Hot Honey Chicken Tacos

Hot Honey Chicken Tacos are the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, spicy, and tangy. Juicy fried chicken bites are drizzled with fiery hot honey and topped with a refreshing slaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas for an irresistible weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold sweet-heat flavor with satisfying crunch
• Easy to prep yet impressive to serve
• Family-friendly and customizable spice level
• Perfect for casual dinners or taco nights

Ingredients

Crispy Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Hot Honey

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

Tangy Slaw

• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Combine chicken with buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Mix cabbage, carrots, onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until needed.
3. Warm honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and salt over low heat for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
4. Dredge marinated chicken in flour, then coat with panko.
5. Fry chicken at 180°C (350°F) until golden and cooked through.
6. Assemble Hot Honey Chicken Tacos with chicken, slaw, hot honey drizzle, cilantro, and lime.

Tips & Tricks

• Use corn tortillas for a more authentic texture
• Air-fry chicken for a lighter option
• Add extra hot sauce for more heat

Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Easy Weeknight Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
• Difficulty: Medium
• Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly

Notes

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter slaw
• Serve with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños

Nutrition (Approximate)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 22g

FAQ

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–22 minutes, flipping once.

Is hot honey very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust heat easily.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Slaw and hot honey can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead.

What tortillas work best?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well.

Storage

• Fridge: Store chicken and slaw separately up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze fried chicken up to 2 months
• Reheat: Oven or air fryer for best texture

Similar Recipes

• Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken
• Korean Avocado (Mayak Avocado)
• Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Smoked Gouda Cheese

Conclusion

These Hot Honey Chicken Tacos bring together crunch, heat, sweetness, and freshness in every bite. They’re simple enough for weeknights yet bold enough to impress, making them a guaranteed taco night favorite.