time to put the tacos together. Start with a warm tortilla and add a generous portion of the crispy chicken. Top the chicken with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. For some extra kick, add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chopped jalapeño peppers.
Crispy chicken tacos are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. If you prefer a spicier taco, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken marinade or seasoning mix. For a healthier version, you can also use grilled or baked chicken instead of frying it.
Tips and Variations:
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs are more flavorful and tender, and they hold up better when fried.
2. Add some crunch by using crispy fried tortilla strips as a topping. You can make these by slicing corn tortillas into thin strips and frying them until crispy.
3. Make a creamy slaw to add to your tacos. Combine shredded cabbage, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro for a delicious and refreshing topping.
4. Try different spice blends for your chicken. You can use a classic Mexican seasoning mix with cumin, chili powder, and garlic, or experiment with other flavors like Cajun or curry.
5. For a healthier option, try baking or air frying the chicken instead of frying it in oil. You can still achieve a crispy texture by using panko breadcrumbs or a cornmeal coating.
6. Mix up the toppings to suit your taste. Try adding sliced jalapeños, diced red onions, or crumbled queso fresco for a delicious twist.
7. Experiment with different sauces. Try a smoky chipotle sauce, a tangy salsa verde, or a creamy avocado sauce to add extra flavor to your tacos.
8. Don't forget the lime wedges! A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and spicy toppings.
With these tips and variations, you can customize your crispy chicken tacos to suit your taste and preferences. Whether you prefer classic flavors or like to experiment with new combinations, these tacos are a delicious and versatile meal that is sure to satisfy you.
Ingredients:
- - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- - 1 cup buttermilk
- - 1 tsp garlic powder
- - 1 tsp paprika
- - 1 tsp cumin
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 1/2 tsp black pepper
- - 1 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- - Vegetable oil, for frying
- - Corn tortillas
- - Shredded lettuce
- - Diced tomatoes
- - Sliced avocado
- - Sour cream
- - Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Wrap the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Shake off any excess flour before dredging the chicken in it.
4. In a big skillet, heat up about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a wire rack to cool slightly and drain any excess oil.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat, flipping once, until soft and pliable.
6. To assemble the tacos, place a few pieces of crispy chicken in the center of each tortilla. Add some sour cream, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped lettuce on top. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!