Can I make these tacos ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. About 30 minutes before serving, assemble and bake the tacos. You can even keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes while guests arrive.

My corn tortillas keep breaking when I fold them. What am I doing wrong?

Corn tortillas need to be warmed to become pliable. Wrap your stack of tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or place them in a dry skillet for about 10 seconds per side before assembling your tacos.

Can I make these tacos in an air fryer?

Yes! These tacos adapt beautifully to air fryer cooking. Prepare them as directed, then cook at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes until crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Good news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your taco sauce and spice blends don't contain any gluten additives. Always read labels carefully if you're cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Crispy Chicken Tacos Recipe

Name: Crispy Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for the pan; 1 pound ground chicken; ½ white onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup taco sauce; 8 corn tortillas, warmed; 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; Hot sauce; Shredded lettuce; Lime wedges; Guacamole

Description

These Crispy Chicken Tacos are the ultimate comfort food – packed with savory seasoned chicken, vibrant veggies, and gooey melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they’re crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Customize with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, guacamole, or a spicy hot sauce, and enjoy a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for the pan
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 white onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup taco sauce
8 corn tortillas, warmed
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Optional Toppings

Hot sauce
Shredded lettuce
Lime wedges
Guacamole

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush a baking sheet with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken Filling
Heat the tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook while breaking up the chicken into small pieces until everything is browned and cooked through.
Season the Filling
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
Add the Taco Sauce
Pour in the taco sauce and stir until the mixture is well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Assemble the Tacos
Lay the warmed corn tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Divide the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly among each tortilla, and spoon the chicken filling into the center. Fold each taco in half and gently press so they stay folded. Brush the top side of each taco lightly with vegetable oil.
Bake
Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for the last minute, but watch the tacos closely to avoid burning.
Serve
Serve the crispy tacos immediately with your choice of optional toppings like shredded lettuce, hot sauce, guacamole, and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

For extra crispy tacos, broil them for the final minute, but be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
Nutritional values do not include optional toppings like guacamole or hot sauce.
Warming the tortillas before assembling helps them fold without cracking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 470
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 80mg