Description

Craving something crispy, creamy, and handheld? These Fried Chicken Caesar Salad Tacos are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and freshness. Imagine crunchy, golden fried chicken strips nestled inside soft taco shells, topped with crisp romaine, zesty Caesar dressing, and shavings of parmesan. It’s the best of a classic Caesar salad and crispy chicken tacos—wrapped into one irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
½ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with water)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Caesar Salad Topping:

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
¼ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

For Assembly:

8 small soft taco tortillas (flour or corn)
Extra grated or shaved parmesan (for topping)
Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, crouton crumbs, sliced avocado

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken strips in a bowl with buttermilk.
Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
This helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
Place coated chicken on a plate.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
Fry chicken strips in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss the Caesar Salad
In a bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese.
Season with cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or warm on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Lay warm tortillas on a serving plate.
Add a few pieces of fried chicken to each.
Top with a generous scoop of Caesar salad.
Garnish with extra parmesan, black pepper, or any optional toppings.

Notes

Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and breading for an extra crispy layer.
Use Fresh Romaine – Crisp lettuce holds up better in tacos than bagged mixes.
Make it Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a kick.
Healthier Option – Bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.
Make-Ahead – Prep the chicken and salad separately and assemble just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion