Chicken tacos are a delicious and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Crispy chicken tacos, in particular, provide a satisfying crunch and texture contrast to the soft taco shell and flavorful fillings. While seemingly simple, perfecting crispy chicken for tacos takes some technique. The key is properly preparing the chicken and maximizing the crispness.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide to making Don Lee’s famous crispy chicken tacos at home. We’ll cover how to perfectly cook the chicken, what ingredients to use for maximum flavor and crunch, assembly tips for building the tacos, and suggestions for fun add-ons and extras. After reading, you’ll be ready to wow your family with these sensational crispy chicken tacos!
Benefits of Chicken Tacos
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s first cover some of the benefits of chicken tacos that make them such a hit:
- Chicken is a lean, protein-packed meat. Tacos made with chicken breast are lower in fat and calories compared to beef.
- Chicken tacos arebudget-friendly. Chicken is an affordable meat option.
- They are kid-friendly. The flavors and textures of chicken tacos appeal to children.
- Tacos are customizable. Fillings and toppings can be adapted to suit different tastes and diets.
- Chicken tacos are quick and easy. Especially when using cooked chicken, assembly is fast.
With all of these advantages, it’s easy to see why crispy chicken tacos are a go-to dinner option for many families. The crispy exterior and tender chicken interior make them even more irresistible.
Ingredients
Now, let’s get acquainted with what you’ll need to make a batch of chicken tacos for four people:
For the Chicken:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola or peanut oil)
For Serving:
- 12 taco shells
- Toppings: lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, sour cream, etc.
The star of the chicken tacos is obviously the crispy chicken. Buttermilk provides tenderization and moisture. Hot sauce infuses the chicken with flavor. The spiced flour mixture gives the exterior a crunchy, seasoned coating when fried.
As for toppings, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative with your favorite taco fillings to customize these crispy chicken tacos. More on that later!
Prep the Chicken
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the chicken for cooking:
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the flour, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Whisk to distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour.
Why Buttermilk and Hot Sauce?
Buttermilk has a thick, creamy texture that adheres nicely to the chicken. The lactic acid tenderizes the meat. Hot sauce provides a bold, spicy flavor. Together they infuse the chicken with tangy heat and moisture.
Frying the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to transform it into crispy, golden pieces:
- In a large high-sided skillet, heat 1⁄2 inch of oil over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Working in batches, remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, coating completely and shaking off excess.
- Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Properly frying the chicken is the secret to maximizing that crunchy texture. Heating the oil to the right temperature prevents the coating from absorbing oil and becoming greasy. Frying in batches keeps the oil temperature consistent. Flipping the chicken halfway ensures even browning.
Always fry with care to prevent burns from hot oil. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to add and flip the chicken. Adjust the frying time as needed to reach 165°F internal temperature.
Frying Oil Options
The choice of frying oil impacts flavor and performance. We recommend these top oils:
- Vegetable oil: An affordable, neutral-tasting option.
- Canola oil: With a high smoke point, it retains crispness.
- Peanut oil: Provides a subtle nutty flavor.
Avoid olive oil as it can burn at high frying heats.
Assembling the Tacos
You’re almost ready to enjoy these flavor-packed crispy chicken tacos. Just a few more steps:
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Add crispy chicken pieces into warmed taco shells. Aim for 3-4 pieces per taco.
- Top with desired taco fillings. Examples include lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, etc.
- Serve tacos immediately and enjoy!
Warming the taco shells prevents cracking and helps the flavors come together. Pile the chicken high and let guests customize their tacos with favorite toppings.
Some delicious taco topping ideas include:
- Shredded cabbage for crunch
- Tangy lime crema
- Crunchy radishes
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Cilantro
- Pickled red onions
- Chipotle ranch
Get creative and make these tacos your own! The crisp chicken foundation pairs well with almost any flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy chicken tacos truly shine when served alongside fresh, flavorful accompaniments. Consider these ideas:
- Spanish rice: Seasoned rice is a tasty complement.
- Refried beans: Warm, creamy beans balance the tacos nicely.
- Elote corn salad: Grilled corn, mayo, lime, and spices for a fresh veggie.
- Guacamole: Cool, creamy avocado dip can’t be beat.
- Chips and salsa: Crispy tortilla chips and salsa round out the meal.
Making it a taco bar by offering various toppings and sides is a fun way to serve these chicken tacos for a crowd. Set up a DIY station and let guests create their perfect tacos!
Crispy Chicken Taco Recipe Variations
While the base of crispy chicken tacos stays consistent, you can adapt this recipe in many creative ways:
Try different seasonings:
- substitute Cajun seasoning for chili powder for a kick.
- Use curry powder, cumin, and turmeric for Indian-inspired tacos.
- Go Tex-Mex with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Make it Italian with basil, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Coat the chicken in:
- Cornstarch for an ultra-crispy crust.
- Crushed tortilla chips or crackers for a fun crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Try different cooking methods:
- Bake the coated chicken for a lower-fat version.
- Grill the chicken for tasty char marks.
- Air-fry the chicken wings for perfect crunchy bites.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with your own twists! Crispy chicken shines in tacos, sandwiches, bowls, and more.
Crispy Chicken Taco Storage
Craving more crispy chicken tacos later in the week? Here are some storage tips:
- Store uncooked marinated chicken in the buttermilk mixture for up to 24 hours.
- Cooked chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat chicken pieces in a skillet with a bit of oil to restore crispiness.
- Assemble tacos with refrigerated toppings just before eating.
The cooked chicken may lose some crunch over time. A quick re-fry helps bring back the crispy texture.
Freeze fried chicken pieces in a single layer on a sheet tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat frozen chicken straight from freezer by frying or baking.
Crispy Chicken Taco Safety Tips
When working with raw chicken, following proper food safety guidelines is key:
- Wash hands and cooking surfaces before and after handling raw chicken.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken.
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Discard marinade used on raw chicken.
- Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Being diligent about cleanliness prevents the spread of bacteria like salmonella. Take care when frying chicken to avoid burns. Keep a kitchen fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
With these easy safety measures, you can feel confident serving up tasty crispy chicken tacos anytime.
Conclusion
For a quick dinner win that pleases the whole family, Don Lee’s famous crispy chicken tacos are sure to satisfy. With perfectly cooked, seasoned chicken wrapped in warm tortillas and loaded with fresh toppings, they offer the ideal balance of textures and big, bold flavors.
Frying the buttermilk and hot sauce-marinated chicken delivers an irresistible crunchy crust that pairs perfectly with soft taco shells. Let your creativity run wild with fun spices and toppings. Serve with Mexican-inspired sides for a feast.
Now you have all the tips and tricks for crispy chicken taco success. Get ready to enjoy this crave-worthy recipe that will become a new family favorite!