Copycat Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco Recipe

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Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco has been a game-changer for me and countless taco lovers. It’s the ideal mix of comfort and flavor, all wrapped up in one handheld delight. But here’s the thing: what if I told you that you could recreate this iconic taco in your own kitchen?

How to make a Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco

Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco is a fast-food taco made with a strip of all-white-meat chicken that’s marinated in jalapeño-buttermilk, coated in a crunchy tortilla-chip and breadcrumb crust, and fried until crispy.

Ingredients

• Chicken strips: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or tenders).
• 1 cup buttermilk (for a juicy, tender texture).
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• ½ teaspoon cumin.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your spice tolerance).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (finely crushed for maximum crunch).
• ½ cup all-purpose flour.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness).
• 4 tablespoons Taco Bell’s signature Creamy Jalapeño Sauce (or substitute with sour cream + 2 teaspoons jalapeño hot sauce).
• Optional: Frank’s RedHot Diablo Sauce for an extra fiery kick.
• ½ cup shredded lettuce.
• ½ cup purple cabbage (optional, for authenticity and crunch).
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• Diced tomatoes (optional).
• 4 soft flour tortillas (medium-sized).

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips into the marinade and ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor).

2. Prepare the Crunchy Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs (if using), and flour. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Dip each strip in the crunchy coating, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat (about 2 inches deep). Once the oil is hot (350°F/175°C), carefully place the coated chicken strips into the oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Place finished chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–20 seconds to make them soft and pliable.

6. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a thin layer of Creamy Jalapeño Sauce (or substitute) onto the tortilla. Add a crispy chicken strip right in the center. Top with shredded lettuce, purple cabbage, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes (if desired). Drizzle with additional sauce if you’re feeling bold, and fold the taco in half.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and dig into this homemade version of the Taco Bell classic!

Tips for Success

• Get the Crunch Just Right: Crushing the tortilla chips finely is key for that perfect crisp coating. Use a food processor or seal them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
• Skip the Fryer?: For a healthier version, bake the coated chicken strips in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, use an air fryer for 12–15 minutes at the same temperature.
• Double Down on Sauce: The sauce is a big flavor driver! If you’re making your own Creamy Jalapeño Sauce, blend sour cream, mayo, pickled jalapeños, and a dash of hot sauce for the perfect balance.
• Experiment with Toppings: While Taco Bell keeps it simple, feel free to add guacamole, pico de gallo, or a little dollop of refried beans to make the Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco feel extra personalized.
• Make Them Spicier: Not spicy enough? You can coat your chicken with a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle a bit of Diablo Sauce on the assembled Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco.

What to serve with

Now that you’ve perfected your homemade Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Tacos, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this crunchy, spicy, and flavorful dish! Pairing them with the right sides and drinks will elevate your meal into a true feast.

A. Mexican Rice

Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, Mexican-style rice is a perfect side dish that complements Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco beautifully.

How to make quick Mexican rice:

• Sauté minced garlic and onion in oil until fragrant.
• Add basmati or long-grain white rice and lightly toast.
• Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder.
• Simmer until the liquid is absorbed, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
• Serve a warm scoop alongside your tacos for a satisfying, hearty meal.

B. Refried Beans

Refried beans are a classic Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco side, offering creamy and smoky flavors that pair amazingly with crispy chicken.

Quick tip: You can elevate canned refried beans by heating them with a splash of milk or broth, stirring until smooth—season with garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.

Serve with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh cilantro for extra flair.

C. Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican street corn is a fan favorite for its sweet, smoky, and creamy flavor profile.

How to prepare: Grill or roast corn on the cob, slather with mayo or sour cream, sprinkle with cotija cheese, paprika or chili powder, and finish with a drizzle of lime juice.

You can also make Elote Cups by cutting off the kernels and assembling the ingredients into a bowl for a mess-free side.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you’re eager to make Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Tacos but find yourself missing some ingredients—or simply want to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences—you’re in luck!

1. Substitutes for Chicken

The star of the dish is the crispy chicken strips, but there are plenty of alternatives depending on your needs.

A. Vegetarian or Vegan Alternatives

Not a fan of chicken? You can replicate its crispy texture using plant-based substitutes:

• Tofu: Firm tofu can be sliced into strips, marinated, and coated in a crunchy batter just like chicken. Be sure to press excess liquid out of the tofu before marinating. Use plant-based milk for the marinade.
• Tempeh: For a nutty flavor, use tempeh as your protein base.
• Plant-Based Chicken: Use vegan chicken substitutes like Beyond Meat tenders, MorningStar Farms strips, or Gardein chicken products to make it a plant-based taco without compromising on texture.

B. Seafood Substitution

For a twist, substitute chicken with crispy shrimp or fish strips for tacos reminiscent of Baja-style seafood. Coat shrimp or fish in the same crunchy batter and fry until golden.

C. Other Protein Options

If you don’t have chicken strips, you can substitute:

• Turkey or Pork tenderloin: Slice into slender strips and prepare them the same way.
• Cauliflower: Roast or batter-and-fry cauliflower florets as a veggie-forward alternative.

2. Substitutes for Buttermilk (Marinade)

Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the chicken and lending it a subtle tang, but it can easily be replaced:

• Milk + Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
• Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream: Thin it out with water to create the same consistency as buttermilk.
• Plant-Based Buttermilk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar as a vegan buttermilk alternative.

3. Substitutes for Paprika and Chili Powder

Paprika and chili powder are critical for seasoning the marinade and creating bold flavors, but if you’re out of these spices:

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth instead of regular paprika.
• Cayenne Pepper: Use sparingly for heat; mix with garlic powder for balance.
• Chipotle Powder: For some extra smokiness.
• Cumin + Coriander: Together, these create earthy, warm flavors that complement tacos beautifully.

4. Substitutes for Tortilla Chips (Crunchy Coating)

The crushed tortilla chips provide that signature crunch in the coating, but here are alternatives:

• Cornflakes: Crush plain unsweetened cornflakes to mimic the texture of tortilla chips.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or seasoned breadcrumbs for additional flavor.
• Potato Chips: Crushed potato chips can work as a flavorful replacement when you’re out of tortilla chips.
• Pretzels or Crackers: Crush them finely for a unique texture.

5. Substitutes for Flour (Crunchy Coating)

If you’re avoiding wheat or don’t have flour on hand:

• Almond Flour: Great option for gluten-free diets.
• Cornstarch or Potato Starch: For extra crispiness.
• Chickpea Flour or Rice Flour: Works well for gluten-free and vegan alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blends: Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

6. Substitutes for Taco Bell’s Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

This sauce is the flavor bomb that brings everything together—its creamy and spicy profile is unforgettable. However, you can replicate it or choose substitutes:

• DIY Creamy Jalapeño Sauce: Blend sour cream or mayonnaise with pickled jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spice level to your liking. To make it vegan, use plant-based yogurt or mayo.
• Ranch Dressing + Sriracha: Combine ranch dressing with a dash of sriracha or hot sauce for a similar flavor.
• Avocado Cream: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil for a creamy, slightly tangy replacement.

7. Substitutes for Tortillas

If you’re avoiding flour tortillas or just want to add a creative twist:

• Corn Tortillas: Adds an authentic Mexican flair and are naturally gluten-free.
• Whole Wheat Tortillas: A healthier alternative to traditional flour tortillas.
• Lettuce Wraps: Perfect for a low-carb option—use crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves.
• Non-Traditional Wraps: Try naan bread or pita for a more fusion-inspired take.

8. Substitutes for Shredded Lettuce and Cabbage

Lettuce and purple cabbage bring crunch and freshness to the taco, but you can replace them with:

• Baby Spinach: For a slightly heartier and nutritious green.
• Shredded Kale: Massage kale with olive oil and a dash of salt to soften it.
• Arugula: Bitter and peppery tones can add depth.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds crunch and sweetness to balance the spice of the taco.

9. Substitutes for Cheddar Cheese

If you’re out of shredded cheddar or want different options:

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Prepackaged blends that include a mix of Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and cheddar are easy replacements.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a spicy kick.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly and salty, this Mexican cheese is an authentic option.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Use a plant-based shredded cheese, like Daiya or Violife, for a vegan-friendly alternative.

10. Substitutes for Oil (For Frying)

If you’re cooking the chicken but don’t have cooking oil:

• Avocado Oil: A healthy oil with a high smoke point.
• Canola Oil: A neutral flavor that’s perfect for frying.
• Vegetable Oil: Works well in place of other oils.
• Air Frying: Skip the oil altogether and cook your chicken strips in an air fryer for a healthier, crispy texture. Spray lightly with olive oil for optimal crunch.

11. Substitutes for Spicy Toppings

If you don’t have Taco Bell’s Diablo sauce or want milder/spicier options:

• Hot Sauce: Brands like Cholula, Tabasco, or Sriracha can replicate spicy hints.
• Chipotle Mayo: Mix mayo with chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky kick.
• Fresh Salsa: A chunky homemade salsa can add heat and freshness.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Taco at home is the perfect way to enjoy fast food goodness with a personal twist.

More Taco Bell Recipes:

• Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Strips Recipe
• Flamin’ Hot Grilled Cheese Burrito Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Choco Taco Recipe