Crispy Chicken Tacos with Spicy Taco Sauce and Pico de Gallo

Crispy Chicken Tacos with Spicy Taco Sauce and Pico de Gallo are a fresh and flavorful take on taco night. Juicy chicken wrapped in a crunchy shell, drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce, and topped with bright, zesty pico de gallo creates the ultimate balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these tacos are quick to make and guaranteed to satisfy every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Juicy – Golden chicken adds crunch with tender meat inside.
Bold & Spicy – Taco sauce brings a creamy, flavorful heat.
Fresh & Zesty – Pico de gallo adds brightness and balance.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tacos:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 8 taco shells (hard or soft, as preferred)
• Oil for frying or baking

For the Spicy Taco Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp lime juice

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup diced onion
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Set up a breading station with flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; beaten eggs; and a breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Dip chicken strips in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs to coat.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Fry chicken in hot oil (350°F/175°C) for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until crispy.
3. Make the Spicy Taco Sauce
   In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, chili powder, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust spice level to taste.
4. Prepare Pico de Gallo
   Combine diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
5. Assemble the Tacos
   Place crispy chicken in taco shells, drizzle with spicy taco sauce, and top with fresh pico de gallo. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Keep Chicken Crispy – Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, to prevent sogginess.
• Adjust Heat – Add more or less hot sauce in the taco sauce to suit your spice preference.
• Make Pico Fresh – Prepare just before serving for the brightest flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The crunchy chicken provides hearty texture, the spicy taco sauce adds creamy heat, and the pico de gallo brings freshness and acidity. Together, they create a perfectly balanced taco that’s satisfying and bursting with flavor.

Crispy Chicken Tacos with Spicy Taco Sauce and Pico de Gallo are a fun, flavor-packed way to elevate taco night. With juicy chicken, bold sauce, and fresh toppings, these tacos are quick, easy, and sure to become a new favorite.