The Crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

Crispy, golden street corn tacos with jalapeño lime ranch deliver a flavor explosion that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Mexican street food inspires this incredible fusion dish, blending crunchy textures with zesty seasonings.

Unexpected combinations elevate this recipe beyond ordinary taco expectations.

Juicy fried chicken pieces nestle alongside charred corn kernels, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Spicy jalapeño ranch sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that complements the savory chicken perfectly.

Bold ingredients transform simple ingredients into a culinary adventure you won’t forget.

Dive into this recipe and prepare for a taste sensation that’ll become your new obsession.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch Highlights

• Crush Bold Flavors: Dive into a taste explosion where crispy fried chicken meets zesty street corn and spicy ranch, creating a mouthwatering fusion that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Master Quick Assembly: Prepare components in advance and bring together these tacos in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Customize Your Kick: Adjust jalapeno levels in the ranch and play with toppings to match your personal spice tolerance, making this recipe adaptable for everyone's palate.
• Celebrate Tex-Mex Magic: Blend Southern fried chicken techniques with Mexican street corn traditions for a cross-cultural culinary experience that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides the primary protein and flavor base for the fried chicken taco.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy marinade for added moisture.

• All-Purpose Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Create a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying the chicken to golden perfection.

• Grilled Corn: Adds a smoky sweetness and texture to the taco filling.
• Mayonnaise, Cotija Cheese, Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Cilantro: Combine to create a creamy, tangy, and flavorful street corn mixture.

• Ranch Dressing, Jalapeno, Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Blend to create a spicy and zesty sauce that complements the fried chicken.

• Tortillas, Avocado, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Provide additional flavor, freshness, and garnish for the tacos.

How to Make Jalapeno Lime Ranch Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Submerge chicken thighs in buttermilk and let them soak for half an hour. This helps tenderize the meat and create a delicious base for crispy coating.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• Flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a seasoned coating that will make your chicken irresistibly crunchy.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk and generously dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

Make sure every inch is well-coated. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches 350°F.

Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then slice into strips.

Step 4: Prepare Street Corn Mixture

• Grilled corn kernels
• Mayonnaise
• Cotija cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Chili powder
• Chopped cilantro

Stir everything together until the corn is evenly coated with a creamy, tangy mixture.

Step 5: Whip Up Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Ranch dressing
• Finely minced jalapeno
• Lime juice
• Lime zest

Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a zesty and spicy sauce.

Step 6: Warm and Assemble Tacos

Heat tortillas on a skillet until they’re soft and pliable. Layer each tortilla with crispy chicken strips, then top with a generous scoop of street corn mixture.

Drizzle the jalapeno lime ranch sauce over the top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Add final touches with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add extra flavor depth.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, ensuring crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help flour mixture stick better and create a crunchier coating.
• Allow fried chicken to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
• Grill corn beforehand for enhanced smoky flavor in street corn mixture, adding complexity to the overall taco taste.

Flavor Variations on Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Vegetarian Corn Tacos: Replace fried chicken with crispy tofu or grilled jackfruit, seasoned with similar spices for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend and corn tortillas, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Swap chicken with blackened shrimp or grilled fish, maintaining the zesty jalapeno lime ranch and street corn elements.
• Low-Carb Corn Wrap: Serve ingredients in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the vibrant flavor profile intact.

Pairings that Complement Fried Chicken Tacos

• Fiesta Platter Party: Create a vibrant spread with additional taco components like pickled onions, sliced radishes, and extra cotija cheese for guests to customize their tacos.
• Picnic Perfect Wrap: Pack these tacos in foil for a delicious portable meal that maintains crispy chicken and fresh corn texture during outdoor adventures.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare components separately and let friends build their own tacos, transforming the recipe into an interactive and fun dining experience.
• Brunch Twist: Serve these tacos with a fried egg on top and a side of fresh mimosas for a weekend morning celebration that elevates the classic taco.

Storage Recommendations for Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Refrigerate leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days, separating wet ingredients to prevent soggy tortillas.
• Remove street corn and ranch separately to maintain crispiness of fried chicken and tortillas.
• Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave to prevent sogginess.
• Store jalapeno lime ranch and street corn in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping ingredients fresh and preventing cross-contamination.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful. It also helps the flour coating stick better, creating a crispier exterior.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, reduce or remove the jalapeno from the ranch and use less chili powder in the street corn. You can also remove jalapeno seeds to lower the heat level.

• What if I don't have cotija cheese?

Substitute with feta cheese or queso fresco. These cheeses have similar crumbly textures and tangy flavors that work well in street corn.

Crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets crispy fried chicken in this flavor-packed taco that blends spicy, creamy, and crunchy textures. Jalapeño lime ranch sauce elevates each bite, creating a mouthwatering fusion of street food favorites you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Street Corn Components:

• 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or sauteed)
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Components:

• 1 jalapeno (seeded and minced)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Oil for frying

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Extra cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken thighs in buttermilk and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Create a seasoned coating by blending flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
4. Heat cooking oil to precisely 350F (175C) in a heavy-bottomed skillet, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
5. Carefully lower breaded chicken into hot oil, frying until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Transfer fried chicken to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then slice into manageable strips for taco assembly.
7. Char grilled corn kernels, then combine with creamy mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro in a vibrant mixture.
8. Craft spicy ranch by whisking together classic ranch dressing with finely minced jalapeno, zesty lime juice, and fragrant lime zest.
9. Gently warm tortillas on a hot skillet until pliable and slightly charred.
10. Layer tacos with crispy chicken strips, generously top with street corn mixture, and drizzle with zesty jalapeno lime ranch.
11. Finish with optional garnishes of fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and bright lime wedges. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 350F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken without greasy texture.
• Grill corn beforehand for deeper smoky flavor, or use fresh or frozen corn as a convenient alternative.
• Control heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds or adding more for extra kick in the ranch sauce.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg