Fried Chicken Tacos
Crispy fried chicken tacos feature tender shredded chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with fresh guacamole, crunchy lettuce, and tangy salsa, perfect for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add salt to the shredded cooked chicken and mix well.
- Place a tortilla on a dry skillet or comal to heat and make it pliable.
- Heat the tortilla on both sides until warm.
- Remove the tortilla to a plate.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Lay a strip of chicken down the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Secure with a toothpick or lay side by side in a baking dish.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy frying pan until smoking.
- Using tongs, place each rolled tortilla into the hot oil.
- Fry until crispy, about 6 minutes, then drain well.
- Remove toothpicks from the tacos.
- Top each taco with guacamole and salsa.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs on the chicken before frying. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a substitute. You can also swap the guacamole for sour cream or yogurt if preferred. Adjust the spice level of the salsa by choosing milder or hotter varieties based on your taste. This recipe is a great way to use leftovers from Easy Chicken Tortilla Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fried chicken tacos with a side of rice or black beans for a complete meal. They are also delicious with a fresh corn salad or alongside Southwestern Corn Soup. Garnish with lime wedges and extra salsa for added flavor. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a refreshing mango salsa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried chicken tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Chicken Tacos contains roughly 181 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 643mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and tortillas ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the tacos just before frying. This will help maintain their crispiness. However, it's best to fry them fresh for the best texture.
What types of sauces can I use with these tacos?
In addition to salsa and guacamole, you can also use a creamy chipotle sauce or a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Experimenting with different sauces can enhance the flavor profile of the tacos, making them even more enjoyable.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer their taste or texture. Keep in mind that flour tortillas may not hold up as well as corn tortillas when frying, so adjust your frying time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).