These Cheesy Crispy Tacos with Chicken and Spicy Pickle Sauce are loaded with melty cheese, juicy shredded chicken, and a bold, tangy pickle sauce. Crispy, savory, and a little spicy, they’re an easy weeknight dinner or game-day favorite.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings (2 tacos per person)
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Fusion
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
8 small flour or corn tortillas
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for crisping)
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
2 tbsp pickle brine
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1–2 tsp hot sauce (e.g., sriracha)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pickle brine, chopped pickles, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle cheese over one half. Add a layer of shredded chicken on top of the cheese.
Once the cheese begins to melt, fold the tortilla in half and press gently. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese, and chicken.
Spread or drizzle spicy pickle sauce over each taco.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
For a spicier version, add jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the pickle sauce.
Use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Bake the tacos at 400°F for 10-12 minutes as a lower-oil alternative.
Best served fresh; store the sauce separately and reheat tacos in a skillet or air fryer.