Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Smash Tacos
These Hot Honey Chicken Smash Tacos are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, featuring crispy chicken topped with a homemade hot honey sauce.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for frying
- 1 mixing bowl for dredging
- 1 whisk for sauce
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Taco Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips. In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken strips ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Combine honey, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently while stirring until combined. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken strips in batches until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Serving
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet. Place crispy chicken on each tortilla, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and add toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and queso fresco.
- Serve the tacos immediately while the chicken is still crispy. Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures.
Storage
- Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in an oven to retain crispiness.
Notes
Pro Tips: Double dredge chicken for extra crispiness. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour and tortillas for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve: Best served immediately with fresh toppings.
Storage & Freshness: Keep chicken and sauce separate for storage.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare sauce in advance and store in the fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour and tortillas for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve: Best served immediately with fresh toppings.
Storage & Freshness: Keep chicken and sauce separate for storage.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare sauce in advance and store in the fridge.