Crispy Chicken Tacos in 20 Minutes | Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipe

Make these Crispy Chicken Tacos loaded with juicy marinated chicken, fresh pico de gallo, and a creamy spicy taco sauce! These homemade tacos are easy, flavorful, and perfect for taco night, meal prep, or parties.

In this video, I’ll show you step-by-step how to cook crispy chicken thighs, mix a bright and zesty pico de gallo, and whip up a smooth, spicy taco sauce that takes these tacos to the next level.

Whether you love Mexican-inspired recipes or quick & delicious weeknight meals, this recipe will be your new favorite! 🌮🔥

Ingredients

For the Chicken
• 2 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic
• 3 tbsp oil (plus more for cooking)

For the Pico de Gallo
• 1 onion, finely chopped and rinsed
• 1 tomato, finely diced
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Spicy Taco Sauce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or yougurt
• 2–3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, minced garlic, and 3 tbsp oil.
2. Mix well and let marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil.
4. Add the chicken and cook until browned and crispy on the edges, stirring occasionally (about 10–12 minutes).
5. Once cooked, set aside.

2. Make the Pico de Gallo
1. Combine onion, tomato, cilantro, lemon/lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Mix and refrigerate until needed.

3. Make the Spicy Taco Sauce
1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
2. Add 2–3 tbsp water to loosen the sauce to drizzle consistency.
3. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

4. Assemble the Tacos
1. Warm tortillas on a skillet or over an open flame.
2. Add a scoop of crispy chicken to each tortilla.
3. Spoon pico de gallo on top.
4. Drizzle generously with the spicy taco sauce.
5. Serve immediately.

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