If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful dinner that brings a perfect crunch with a zesty twist, this Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy, golden breaded chicken tenders nestled in soft flour tortillas, topped with tangy slaw and a creamy cilantro-lime sauce, make each bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying meal for yourself, these tacos combine textures and fresh flavors that feel like a fiesta in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of this Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe, each playing an essential role in balancing textures, flavors, and colors. From the crispy chicken tenders to the vibrant cabbage and zesty dressing, every item contributes to an unforgettable taco experience.
- Breaded chicken tenders (8 each): Pre-cooked for convenience, these provide the crispy and juicy protein base of the tacos.
- Red cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch to complement the tender chicken.
- Flour tortillas (8 each, 4-inch): Soft and slightly chewy, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings together.
- Salsa (optional): Adds a fresh, spicy kick if you enjoy a bit of heat with your tacos.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Brings bright, herby notes that brighten up every bite.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Creates a rich and creamy element essential for balancing the bold flavors.
- Buttermilk (¼ cup): Adds tanginess and thins out the sour cream for a perfect sauce consistency.
- Lime (1, juiced): Infuses the sauce with a zesty citrus brightness that makes the whole dish pop.
- Cilantro (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Mixed into the sauce for a fresh, herbal aroma and taste.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, buttermilk, lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, and kosher salt until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic binder, adding a tangy, fresh kick that complements the crispy chicken and crunchy cabbage perfectly.
Step 2: Warm the Chicken Tenders and Tortillas
Heat the breaded chicken tenders according to the package instructions until golden and piping hot. Meanwhile, warm your flour tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds; soft warm tortillas are easier to fold and absorb the delicious fillings better.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Lay a warm tortilla flat, spread a generous spoonful of cilantro-lime sauce, then add one crispy chicken tender. Top with shredded red cabbage for crunch and color. If you like a little extra flavor, add a spoonful of salsa on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish each taco with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for that aromatic pop. Now, your Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is complete and ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Whether it’s extra fresh cilantro, a squirt of lime, sliced jalapeños, or a handful of diced red onions, garnishes can elevate your tacos from great to unforgettable. They add visual appeal and offer additional layers of flavor and texture that excite every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican street corn, black beans, or a simple avocado salad to balance the meal with creamy, smoky, or fresh elements. These sides bring harmony to the crispy, tangy flavors of your Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe and make it feel like a full festive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these tacos on a large wooden board layered with colorful napkins for a casual, fun vibe. Or place each taco in individual mini taco holders to keep them upright and photo-ready. Pairing them with a vibrant margarita or fresh agua fresca can elevate the entire dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and store tortillas separately in a sealed bag. The cabbage slaw and sauce should be refrigerated in separate containers to maintain freshness and crunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, only freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag. Tortillas, slaw, and sauce do not freeze well. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat chicken tenders in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or until crisp and heated through. Warm tortillas on a skillet or microwave briefly. Avoid reheating slaw and sauces; add them fresh when assembling your tacos for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the breaded chicken tenders for gluten-free versions and use corn tortillas instead of flour. The fresh cabbage and cilantro-lime sauce remain perfect as is.
What kind of salsa pairs best with these tacos?
Fresh tomato salsa or a tangy tomatillo salsa work wonderfully here. You can also experiment with a smoky chipotle salsa for a touch of heat and depth.
How spicy is this Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe?
The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add spice with jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier salsa to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare the taco components in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and shred the cabbage a day ahead. Just keep them refrigerated separately for the freshest tacos when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas from tearing?
Warming tortillas just before assembling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Avoid overloading them with fillings to maintain their structural integrity.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving a quick yet flavorful meal that excites the senses. The crispy chicken, combined with bright, fresh toppings and creamy sauce, makes each taco a little masterpiece of texture and taste. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and dive into the fun of making this irresistible dish. I promise it’ll become a beloved staple in your family’s rotation!
Print
Fried Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Fried Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring crispy breaded chicken tenders served in warm flour tortillas with a refreshing shredded red cabbage slaw and a tangy cilantro lime sour cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, they combine crunchy textures with fresh flavors and optional salsa for extra zest.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 8 breaded chicken tenders (about 1 pound, cooked according to package instructions)
Slaw
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
Tortillas
- 8 flour tortillas (4-inch)
Sauce
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Garnish and Topping
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Salsa (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Prepare the breaded chicken tenders following the package instructions, typically by baking or frying them until golden and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes depending on method. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
- Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, buttermilk, lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, and kosher salt. Mix well until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side or until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place one cooked chicken tender on each warm tortilla. Top with a generous amount of shredded red cabbage.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the cilantro lime sauce over the cabbage and chicken. Add salsa if desired and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while the chicken is warm and the tortillas soft and fresh.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked grilled or baked chicken tenders if preferred.
- For extra crunch, add sliced radishes or a squeeze of fresh lime on top.
- Flour tortillas can be swapped with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, use milk with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute.
- To make ahead, prepare the sauce and slaw in advance for faster assembly.
