Kids Chicken Taco Recipe
crisp tenders, queso blanco, tater tots, cheese blend
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Ingredients
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Chicken Tenders
Queso Blanco
Tots & Cheese
Assembly & Garnish
Method
Chicken Tenders
- 1
Prepare chicken
Trim any fat from chicken breasts and cut into 4–6 kid-size strips (about 1/2–3/4 inch thick). Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Set up breading station
Place flour in a shallow bowl and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika. In a second bowl whisk the egg and milk until combined. Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl and stir in remaining 1/4 tsp paprika.
- 3
Bread the tenders
Dredge each chicken strip first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in egg mixture, then press into breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place coated strips on a tray while heating oil.
- 4
Cook the tenders
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 325–350°F if using a thermometer). Fry chicken strips in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4–6 minutes total depending on thickness. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and season lightly with salt. Alternatively, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through for a lower-oil option.
Queso Blanco
- 5
Make a slurry
In a small bowl whisk cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of the milk to make a smooth slurry.
- 6
Melt cheese
In a small saucepan over low heat melt butter. Add remaining milk and warm until it begins to steam but not boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, then gradually add torn or grated white American/Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and melted. If sauce is too thick, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more milk. Season with 1/4 tsp salt. Keep warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally.
Tots & Cheese
- 7
Cook tater tots
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to package directions at 400–425°F for 18–25 minutes until crispy, turning once halfway through. For an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Remove when golden and hot.
- 8
Add cheese
While tots are hot, sprinkle shredded cheddar/Monterey Jack blend over the tots so it melts from residual heat, or briefly return to the oven (2–3 minutes) to melt the cheese.
Assembly & Garnish
- 9
- 10
Assemble tacos
Place 1 warm tortilla on a plate. Add a few pieces of shredded lettuce (about 2 tablespoons), 1–2 crisp chicken tenders (depending on size), and drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of queso blanco over the chicken. Fold or roll the tortilla to make a small taco. Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken.
- 11