Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos a fusion of crispy chicken and bold Asian flavors, these Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos bring a delicious twist to taco night. The juicy, savory chicken is coated in a flavorful sauce, paired with a fresh slaw, and served in a crispy taco shell for the perfect balance of texture and taste.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how these tacos combine the best of both worlds—crunchy, satisfying taco shells with the bold, umami-packed flavors of Asian cuisine. The mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger adds depth, while the slaw brings a fresh crunch. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb chicken breast, cut into small strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
8 small crunchy taco shells
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Lime wedges for garnish
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Stir well.
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro to create a fresh slaw.
Assemble the tacos by filling each crunchy taco shell with a spoonful of the chicken mixture. Add a generous amount of slaw on top.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 275 kcal per serving
Variations
Make it spicier – Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
Use a different protein – Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even crispy pork.
Soft tacos option – Use small flour tortillas instead of crunchy taco shells for a different texture.
Extra crunch – Add crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips as a topping.
Gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free taco shells.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep leftover chicken and slaw in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store taco shells in a dry place.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Assemble tacos fresh before serving to keep the shells crispy.
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FAQs
How can I make these tacos vegetarian?
I replace the chicken with crispy tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?
I cook the chicken and make the slaw in advance, but I assemble the tacos right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
What can I serve with these tacos?
I like pairing them with a side of edamame, cucumber salad, or even a simple miso soup for a complete meal.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of crunchy taco shells?
Yes, I sometimes use small flour tortillas if I want a softer texture. Warm them slightly before assembling.
How do I keep taco shells from getting soggy?
I recommend adding the chicken to the tacos right before serving and keeping the slaw separate until ready to eat.
Conclusion
These Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings excitement to any meal. The combination of crispy shells, juicy chicken, and refreshing slaw makes every bite irresistible. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a fusion of crispy chicken and bold Asian flavors with these Crunchy Asian-Style Chicken Tacos. Juicy, savory chicken is tossed in a flavorful sauce, paired with a refreshing slaw, and served in crispy taco shells for the perfect balance of crunch and taste. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken breast, cut into small strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For the Slaw:
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
For Assembly:
8 small crunchy taco shells
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Stir well.
- Sauce the Chicken: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Make the Slaw: In a separate bowl, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each crunchy taco shell with the chicken mixture, top with slaw, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or crispy pork instead of chicken.
Soft Taco Option: Substitute crunchy shells with small flour tortillas.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free taco shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Tacos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 275 kcal per serving
