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Crispy Spicy Chicken Tacos with Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

Crispy Spicy Chicken Tacos with Creamy Jalapeño Sauce
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Crispy Spicy Chicken Tacos with Creamy Jalapeño Sauce offer a bold flavor explosion combining perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken strips with a luscious, slightly spicy jalapeño sauce. This quick and simple recipe balances heat, creaminess, and zest, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs – 1 lb (about 450 g), sliced into strips
  • Flour – 1 cup (120 g)
  • Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Cumin – 1 tsp
  • Garlic powder – 1 tsp
  • Chili powder – 1 tsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp, divided
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp, divided
  • Vegetable oil – 1 cup (for frying)

Sauce

  • Fresh jalapeños – 2 medium, stemmed (adjust seeds to heat preference)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt – ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Lime juice – 1 tbsp
  • Fresh cilantro – 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Salt – pinch

Toppings and Assembly

  • Taco shells or soft tortillas – 8 shells or tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce – 1 cup
  • Diced tomatoes – 1 cup
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) – 1 cup
  • Fresh cilantro – for garnish
  • Lime wedges – for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Slice chicken into strips and pat dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, half the salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken strips in the seasoned flour mixture, evenly coating each piece.
  2. Make the creamy jalapeño sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh jalapeños (adjust seeds to desired heat), sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or creaminess by adding more jalapeño or sour cream as preferred.
  3. Fry the chicken strips: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, fry the coated chicken strips in batches, cooking about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy throughout. Drain cooked chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Assemble the tacos: Warm the taco shells or tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Layer each shell with shredded lettuce, then add the crispy chicken strips, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a generous drizzle of the creamy jalapeño sauce.
  5. Garnish and serve: Top each taco with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Use fresh jalapeños for vibrant, clean heat in the sauce rather than jarred peppers.
  • Maintain medium-high oil temperature to avoid greasy chicken and achieve a perfect golden crust.
  • Warm tortillas or shells before assembling to prevent cracking.
  • Taste the sauce before adding all jalapeños to control spice levels.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken tacos, crispy chicken tacos, jalapeño sauce, creamy sauce, Mexican tacos, quick tacos, weeknight dinner, festive meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/crispy-spicy-chicken-tacos-with-creamy-jalapeo-sauce/