Crispy Chicken Tacos: A Flavorful Twist on Tradition
Golden-brown, crispy chicken tacos with zesty lime crema, charred onions, and fresh cilantro. This lighter, quicker alternative uses panko coating and shallow frying for satisfying crunch without greasy richness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chicken thighs (boneless), 1 lb (diced into 1″ cubes)
Plain panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup (use cornmeal for gluten-free)
Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp (for pan-frying)
Smoked paprika, 1 tsp
Ground chili powder, 1/2 tsp
Salt, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Lime juice, 1/4 cup (blend with mayo for crema)
Mayonnaise, 1/2 cup (as needed for crema)
Flour tortillas, 8 pieces (warm before assembling)
Chopped tomatoes, for topping
Sliced avocado, for topping
Instructions
Cut chicken thighs into 1″ cubes
Pat dry with paper towels to ensure crispy exterior
Combine smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl
Toss chicken until well coated
Place panko breadcrumbs in second bowl
Add vegetable oil to a third bowl for wet breading
Heat oil in skillet over medium-high
Working in batches, dip chicken in oil, then press into panko coating firmly
Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
Whisk together lime juice and mayonnaise to make a zesty crema
Warm flour tortillas over stove until pliable
Assemble tacos by placing chicken, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of crema on each tortilla
Notes
Marinate chicken for 30 minutes for deeper flavor
Use neutral oil like grapeseed or canola for best breading adhesion
Maintain 350°F oil temperature for even cooking
Serve tacos immediately after assembly to prevent tortilla sogginess
For gluten-free option, substitute panko with cornmeal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/crispy-chicken-tacos-2/