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Tacos hold a special place in culinary traditions across the globe, transcending borders and cultures with their versatility and appeal. From the bustling streets of Mexico to gourmet restaurants worldwide, tacos have become a beloved dish that invites creativity and flavor. Whether filled with seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, or inventive toppings, tacos offer an endless canvas for culinary expression. Among the many variations, Zesty Crispy Chicken Fajita Tacos stand out as a delightful twist that combines crispy chicken with vibrant fajita-style vegetables, creating a dish that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor.

Crispy Chicken Fajita Tacos

Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Crispy Chicken Fajita Tacos, a creative take on a beloved classic. These tacos feature crispy, marinated chicken paired with sautéed bell peppers and onions, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Easy to make, they’re ideal for quick dinners or parties. Add your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa, and enjoy a vibrant taco experience that will impress family and friends alike. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos bring joy to your table!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup panko bread crumbs

Vegetable or canola oil for frying

For the Fajita Vegetables:

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 medium onion, sliced into thin rings

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime (approximately 1 tablespoon)

For Assembly:

8 small flour or corn tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips for quick cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine the spices uniformly.

      - Submerge the chicken strips in buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to develop flavor and tenderness.

        Coat the Chicken:

          - Once marinated, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each strip in the spice mixture, making sure to pat it on well. Next, coat the chicken in panko bread crumbs, pressing slightly to adhere them.

            Fry the Chicken:

              - In a large, deep skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the coated chicken strips in the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

                - Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

                  Sauté the Fajita Vegetables:

                    - In another skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

                      - Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and start to caramelize slightly. Finish by squeezing lime juice over the veggies and toss everything to mix well.

                        Warm the Tortillas:

                          - To warm the tortillas, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat for about 20-30 seconds on each side until they become warm and pliable.

                            Assemble the Tacos:

                              - Take a tortilla and layer it with a generous amount of shredded lettuce, followed by a few crispy chicken strips, sautéed fajita vegetables, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. Top off with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

                                - Garnish each taco with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

                                  Serve:

                                    - Serve your zesty crispy chicken fajita tacos immediately, accompanied by lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy zing!

                                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings