Crispy Chicken Tacos

These Crispy Chicken Tacos are a mouthwatering treat that combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy cream cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro, all wrapped in a crispy, pan-fried corn tortilla. Perfect for taco night, these tacos are quick to assemble, yet full of vibrant flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Chicken Tacos have everything you love about tacos—crispy tortillas, juicy seasoned chicken, and melty cheese, but with an extra creamy kick from the cream cheese. The slow cooker makes cooking the chicken easy and hands-off, so you can enjoy delicious, tender chicken with minimal effort. The crispy, golden corn tortillas add a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken filling. These tacos are perfect for a fun weeknight meal or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast

• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 store-bought packet)

• 16-ounce jar of chunky salsa

• 3 ounces cream cheese

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• 12 corn tortillas

• 3 cups shredded cheese

• Cooking oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and salsa in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

2. Shred the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using a fork. Add the cream cheese and chopped cilantro to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined and creamy.

3. Fry the Tortillas:

Heat a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn tortillas one at a time and cook until they start to crisp up. Flip the tortillas and add a little more oil if needed to ensure both sides crisp evenly.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded cheese and shredded chicken to the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over and cook for another 30 seconds, or until crispy. Flip and cook the other side until the tacos reach your desired crispiness.

5. Keep Warm:

Remove the tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil or place them in the oven set to 200°F to keep warm while you cook the rest of the tacos.

6. Serve:

Serve your crispy chicken tacos with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or extra cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 3 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for some added heat.

• Cheese Options: Use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cotija cheese, for a different flavor profile.

• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken filling in the microwave or stovetop, and use fresh tortillas to assemble the tacos again for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well and add a bit more flavor and moisture to the tacos. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before shredding.

2. Can I prepare the chicken filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

3. Can I make these tacos with flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas give them a traditional crispy texture that is a key part of the recipe.

4. Can I make these tacos in the oven?

You can bake the filled tacos in the oven by placing them on a baking sheet and baking at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.

5. How can I make the chicken filling spicier?

For a spicier filling, increase the amount of taco seasoning or add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.

6. Can I freeze the chicken mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked and shredded chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

7. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure the tortillas are fried until crispy and drain any excess oil on a paper towel after frying.

8. Can I use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just shred the chicken and mix with the salsa, taco seasoning, and cream cheese as instructed.

9. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese or experiment with a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso blanco.

10. How can I serve these tacos for a crowd?

To serve these tacos for a larger group, keep the cooked chicken mixture warm in a slow cooker or on the stove while you fry the tortillas. Serve the tortillas, chicken, and toppings in separate bowls, and let everyone assemble their own tacos.

Conclusion

These Crispy Chicken Tacos are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for taco night. With creamy, seasoned chicken, crispy tortillas, and melty cheese, every bite is a delicious treat. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone!

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