Golden Crispy Hot Honey Smash Chicken Tacos
These Crispy Hot Honey Smash Chicken Tacos combine the crunch of fried chicken with the sweet heat of hot honey, creating the ultimate easy taco dinner.
Equipment
- 1 frying pan deep enough for frying
- 1 thermometer for oil temperature
- 1 mixing bowl large
Ingredients
Chicken and Batter
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
Taco Assembly
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado sliced
- Cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine chicken strips with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes. Warm over low heat until well combined and slightly reduced.
Serving
- Warm tortillas. Place crispy chicken pieces on each, drizzle with hot honey glaze, and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Storage
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
Notes
Pro Tips: Monitor your oil temperature closely for the best frying results.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results.
How to Serve: Best served immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the chicken.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results.
How to Serve: Best served immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the chicken.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time.