These easy crispy chicken tacos are super fun to make and so tasty! You get crunchy tortillas filled with juicy chicken, fresh toppings, and a sprinkle of goodness all around.
Honestly, what’s better than crispy tacos? I love loading them up with my favorite toppings—avocado, salsa, or cheese—whatever makes you smile! 😄
Making these tacos is a breeze! Just fry the tortillas, cook the chicken, and pile on the toppings. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is great for these tacos, but if you prefer, you can use ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Onion and Bell Pepper: I use yellow onions for their sweetness. If you don’t have a red bell pepper, any color bell pepper or even diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin bring a nice warmth to the dish. If you’re out of chili powder, paprika or taco seasoning can also be excellent substitutes for similar flavors.
Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend for extra flavor. You could also use Monterey Jack or cheddar. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese.
How Do I Make the Tortillas Extra Crispy?
Frying tortillas for tacos is the secret to that lovely crunch! Here’s how to make sure they come out just right:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You want enough oil—about 1/4 inch deep—for frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add one tortilla at a time. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to flip them and watch closely to avoid burning.
- Let them drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.
Easy Crispy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (to serve)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Vegetable oil (for frying tortillas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious option for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté everything until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds great flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
3. Spice It Up!
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to enhance the flavors—then remove from heat.
4. Fry the Tortillas:
In another skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully fry the corn tortillas one at a time. Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re crispy and golden brown. Once done, drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
To put together your tacos, take a crispy tortilla and fill it with a generous spoonful of the seasoned chicken mixture. Immediately top with shredded cheese so it melts just a little bit.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve your tacos with shredded lettuce and add lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
7. Enjoy:
Dig into your delicious crispy chicken tacos while they’re still warm for the best crunch and flavor! They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground chicken. It will still be delicious, just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey may take slightly longer to cook through.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can cook the chicken filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before assembling your tacos to enjoy fresh tacos anytime!
How Do I Keep Tortillas From Sogginess?
To prevent soggy tortillas, wait until you’re ready to serve before filling them. Frying the tortillas adds a protective crispiness. Assemble them right before serving, and don’t overload with the filling!
Can I Make These Tacos Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Just use corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check that your ingredients, like the seasoning and any toppings, are gluten-free as well!
