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Fried Chicken Tacos: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 8 tacos 1x

Description

Crispy fried chicken tacos filled with fresh toppings like avocado, lettuce, and cheese, all drizzled with lime and hot sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or gathering!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
  3. Add chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (preferably 4 hours or overnight).
  4. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  5. After marinating, let excess buttermilk drip off chicken and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to create a crust.
  6. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Test oil temperature with a small piece of flour mixture; it should sizzle.
  7. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  8. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
  9. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
  10. Place fried chicken in the center of each tortilla, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, queso fresco or feta, and cilantro.
  11. Squeeze lime over the top and add hot sauce if desired. Fold the tortilla and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of creamy sauce to your tacos.
  • You can also customize the toppings based on your preferences.
  • Enjoy your delicious fried chicken tacos!
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes