Southern Crispy Chicken Tacos with Spicy Jalapeño Sauce
Dive into a fusion of Southern comfort and Mexican flair with these Southern Crispy Chicken Tacos. Exquisite tender chicken tenders are marinated in a rich blend of milk and egg, then battered in a seasoned flour mix that ensures a crispy, golden finish. Wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla, every bite carries a satisfying crunch complemented by a kick from the zesty Jalapeño-Lime Mayonnaise. Topped with fresh, vibrant lettuce and juicy tomatoes, these tacos are perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. This recipe brings the heart of Southern cooking straight to your taco night, promising unforgettable flavors that will leave your guests asking for more.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg
1 (large)
Whole Milk
2 (cups)
Chicken Tenders
2 (lbs)
Seasoned Flour
1 (recipe (2 cups, details in instructions))
Iceberg Lettuce
1/2 (head, shredded)
Tomatoes
3 - 4 (medium, chopped)
Vegetable Oil
as needed (for frying)
Flour Tortillas
16 ((6 inch))
Mayonnaise
2 (cups)
Lime Juice
1/4 (cup)
Jalapeño
1 (roasted, stemmed and deseeded (optional))
Salt
1 (pinch)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the Seasoned Flour Coating. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a container. Mix well and set aside. Note that this mixture can be stored for up to 3 months.
2
2. For the Jalapeño-Lime Mayonnaise, blend together 2 cups mayonnaise, 1/4 cup lime juice, the roasted jalapeño, and a pinch of salt in a blender. Puree to a smooth consistency, taste, and adjust the seasonings. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
3
3. In three separate bowls, prepare for the taco assembly. In the first bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 cups whole milk, then add 2 lbs of chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, preferably overnight for best flavor.
4
4. Fill the second bowl with the seasoned flour mixture. In the third bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
5
5. In a Dutch oven or deep pot, heat vegetable oil up to 350 degrees F to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and line a baking sheet with paper towels.
6
6. Remove several chicken tenders from the milk mixture, dredge them in the seasoned flour, gently shaking off the excess. Carefully place into the hot oil and fry for 6 to 8 minutes, turning as necessary, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer fried chicken to the prepared baking sheet to drain and keep warm in the oven while frying remaining pieces, ensuring oil temperature returns to 350 degrees F.
7
7. To prepare the tortillas, heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Warm each tortilla for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until slightly charred and pliable.
8
8. Assemble the tacos by placing 2 crispy chicken tenders in the center of each warm tortilla. Top with 1 tablespoon of the Jalapeño-Lime Mayonnaise, followed by a generous helping of lettuce and tomatoes. Fold each taco and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
15.6g
Fat
15.6g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Crispy Chicken Tacos?
They are a fusion dish featuring chicken tenders marinated in milk and egg, fried in seasoned flour, and served in flour tortillas with jalapeño-lime mayonnaise.
How do I make the seasoned flour coating?
Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 4.5 teaspoons of ground black pepper and 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
How long can the seasoned flour mixture be stored?
The flour mixture can be stored in a container for up to 3 months.
What ingredients are in the Jalapeño-Lime Mayonnaise?
It is made by blending 2 cups of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of lime juice, one roasted jalapeño, and a pinch of salt.
How long can I keep the Jalapeño-Lime Mayonnaise?
It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
What is the recommended marinating time for the chicken?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to refrigerate the chicken tenders in the milk and egg mixture overnight.
What kind of milk should I use for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of whole milk.
At what temperature should the oil be for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 350 degrees F.
How much oil is needed in the pot?
Fill a Dutch oven or deep pot with vegetable oil to a depth of 1.5 inches.
How long does it take to fry the chicken tenders?
The tenders should be fried for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
What should I do with the chicken after frying?
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and keep it warm in a 200 degree F oven.
How do I prepare the flour tortillas?
Warm each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until charred and pliable.
How many tortillas does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 16 six-inch flour tortillas.
How do I assemble the tacos?
Place 2 chicken tenders in each tortilla, add 1 tablespoon of sauce, and top with lettuce and tomatoes.
What toppings are recommended?
The recipe suggests using shredded iceberg lettuce and chopped medium tomatoes.
How much chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of chicken tenders.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in these tacos?
There is approximately 12.5g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
The fat content is approximately 15.6g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these tacos?
There are 15.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the jalapeño be prepared in a specific way?
The jalapeño should be roasted, stemmed, and deseeded.
What type of lettuce is best?
Half a head of shredded iceberg lettuce is recommended.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe specifies vegetable oil for frying.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 3 to 4 medium tomatoes, chopped.
Is the sauce spicy?
Yes, it includes a roasted jalapeño for a zesty kick.
Can I store the chicken tenders?
The recipe is best served immediately, but tenders can be kept warm in a 200 degree F oven during assembly.
What equipment do I need for the sauce?
You will need a blender to puree the mayonnaise, lime juice, and jalapeño.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the egg in the marinade?
The egg helps the milk mixture and flour coating adhere to the chicken tenders.
What style of food is this?
This is a Southern-style take on Mexican tacos, categorized as comfort food.