The Tipsy Chick Taco from Torchy's Tacos features tender fried chicken tossed in a bold, spicy tequila-lime sauce, topped with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and crunchy pickled jalapenos, all nestled in a warm, soft corn tortilla for a zesty and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Avocado slicer or spoon
- Citrus juicer (for lime)
- Serving tongs or spoon (for toppings)
- Tortilla warmer or skillet
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
- 4-6 corn tortillas
Using fresh chicken breast ensures tender meat that absorbs the spicy tequila-lime sauce well. Ensure your buttermilk is fresh to help tenderize the chicken and create a crisp coating when combined with the seasoned flour mix. Fresh lime juice is essential for achieving the bright, tangy flavor that balances the heat from the cayenne and hot sauce. Ripe avocado adds creaminess, while pickled jalapenos provide a crunchy, tangy contrast to the bold, zesty flavor profile. Your homemade Tipsy Chick Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu will deliver an authentic and satisfying taste experience.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breast into strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and sliced chicken; marinate 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Heat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge marinated chicken strips in seasoned flour.
- Fry chicken strips in batches until golden and cooked through; drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine tequila, lime juice, honey, hot sauce, and butter over medium heat; whisk and cook until slightly thickened.
- Toss hot fried chicken in tequila-lime sauce in a bowl.
- Slice avocado; chop cilantro.
- Warm corn tortillas in a skillet or tortilla warmer.
- Assemble tacos: place sauced chicken on tortillas, top with avocado, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
When recreating the Tipsy Chick Taco from Torchy's Tacos copycat menu, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts to achieve juicier fried chicken. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, use whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity needed for tenderizing. In case tequila is unavailable, a splash of white rum or extra lime juice can maintain the sauce's bright flavor profile. Fresh jalapenos can replace pickled jalapenos if you prefer less tang and more heat, adjusting quantity to your taste preference. Your avocado can be gently mashed or sliced depending on texture preference to complement the taco's rich and spicy elements.
Tips
Ensure your vegetable oil reaches a steady 350degF (175degC) before frying the chicken to guarantee a crispy crust without sogginess. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor; don't skip this step. When tossing chicken in the tequila-lime sauce, do so while the chicken is hot to allow better absorption of the bold, spicy flavors. Warm your corn tortillas just before assembling to keep them soft and pliable, preventing cracks while folding your tacos.
Nutritions
The Tipsy Chick Taco offers a satisfying combination of protein and healthy fats, with tender fried chicken providing essential amino acids and avocado contributing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The bold tequila-lime sauce adds flavor without significant calories, while pickled jalapenos supply a low-calorie boost of vitamins A and C. Corn tortillas serve as a gluten-free source of carbohydrates and fiber, supporting digestive health. Your meal delivers balanced macronutrients and micronutrients, perfect for a flavorful yet nutritious taco experience.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken and tortillas separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and freshness. Keep the avocado unassembled and sliced fresh before serving, as it browns quickly when exposed to air. Your tequila-lime sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to three days, allowing you to quickly reheat and toss with chicken for future meals.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breast for thigh meat to achieve a juicier, more flavorful filling. Try grilling the chicken instead of frying for a lighter, smoky variation that pairs well with the tequila-lime sauce. Substitute pickled jalapenos with fresh sliced serranos or roasted poblanos to add a different spicy kick. For a creamier texture, blend avocado into a quick guacamole instead of slicing it directly on the tacos.
Allergies
The Tipsy Chick Taco contains common allergens such as dairy from buttermilk and unsalted butter, and gluten from all-purpose flour. If you have allergies to chicken, peppers, or avocado, be cautious as these ingredients are prominent in the recipe. Your risk of allergic reaction may increase if you are sensitive to spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper used in the seasoning.
Why this recipe?
Tipsy Chick Taco from Torchy's Tacos features crispy chicken tossed in a bold combination of tequila-lime sauce and creamy avocado ranch, delivering a unique balance of tangy and savory flavors. The use of fresh ingredients, such as shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese, adds a vibrant texture and freshness that excites your taste buds. Its distinctive taste and crunchy yet creamy texture make it a standout item worth replicating at home for an authentic, restaurant-quality experience. You'll enjoy recreating this crowd favorite that combines zesty, creamy, and crispy elements in every bite.