Description
These crispy Cajun chicken tacos feature tender bite-size chicken coated in a crunchy Cajun-spiced breadcrumb crust, air fried or baked until golden and crisp. Each warm tortilla is layered with creamy lime-mashed avocado, shredded iceberg lettuce, and a zesty lime yogurt sauce for a fresh, high-contrast bite in every taco. This quick dinner comes together in about 20 minutes and delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and high protein without deep frying.
Ingredients
Crispy Cajun Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups cornflake-style breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Zesty Lime Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Tacos:
6 small tortillas, warmed
1 avocado, mashed with the juice of 1 lime
2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk and mix well to coat every piece. Let sit while you prepare the coating.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornflake-style breadcrumbs, flour, Cajun seasoning, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
3. Lift each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere. Arrange on an air fryer rack in a single layer.
4. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden, crisp, and cooked through, flipping once if needed.
5. For the oven method, arrange the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until crisp and fully cooked.
6. Meanwhile, make the zesty lime sauce by blending the Greek yogurt, lime zest and juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
7. Mash the avocado with the juice of 1 lime and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.
8. Warm the tortillas, then spread each one with a layer of lime mashed avocado. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and a few pieces of crispy Cajun chicken.
9. Drizzle generously with the lime yogurt sauce, add any extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For best texture, serve the chicken as soon as it comes out of the air fryer or oven so the coating stays extra crisp.
If you need to reheat the chicken, use the air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes to restore crunch instead of microwaving.
Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning, or by choosing a milder blend if serving to kids.
Use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference; lightly toasting them in a dry skillet adds extra flavor and flexibility.
Leftover lime yogurt sauce is excellent as a dip for veggies, drizzled over grain bowls, or served with grilled proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Air fry or bake
- Cuisine: American