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Crispy Chicken Tacos with Garlic Lime Sauce

Three delicious Crispy Chicken Tacos filled with golden fried chicken, purple cabbage slaw, and drizzled with creamy Garlic Lime Sauce.
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Make flavorful, crispy chicken tacos using an air fryer or oven method, topped with a bright, zesty garlic lime sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking/air frying)
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Toppings: shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken coating: In one shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a second shallow dish, place the buttermilk.
  2. Dredge the chicken pieces first in the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to help it adhere.
  3. Choose your cooking method for crispiness:
  4. Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray or toss with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Cook in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Oven Baked Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
  6. Make the Garlic Lime Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, and cilantro in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
  7. Warm the tortillas according to package directions (briefly heating in a dry skillet or microwave works well).
  8. Assemble the tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with the crispy chicken pieces. Drizzle generously with the Garlic Lime Sauce. Top with cabbage, cheese, and jalapeños if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, you can substitute half the flour with fine breadcrumbs or panko in the coating mixture.
  • Make the Garlic Lime Sauce up to one day ahead; store it covered in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/crispy-chicken-tacos-with-garlic-lime-sauce/