These crispy chicken tacos are one of those golden recipes I keep coming back to. They’re quick, flavorful, and totally customizable—perfect for feeding both picky toddlers and hungry adults without making multiple meals. The chicken gets crispy in the air fryer in under 15 minutes, and the coleslaw adds a creamy crunch that makes each bite feel a little more special than your average weeknight dinner. I like to serve them deconstructed for my kids.

Why Crispy Chicken Tacos are a Great Kid-Friendly Meal

Fast & Low Effort – From start to finish, this one takes about 15 minutes. That’s a huge win when you’ve got kids tugging at your shirt or a clock ticking toward bedtime.

Easy to Customize – Tacos are the ultimate mix-and-match meal. Keep things simple for picky eaters by serving the components separately—maybe just the chicken and tortilla on one plate, and slaw in a small bowl for dipping.

Soft, Crunchy, and Fun – The chicken turns out crispy on the outside and tender inside, and the creamy coleslaw gives a refreshing balance. It’s a fun texture combo that even cautious eaters tend to enjoy.

Protein + Veggies in One Meal – Between the seasoned chicken and the cabbage-based slaw, this recipe checks both the protein and veggie boxes with very little effort.

Great Leftovers – If you happen to have extras, they reheat well the next day. The chicken is especially good tossed into a wrap or rice bowl for a quick lunch.

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Ingredients

2 lbs Chicken breast, chopped into small pieces

Seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano)

A bag of coleslaw mix

Mayo, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar for the dressing

Corn or flour tortillas

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How to Make these Homemade Chicken Tacos

For the Chicken:

1. Chop 2 lbs of chicken breast into small pieces.

2. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp oregano. Add the chicken and stir until fully coated.

3. Air fry at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.​

For the Coleslaw:

1. In a bowl, mix ¼ cup mayo, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tsp sugar to create the dressing.

2. Add a bag of coleslaw mix to the dressing, using as much slaw and dressing as desired.

To Assemble:

1. Warm several corn or flour tortillas.

2. Fill each with crispy chicken and coleslaw.

3. Serve and enjoy!

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What to Serve With These Tacos (Toddler-Friendly)

Make taco night easy and fun for little ones with these simple sides:

• Soft avocado slices or a small scoop of guacamole or sour cream– creamy and full of healthy fats.
• Mini rice balls made from plain or lightly seasoned rice.
• Steamed corn kernels (cut off the cob) for a sweet, safe veggie side.
• Black beans, mashed slightly for easier scooping and chewing.
• Fruit chunks like banana, watermelon, or mango for a naturally sweet finish.

Everything is soft, mild, and easy for small hands to handle, and they taste great with these Crispy Chicken Tacos!

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Substitutions

Chicken: Swap chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. You can also swap for pulled-pork or any other meat that your kiddos will eat.

Tortillas: You can use either corn or flour tortillas, or make it low-carb with lettuce wraps.

Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage and carrots work just as well if you don’t have a premade mix.

Dressing: Greek yogurt can replace mayo for a lighter option; lime juice can sub for lemon juice.

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Storing Extra Chicken Tacos

Store leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the coleslaw separate to maintain its crunch. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. Warm tortillas separately in a dry skillet or microwave for 20–30 seconds.

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Common questions

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

• Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure any seasoning blends or sauces used are also gluten-free.

Can I make these tacos dairy-free?

• Yes! Substitute the mayo in the coleslaw with a dairy-free version (like vegan mayo) or use Greek yogurt if you prefer a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

How do I make these chicken tacos more suitable for younger toddlers?

• You can cut the chicken into smaller pieces or make sure the seasoning is mild. I like to serve them deconstructed for my kids. Skip any spicy toppings.

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More Easy Dinner Recipes for Kids

Sheet Pan Fajitas – These easy sheet pan chicken fajitas feature juicy chicken, bell peppers, and onions roasted to perfection—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas – These air fryer chicken fajitas are fast, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes. A perfect healthy family meal with tender chicken and crisp veggies—great for busy weeknights.

Veggie Orzo – This easy veggie orzo recipe is a cozy, toddler-approved side dish packed with soft vegetables and tiny pasta. Great for picky eaters and quick lunches.

Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – These cheesy broccoli pinwheels are flaky, fun, and kid-friendly. Made with puff pastry, melty cheese, and broccoli, they’re perfect for toddler snacks, lunchboxes, or party appetizers.

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If you make these Crispy Chicken Tacos, I’d love to see how they turn out! Tag me on Instagram @reallittlemeals—seeing your creations always makes my day!