Easy Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning Recipe
Nothing beats the savory, flavorful, and satisfying taste of a crispy chicken taco. However, it’s what makes it really great – the perfect seasoning. This easy crispy chicken taco seasoning recipe brings together just the right spices to deliver mouthwatering flavor and irresistible crunch.
Well, let’s walk together as we try to make a homemade taco seasoning that would be fresh, flavorful, and easy. We will have you making these crispy chicken tacos that just rival any restaurant, all from the comfort of your own kitchen, by the end of this article.
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning is fresh and customizable. You might get unwanted additives, too much salt, or flavors that you do not like with store-bought seasonings. By creating your own blend, you can adjust the spice levels and add any flavor that you and your family love. It is budget-friendly and can be stored for multiple meals.
Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning combines ordinary cupboard spices to try and awaken this flavor profile, that is: spiced, smoky, a touch of tang. Here are all you need to prepare:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ( create smoke )
- 1 tsp ground cumin ( earthy )
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt ( tastes differ. Add less according to preference; at any rate, it will never be this salty due to the amount used, or so it shouldn’t be. Finally,
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste for heat)
This yields one batch of seasoning to season one meal. To make more batches, just double or triple the recipe and store in an airtight container.
How to Prepare Crispy Chicken Tacos with Seasoning
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to fully incorporate. Let season stand.
Tips: If you want to make the seasoning in advance, multiply the ingredients and store the mix in a sealed glass jar or an airtight container. This taco seasoning can last for up to 6 months when kept in a cool, dry place.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, it’s best to use chicken thighs or chicken breast strips. Here’s how to prep the chicken:
1. Slice the chicken into strips for tacos, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
2. Wipe the chicken dry using a paper towel. This is to get rid of excess moisture that will enable the seasoning to stick and give you a crisper result.
3. Sprinkle the chicken heavily with the taco seasoning. Cover all sides equally to maximize flavor.
Step 3: Achieve Crispy Coating (Optional but Highly Recommended)
To have extra crispy chicken, you can make a coating using cornstarch or flour. Here is a quick recipe for the coating:
- 1/4 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Shake off any excess as you coat each piece of seasoned chicken in the coating mixture. This step is optional but highly recommended if you want the crispiest tacos possible.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
1. In a large skillet over medium-high, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil, such as vegetable or canola.
2. In the hot skillet, add chicken pieces; cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. After the chicken is cooked, move it to a paper towel-lined plate.
Tip: Do not overload the pan. This is to ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and oil has a chance to keep a good temperature so your crisp coating does not go too soggy.
Assembling Your Crispy Chicken Taco Prep
Once cooked through, add fresh toppings to the chicken and warm your tortillas. Here’s the simple setup for crispy tacos with chicken:
Ingredients for Assemble Tacos
- Taco-sized corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or cheddar cheese that has been shredded
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Lime wedges (for squeezing on top)
Step-by-Step Assembly
1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas by placing them in a skillet over medium heat for 10-20 seconds on each side. The tortillas will become warm and slightly charred.
2. Add the Crispy Chicken: Add a few pieces of crispy chicken in the middle of each tortilla.
3. Add all the Toppings: Shredded lettuce, the tomato diced, cheese, as well as fresh cilantro over the chicken
Garnish with a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, or guacamole, for garnish and sprinkle using fresh lime juice
Garnish and you will be able to devour well and appreciate all the contrasting textures and flavors presented when you take a bite by each of your bites, and the best thing, you end up taking crunchy contrast between your chicken with your freshness of topping.
Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Tacos
1. Use Chicken Thighs for juicier meat: Tacos work great with breast, but thighs have more fat and keep the pieces juicy and flavorful. These will work great with the recipe.
2. Do not omit the coating of cornstarch: or flour as it helps in giving that crunchy feel for the crispiest tacos.
3. Let the chicken rest after cooking. Letting it rest for a few minutes will help redistribute the juices in the meat, which makes it taste even better and tenderer.
4. Heat it Up to Your Taste: Add cayenne pepper for some heat in your seasoning mix. When making tacos for a crowd, prepare a milder version and let everyone add their own hot sauce or salsa at the table.
5. Fresh Tortillas: Use fresh corn or flour tortillas because they provide a texture and flavor factor. If available, place them on a skillet before serving for that slight crispy char.
Alternative Crispy Chicken Tacos
1. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Add chipotle powder 1 teaspoon or adobo sauce 1 tablespoon to the taco seasoning for a smoky and spicy flavor profile. The smokiness of the chipotle really complements the other spices and is excellent with the crispy chicken.
2. Crispy Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
But if you want a sweet twist, just toss mango salsa into tacos. Mango salsa can include dicing mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and squeeze lime.
3. Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce Tacos
Mix sour cream with cilantro, some squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle salt to make creamy cilantro lime sauce. This simply makes the crunchiness of chicken to have a fantastic zing.
4. Baja-Style Tacos with Slaw
Add a slaw made with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and a dash of salt for a crunchy, refreshing topping. This is inspired by Baja-style tacos and works well with crispy chicken.
Storing and Reheating Crispy Chicken Tacos
If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, here’s how to store and reheat your crispy chicken tacos.
1. Refrigerate Crispy Chicken: Do not let the tortillas become soggy, and pack them in airtight packs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Oven Reheat for Crunchiness: The same should be oven reheated on 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to be heated thoroughly.
3. Fresh Assemble Tortillas: warm up and assemble tacos fresh for the best flavor and texture.
This easy crispy chicken taco seasoning recipe is perfect for creating delicious, restaurant-style tacos at home. The blend of smoky, spicy, and earthy flavors in this seasoning really gives the crispy chicken a lot of depth and is just fantastic with a wide range of toppings. Perfect for a taco night or a family dinner, these tacos are sure to be a hit.
Add whatever kind of topping and variation that you can think of for this recipe. Make it yours. Enjoy that crunchy, savory taco out of a little taste of Mexico right in your kitchen!
FAQs
How to use taco seasoning on chicken?
Taco seasoning can be applied to chicken by rubbing some oil on the chicken, then dusting the same seasoning all over uniformly. You then toss in the spices or rub and then cook for a delightful seasoned finish either by grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Can i use taco seasoning on chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly well on chicken. Coat your chicken with the seasoning mix and cook by grilling, baking, or sautéing for deliciously spiced chicken perfect for tacos, salads, or bowls.