These easy crispy chicken tacos are a fun and delicious meal! With crunchy shells and juicy chicken, they’re sure to make everyone smile at the dinner table.
Oh, and don’t forget the toppings! I love adding fresh lettuce, cheese, and a bit of salsa. It turns dinner into a taco party, and who doesn’t love that? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main ingredient, providing a juicy filling. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or beef as a substitute to match your taste or dietary preference.
Onion and Bell Pepper: These add flavor and texture to the taco filling. Yellow or white onion works well. If you need a swap, try using green bell pepper or even some diced zucchini for a twist!
Tomato Sauce/Salsa: Use whatever you have on hand! Salsa brings extra flavor, but if you want a milder taste, plain tomato sauce works too. You could even use crushed tomatoes for a chunky sauce.
Cheese: I love a shredded Mexican blend for flavor. If you want fewer calories, consider a lighter cheese like mozzarella or even a vegan cheese alternative.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas give a crispy bite. If you’re avoiding corn, try using flour tortillas, just know they won’t be as crunchy when fried.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Fried Tortillas for Crispy Tacos?
Frying tortillas can be tricky, but the right technique makes all the difference! Here’s how to get them crispy:
- Heat oil in a pan to medium-high. A temperature test is dropping a small piece of tortilla in—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Fry each corn tortilla briefly, about 30 seconds per side, until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- As you remove the tortillas, place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil and help them hold their shape.
- If you want crunchy taco shells, shape the tortillas while they’re warm. You can use a taco rack or two forks to hold them in place!
Easy Crispy Chicken Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Oil for frying tortillas (vegetable or canola)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded lettuce (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking and assembling the tacos. It’s a quick and delicious meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they become nice and soft. The colors will brighten your kitchen!
2. Add Garlic and Chicken:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. The chicken should be crumbly and cooked all the way through!
3. Season the Chicken:
Now, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy! Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well so the chicken is evenly coated with those tasty spices.
4. Add Sauce and Simmer:
Pour in the tomato sauce or salsa, stirring to combine everything deliciously. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is when the flavors come together beautifully.
5. Fry the Tortillas:
While the chicken mixture is simmering, heat oil in a separate frying pan until it’s about 1/4 inch deep. Fry each corn tortilla one at a time until they’re crisp and golden, about 30 seconds per side. Remember to drain them on paper towels and shape them while warm if you want to form hard taco shells!
6. Fill with Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finally, fill each crispy tortilla with the chicken mixture and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. It’s starting to look and smell like taco heaven!
7. Bake and Serve:
Place the filled tacos on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles with happiness. Once they come out, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your homemade crispy chicken tacos immediately, alongside some shredded lettuce and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious, flavorful tacos with family or friends!
Dig in and have fun!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Shredded Chicken Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken is a great alternative. Just ensure it’s cooked and seasoned well before adding it to the tortillas. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like more heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also use spicy salsa or jalapeños as toppings for an extra kick!
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No worries at all! You can use flour tortillas instead; just keep in mind they won’t be as crispy when fried. Alternatively, you can bake corn tortillas directly in the oven for a healthier option.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. You can microwave them, but they might lose their crunch.
