Zesty Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe with Bacon Ranch

Crispy street corn tacos featuring fried chicken dance with bold, unexpected flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

bacon adds a smoky crunch to each delectable bite.

Jalapeño lime ranch brings a zesty kick that perfectly balances the rich, golden chicken.

corn tortillas become the ultimate canvas for this mouthwatering creation.

Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in a symphony of textures and heat.

Layers of savory, spicy, and creamy elements promise a culinary adventure you won’t forget.

Dive into this recipe and experience a street food sensation that breaks all the rules.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The jalapeno lime ranch adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or using fewer peppers.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

• What's the best way to keep the chicken crispy?

Pat chicken dry before frying, use high oil temperature, and drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness.

• How do I prevent soggy tacos?

Warm tortillas briefly and add ingredients just before serving to keep the tacos crisp and fresh.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon & Jalapeño Ranch

• Flavor Explosion: Combines crispy fried chicken, zesty street corn, and spicy ranch for a mouthwatering taste adventure that hits every flavor note.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual dinners where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt toppings and spice levels to suit different preferences, making it a flexible meal for picky eaters and spice lovers alike.
• Textural Harmony: Offers a delightful mix of crunchy chicken, creamy ranch, crisp bacon, and tender corn that creates an exciting eating experience.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Chicken: Crispy golden protein that forms the base of the taco filling.

• Corn: Fresh grilled street corn that adds sweet and charred flavor.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that provides a salty and tangy element.
• Bacon: Crispy and savory meat that adds a rich, smoky crunch.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbaceous notes to the taco.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy base for the spicy and zesty jalapeno lime sauce.
• Jalapenos: Spicy peppers that add heat and complexity to the ranch.
• Lime Juice: Citrusy ingredient that provides a tangy brightness to multiple components.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wrapper that holds all the delicious ingredients.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus garnish that adds a final tangy accent.

Stepwise Guide to Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Step 1: Craft Golden Crispy Chicken

Select chicken pieces and coat with seasoned flour mixture. Heat oil in a deep skillet until shimmering hot.

Carefully lower chicken into oil, cooking until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches safe levels. Remove chicken and let drain on wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Step 2: Char Delicious Street Corn

Place corn directly on grill or stovetop flame. Rotate kernels until blackened spots appear across surface.

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Zesty lime juice
• Chili powder
• Salt

Step 3: Render Crispy Bacon Bits

Cook bacon slices in skillet until edges curl and become dark brown.

Transfer to paper towel and crumble into small pieces once cooled.

Step 4: Whip Spicy Ranch Sauce

• Finely diced fresh jalapenos
• Lime zest
• Squeezed lime juice
• Chopped cilantro

Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

Warm tortillas on griddle. Layer each tortilla with crispy chicken, street corn mixture, crumbled bacon.

Drizzle jalapeno lime ranch generously. Garnish with extra cilantro.

Step 6: Serve With Zesty Flourish

Plate tacos immediately. Add fresh lime wedges on side.

Enjoy while hot and crispy.

Helpful Advice for Crispy Chicken Tacos

• Swap chicken for tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms to create a vegetarian-friendly version of these mouthwatering tacos.
• Bake bacon instead of frying to reduce excess oil and achieve a crispy texture with less mess in the kitchen.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity in the ranch dressing to control spice levels, perfect for those who prefer mild or extra-hot flavors.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make assembling tacos quick and effortless.
• Store leftover components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy tortillas when reheating.

Flavor Twists for Street Corn Tacos

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat tortillas with corn tortillas, use gluten-free flour for chicken breading, ensuring safe meal for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap fried chicken with crispy cauliflower or tofu, maintain same seasoning and cooking technique for plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Southern Style: Use buttermilk-marinated chicken, add cayenne pepper to breading mix, create extra heat and southern-inspired flavor profile.
• Lighter Ranch Option: Substitute traditional ranch with Greek yogurt-based dressing, reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture and tangy taste.

Serving Compliments for Fried Chicken Tacos

• Fiesta Fusion Feast: Layer these tacos on a colorful platter with extra lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a stunning presentation that screams street food excitement.
• Backyard Barbecue Spread: Pair these tacos with grilled Mexican street corn, cold cerveza, and a zesty avocado salad for a complete summer meal that will impress friends and family.
• Picnic Party Platter: Slice tacos in half, arrange on a large wooden board with additional toppings like diced onions and extra ranch, creating a shareable, interactive dining experience that encourages communal eating.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform the recipe into mini taco bites by using smaller tortillas, perfect for sports viewing parties where guests can easily grab and enjoy without missing a play.

Storage Tips for Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Refrigerate leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate wet ingredients like ranch and corn from tortillas to keep them from getting soggy during storage.
• Remove bacon and cilantro before refrigerating to preserve their crispy texture and vibrant flavor.
• Wrap individual components separately to maintain their original taste and quality.

Crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Zesty Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets crispy fried chicken in these irresistible tacos, blending smoky bacon and zesty jalapeño lime ranch. Layers of bold flavors and textures create a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups fried chicken strips or bites
• 4 ears street corn
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese
• 4 slices crispy bacon
• 6 corn or flour tortillas

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno

Sauce and Optional Toppings:

• 1/2 cup jalapeno lime ranch dressing
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Crisp the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, maintaining an internal temperature of 165°F, then let it rest on a wire rack.
2. Char corn kernels on a grill or skillet until lightly blackened, creating smoky flavor and caramelized edges.
3. Combine grilled corn with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime zest, and a sprinkle of chili powder, mixing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and deep brown, then drain on paper towels and roughly chop into small pieces.
5. Pulse ranch dressing with fresh jalapeños, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a blender until smooth and vibrant green.
6. Warm corn tortillas directly on stovetop flame or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side to enhance flexibility and flavor.
7. Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken, topped with the zesty street corn mixture and crumbled bacon bits.
8. Drizzle jalapeño lime ranch generously over the filled tacos, ensuring even coverage.
9. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a wedge of lime for bright, citrusy notes.
10. Serve immediately while ingredients are warm and tortillas remain soft and pliable.

Notes

• Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu to create a vegetarian version that’s equally mouthwatering and satisfying.
• Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without losing any flavor intensity.
• Reduce spiciness by removing jalapeno seeds or substitute with milder green chiles for those who prefer less heat while maintaining zesty complexity.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time like pre-cooking bacon and chopping cilantro to streamline the assembly process and make cooking faster and more enjoyable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg