Crispy Chicken Tacos
Crispy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or lime juice
For the Tacos
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or other white, meltable cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying, or as needed
For Serving
- 1 cup guacamole, or green sauce, for dipping
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken. Mix thoroughly by hand until all chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spatula, until the chicken is cooked through and super crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
⏱️ 12 min
- 3
Using the same pan, add 1/2 cup of olive oil (or enough to generously coat the bottom of the pan) and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Place one corn tortilla flat in the hot oil.
⏱️ 3 min
- 4
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Immediately place a spoonful of the cooked, crispy chicken pieces on top of the cheese. Using a spatula, carefully fold the tortilla in half, encasing the cheese and chicken.
⏱️ 1 min
- 5
Fry the taco for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and slightly caramelized. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken, and cheese, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
⏱️ 12 min
- 6
Remove the crispy chicken tacos from the pan and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by guacamole or green sauce for dipping.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Crispy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or lime juice
For the Tacos
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or other white, meltable cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying, or as needed
For Serving
- 1 cup guacamole, or green sauce, for dipping
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken. Mix thoroughly by hand until all chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spatula, until the chicken is cooked through and super crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
⏱️ 12 min - 3
Using the same pan, add 1/2 cup of olive oil (or enough to generously coat the bottom of the pan) and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Place one corn tortilla flat in the hot oil.
⏱️ 3 min - 4
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Immediately place a spoonful of the cooked, crispy chicken pieces on top of the cheese. Using a spatula, carefully fold the tortilla in half, encasing the cheese and chicken.
⏱️ 1 min - 5
Fry the taco for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and slightly caramelized. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, chicken, and cheese, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
⏱️ 12 min - 6
Remove the crispy chicken tacos from the pan and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by guacamole or green sauce for dipping.
⏱️ 2 min