Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tacos

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tacos combine crunchy fried chicken with a sticky sweet-and-spicy honey drizzle.

A cool cabbage slaw balances the heat, while fresh lime and cilantro keep the tacos bright and fresh. They make a fun dinner for taco night and can also be served as party food.

You can fry the chicken for maximum crunch or use an air fryer for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ pounds chicken, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

Hot Honey

• ⅓ cup honey
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Slaw

• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Pinch of salt

For Serving

• 8 small tortillas
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeño, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken strips in buttermilk.

Let them sit for 20–30 minutes if possible.

2. Make the Coating

Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder and salt.

Remove chicken from the buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.

3. Fry

Heat oil in a deep skillet.

Cook the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through.

Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make Hot Honey

Warm honey, hot sauce and red pepper flakes over low heat for about one minute.

5. Make the Slaw

Mix cabbage, mayonnaise, lime juice and salt.

6. Assemble

Warm the tortillas.

Add cabbage slaw followed by crispy chicken.

Drizzle generously with hot honey.

Finish with cilantro, lime and optional jalapeño.

Tips

Cornstarch helps make the chicken coating extra crispy.

Don’t overcrowd the frying pan because it lowers the oil temperature.

Drizzle hot honey on the chicken just before serving so it stays crispy.

Storage

Store chicken separately from the tortillas and slaw.

Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness.

FAQ

Can I air fry the chicken?

Yes. Spray the coated chicken lightly with oil and air fry until crispy and fully cooked.

Can I make it less spicy?

Use less hot sauce or replace hot honey with regular honey.

Can I use flour tortillas?

Yes. Both flour and corn tortillas work.