Fried Crispy Chicken Tacos Recipe
Are you craving something crunchy, savory, and delicious?
If you're a fan of chicken tacos, then you'll love this recipe for Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together with friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that's sure to impress.
Here's how to make it.
First, gather your ingredients. You'll need two large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, and a packet of Santa Maria's Crispy Chicken Seasoning Mix. For the breading, you'll need 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, one large egg, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. For the tortillas, you'll need a packet of Santa Maria's Medium Flour Soft Flour Tortilla. And for the toppings, you'll need sliced black olives, sweet canned corn, diced tomatoes, salad mix with beets, diced avocados, shredded cheese (like cheddar & mozzarella), diced red onions, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream.
Let’s Get This Party Started!
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Begin by mixing the Santa Maria's Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix, salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Slice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Now it's time to start the breading process. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture and coat well, then set them aside. Once each piece has been lightly coated, dip them into the egg and milk mixture. Then set them aside again. Once each piece has been coated with the wet mixture, coat them again with the Santa Maria Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix. Set them aside and let the breading stick to each piece while you heat up your oil.
Fill a cast iron skillet halfway with vegetable oil and put it on medium to high heat. Set up a deep frying station with one cooking rack on top of a cooking sheet lined with paper towels. Once the oil is ready, add a few pieces of the coated chicken at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. This keeps the chicken from getting soggy and makes them crispy. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes each, until crispy or to your liking. Place them on the frying station to drain excess grease and sprinkle a little salt on them while they're still hot. Repeat this process until all of the chicken is cooked.
Time To Assemble
Once all the chicken is cooked, you can begin putting your tacos together. Use all the toppings listed above and then top with the crispy fried chicken. Serve and enjoy!
This recipe is easy to make and customizable to your liking. You can add more toppings or use different types of cheese to create a unique flavor. The Santa Maria's Crispy Chicken Seasoning Mix adds the perfect amount of flavor to the chicken, and the breading ensures that each piece is crispy and delicious. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends!
The History of it All!
Fried chicken has been a popular food in the United States since the late 1800s. It became especially popular in the South, where it was often served with biscuits, gravy, and other traditional Southern dishes. Over time, fried chicken has become a staple of American cuisine, and it has been adapted and transformed into many different forms.
Tacos, on the other hand, have a much longer history. The origin of the taco is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in Mexico in the 18th century. Tacos were originally a street food, sold by vendors who set up stands on the side of the road. The traditional taco consisted of a tortilla filled with meat, beans, and vegetables.
The combination of fried chicken and tacos is a relatively new invention. The exact origins of the crispy fried chicken taco are unclear, but it is likely that it originated in the United States, where both fried chicken and tacos are popular foods.
The crispy fried chicken taco is a delicious and innovative twist on two classic foods. The dish typically consists of crispy fried chicken pieces that are seasoned with a blend of spices and served on a soft flour tortilla. The chicken is often accompanied by a variety of toppings, such as sliced black olives, sweet canned corn, diced tomatoes, salad mix with beets, diced avocados, shredded cheese (like cheddar & mozzarella), diced red onions, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream.
A Few Tips & Tricks
The key to making great crispy fried chicken tacos is to get the right balance of seasoning, breading, and frying. The chicken should be well-coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then dipped in an egg and milk mixture, and then coated again in the flour mixture before being fried to crispy perfection. The tortillas should be warmed up and slightly toasted before being filled with the crispy fried chicken and toppings.
Overall, crispy fried chicken tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines two classic foods in a unique and flavorful way. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun and festive party dish, crispy fried chicken tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
What To Serve With The Tacos?
Here is a detailed list of what else you could serve with Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos:
Mexican Rice: Mexican rice is a flavorful and easy side dish that goes well with crispy fried chicken tacos. To make Mexican rice, you will need rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and a few spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Try My Recipe Here: Cilantro Lime Rice Pilaf Recipe.
Refried Beans: Refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish that is perfect for serving with crispy fried chicken tacos. You can make your own refried beans using canned pinto beans, or you can buy them pre-made from the store.
Guacamole: Guacamole is a classic Mexican dip that is made from mashed avocado, onion, garlic, lime juice, and salt. It's a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with crispy fried chicken tacos. Try My Recipe Here: Guacamole Recipe.
Salsa: Salsa is a popular Mexican sauce that is made from tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro. It's a great accompaniment to crispy fried chicken tacos and can be used as a dip or a topping. Try My Recipe Here: Mexican Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe.
Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that goes well with crispy fried chicken tacos. You can grill or roast the corn and then brush it with melted butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs well with crispy fried chicken tacos. You can make your own coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that go well with crispy fried chicken tacos. You can roast a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Chips and Dip: Chips and dip are a classic party snack that goes well with crispy fried chicken tacos. You can serve tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or queso dip for a fun and easy appetizer. Try My Recipe Here: Pico de Gallo Recipe.
Overall, there are many different side dishes that you can serve with crispy fried chicken tacos. Whether you're looking for something light and healthy or something hearty and filling, there are plenty of options to choose from. With the right combination of sides, your crispy fried chicken tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
The Tips & Tricks Summarized
Here are some tips and tricks to take your Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos to the next level:
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier and more flavorful meat.
For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before frying to allow the breading to set.
If you don't have Santa Maria's Crispy Chicken Seasoning Mix, you can make your own by combining flour with your favorite spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
If you prefer a spicier kick to your tacos, add hot sauce or chopped fresh jalapeños to the toppings.
Don't overfill your tacos with toppings as this can make them difficult to eat. Instead, choose a few key toppings and layer them evenly.
Warm up your tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet before assembling the tacos for extra texture and flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To make the tacos healthier, swap out the all-purpose flour with almond flour and bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying.
For a vegan alternative, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken and coat them in a vegan breading mixture.
Don't forget to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking to make the process smoother and faster.
What To Do With The Leftovers?
Here's how to store and reheat your leftover Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos:
Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the toppings to prevent sogginess.
To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
To reheat the tortillas, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and pliable.
If you prefer to reheat the tacos in a skillet, place the tortillas in the skillet and heat them over medium heat for 10-15 seconds on each side. Then add the chicken and toppings and heat until everything is warmed through.
If you're in a rush, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave on high for 30-45 seconds. However, be warned that this may result in a softer, less crispy texture.
As always, use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to eat leftovers. If the chicken or toppings have an off smell or texture, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard them.
In summary, Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy meal that can be customized to your liking. The crispy chicken paired with fresh toppings and warm tortillas creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, with the added tips and tricks for storing and reheating leftovers, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. So why not give it a try and make it tonight for your family? You won't be disappointed!
Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bit sized pieces
- 1 packet of Santa Maria’s Crispy Chicken Seasoning Mix
- 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 packet of Santa Maria’s Medium Flour Soft Flour Tortilla
- sliced black olives
- sweet canned corn
- diced tomatoes
- salad mix with beets
- diced avocados
- shredded cheese (like cheddar & mozzarella)
- diced red onions
- pickled jalapeños
- sour cream
Instructions
- In one bowl mix your Santa Maria’s Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix together along with salt, black pepper and the all-purpose flour.
- In another bowl whisk together your egg and milk.
- Slice your chicken breasts into bite sized pieces and set to the side.
- Let’s start the breading process.
- Dip each piece into the flour mixture and coat well. Then set to the side.
- Once each piece has been lightly coated, dip each piece into the milk and egg mixture. Then set to the side.
- Once each piece has been coated with the wet mixture, then coat them again with the Santa Maria Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix. Then set them to the side as well.
- Let the breading stick to each piece while we heat up our oil. I filled a cast iron skillet halfway with vegetable oil and put it on a medium to high heat. I also set up a deep frying station. One cooking rack on top of a cooking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Once the oil is ready, add in a few pieces of the coated chicken at a time. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan. This keeps the chicken from getting crispy and makes them soggy.
- Once they are crispy to your liking, I fried mine about 5-7 minutes each, place them on the frying station. Let them drain excess grease and sprinkle a little salt on them while they’re still hot.
- Repeat this process until all of the chicken is cooked.
- Once all the chicken is cooked you can begin putting your tacos together.
- Use all the toppings I listed above and then top with the crispy fried chicken.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
168.15Fat
6 gSat. Fat
1.76 gCarbs
12.28 gFiber
1.59 gNet carbs
10.68 gSugar
1.57 gProtein
15.88 gSodium
293.74 mgCholesterol
64.89 mg
As a disclaimer, I did receive the Santa Maria Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix for free as part of a campaign between Smakbox, a Swedish food tasting company, and Santa Maria Sverige, a Swedish spice mix company, to try out their product. I have to say, I absolutely loved it! If you would like to try Smakbox for yourself, use my code JUSTLIKEGRANNY for 20% OFF your first box! Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @Just.Like.Granny, as well as @Smakbox and @SantaMariaSevrige. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
