Meals · High Protein
Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Tacos (49g Protein)
These spicy chicken tacos pack 48 grams of protein and 589 calories per serving. Crispy air-fried chicken breast gets tossed in a cayenne-honey glaze and served with cool pickled cucumbers and tangy yogurt drizzle.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 49 g
- Calories
- 619
- Carbs
- 53 g
- Fat
- 24 g
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient data and may vary by brand or preparation method. This information is for general reference only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chicken breast — boneless, skinless
- 4 small whole wheat tortillas — 6-inch
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp sriracha — divided
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 medium cucumber — thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion — thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cups romaine lettuce — shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Steps
- Make quick pickles: Toss cucumber and red onion slices with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Set aside while you prep the chicken.
- Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breast into 1-inch strips. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season and bread: Mix paprika, garlic powder, half the cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Toss chicken in the spice mix, then coat lightly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Air-fry the chicken: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange chicken in a single layer, spray lightly with oil. Cook 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal).
- Make the hot honey glaze: While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha, remaining cayenne, and a splash of the pickle liquid.
- Make the yogurt drizzle: Mix Greek yogurt with remaining sriracha and a squeeze of the pickle liquid.
- Toss and serve: Toss hot chicken in the glaze. Warm tortillas, then fill with shredded romaine, glazed chicken, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of spicy yogurt sauce.
Why This Works
Air-frying the chicken strips at 400°F creates a crispy exterior without deep-frying, cutting fat significantly while preserving that satisfying crunch Nashville hot chicken is known for. At 8 ounces of chicken breast, you're getting 48 grams of protein per serving. The cayenne-honey glaze goes on after cooking. Traditional Nashville hot chicken is dipped in spiced oil, but this lighter method brushes the glaze on, delivering the same sweet-heat punch with less added fat. Quick-pickled cucumbers and yogurt drizzle provide essential cooling contrast.
Dial the Heat
Nashville hot ranges from 'mild' to 'shut the cluck up.' This recipe sits at medium heat. For milder, reduce cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon in the glaze and skip it in the breading. For extra heat, add 1/4 teaspoon ground ghost pepper to the glaze, or drizzle with additional sriracha. The honey tempers the burn. If you want pure fire, reduce honey to 1 teaspoon.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Quick pickles keep refrigerated for up to 1 week and improve after the first day. The yogurt drizzle stores for 5 days. For meal prep, bread the chicken strips and refrigerate raw for up to 24 hours before air-frying. Cooked chicken is best fresh. The coating loses crispness when stored. If you must reheat, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunch. These spicy tacos deliver authentic Nashville-style heat.
Sources Research-Backed
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tortillas work best for Nashville hot chicken tacos?
Use 6-inch street taco-sized corn or flour tortillas. Larger tortillas make the filling ratio feel sparse. Corn tortillas add authentic texture and hold up to the honey glaze; flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. Warm them on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Can I bake Nashville hot chicken instead of air frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The rack allows air circulation for crispiness. Results won't be quite as crispy as air frying, but the flavor is the same. Brush with hot honey glaze after baking.
What pickles pair best with Nashville hot chicken?
Bread-and-butter pickles are traditional. Their sweetness balances the heat. Dill pickles work if you prefer tangy over sweet. For tacos, quick-pickled cucumbers (as in this recipe) add freshness. The acidity is key. It cuts through the richness and cools the burn.
