Zesty Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

Crispy street corn tacos blend the irresistible crunch of fried chicken with zesty jalapeno lime ranch in a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired fusion.

corn kernels dance with smoky spices, promising a flavor explosion that breaks traditional taco boundaries.

Layers of bold ingredients create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between creamy ranch and spicy jalapeños.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside charred corn, wrapped in warm tortillas.

Unexpected combinations spark culinary excitement and challenge ordinary meal expectations.

You’ll want to dive into this recipe that reimagines classic comfort food with a daring twist.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco’s Bold Taste

• Simplify Dinner Prep: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy textures, zesty Italian seasonings, and tender chicken, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe flexible and adaptable for different dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, this pasta dish comes together fast, perfect for hectic evenings when time is limited.

Ingredients That Build Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat marinated in buttermilk for extra flavor and juiciness.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy and golden exterior for the fried chicken.
• Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly sweet color and mild spice to the coating.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth and aromatic seasoning to the chicken.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a spicy kick to the coating.

• Cooking Oil: Used for achieving a crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior.

• Grilled Corn: Serves as the base for a creamy and flavorful corn mixture.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Combine to create a rich and tangy corn sauce.
• Cotija Cheese: Adds a salty and crumbly texture to the corn mixture.
• Chili Powder: Provides a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• Cilantro: Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note to the corn.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and balances the creamy corn mixture.

• Jalapeno, Lime, Ranch Sauce Ingredients: Will be blended to create a spicy and tangy sauce.

• Tortillas: Serves as the foundation for assembling the tacos.

Stepwise Guide To Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Step 1: Kickstart the Chicken Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in chicken strips. Pour buttermilk over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes, allowing the buttermilk to work its tenderizing magic.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until you have a perfectly seasoned coating that will make your chicken irresistibly crunchy.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pull chicken strips from the marinade and generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

Carefully place chicken into the hot oil and fry until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside is fully cooked. Transfer fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Whip Up the Street Corn Mixture

• Grilled corn kernels
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice

Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, zesty street corn topping that bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Blend the Jalapeno Lime Ranch Sauce

Toss all sauce ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth and well combined.

Taste and adjust salt as needed to create a tangy, spicy ranch that will elevate your tacos.

Step 6: Assemble Your Flavor-Packed Tacos

Warm tortillas until they’re soft and pliable.

Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken, generous spoonfuls of street corn mixture, and any additional toppings you desire. Finish by drizzling the jalapeno lime ranch sauce over the top for an explosion of flavors.

Cooking Tips For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor infusion and tenderness.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without soggy breading.
• Choose fresh corn on the cob for authentic street corn texture and vibrant taste.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spice level, making it family-friendly or extra hot.
• Let fried chicken rest on wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottom.

Flavor Variations For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Crispy Chicken Corn Quesadillas: Transform the tacos into crispy quesadillas by layering the fried chicken, street corn, and cheese between tortillas, then grilling until golden and melty.
• Spicy Chicken Corn Salad Bowl: Deconstruct the taco by serving the fried chicken and street corn over a bed of mixed greens, topped with jalapeno lime ranch dressing.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Street Corn Tacos: Coat the fried chicken in a spicy cayenne-based hot sauce for a fiery version of the original recipe, maintaining the street corn and ranch elements.
• Grilled Chicken Street Corn Taco Nachos: Chop the fried chicken, spread over tortilla chips, top with street corn mixture, and drizzle with jalapeno lime ranch for a shareable appetizer.

Complementary Dishes For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Street Taco Party Platter: Arrange tacos on a large wooden board with scattered cilantro, lime wedges, and extra cotija cheese. Create a vibrant display that invites guests to grab and enjoy the colorful mix of textures and flavors.
• Backyard Picnic Style: Pack tacos in individual wax paper wraps with sauce on the side. Add crisp pickled vegetables and cold Mexican beer for a casual outdoor dining experience that captures street food excitement.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform recipe into bite-sized mini tacos perfect for sharing. Serve on a large tray with multiple sauce options and colorful garnishes that make watching sports more delicious and interactive.

Proper Storage Of Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between chicken pieces to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. Keeps frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Transfer jalapeno lime ranch sauce to a sealed glass jar. Refrigerate for 5-7 days. Stir before using as separation may occur naturally.
• Keep street corn mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for best flavor and texture. Stir gently before serving to redistribute ingredients.

FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful while ensuring a juicier result when fried.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in the coating?

You can replace paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or use gluten-free flour if needed. The key is maintaining a balance of spices for a crispy, well-seasoned coating.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The heat comes from cayenne pepper in the coating and jalapeños in the ranch sauce. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or eliminating cayenne and removing jalapeño seeds.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican street corn meets crispy Southern fried chicken in this taco sensation. Jalapeño lime ranch adds zesty complexity, creating a perfect fusion of regional flavors that will satisfy hungry palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or charred)
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 1 small jalapeno (chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste
• Small flour or corn tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado slices

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken strips in a buttermilk bath seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing flavors to penetrate for minimum 30 minutes in refrigerator.
2. Create a flavor-packed coating by whisking together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Heat cooking oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed skillet, ensuring medium-high temperature for optimal crispiness.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, thoroughly coat each piece in seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Carefully lower coated chicken into hot oil, frying 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer crispy chicken to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
7. Char grilled corn kernels in a skillet or grill, then mix with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice.
8. Blend jalapeño, ranch dressing, lime juice, and herbs until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
9. Warm tortillas briefly on skillet to enhance flexibility and flavor.
10. Construct tacos by layering crisp fried chicken, vibrant street corn mixture, and generously drizzling jalapeño lime ranch sauce.

Notes

• Perfectly tenderize chicken by marinating in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, which helps break down proteins and ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and crispier chicken coating, maintaining a consistent oil temperature around 350°F for golden-brown results.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper in the coating or removing jalapeno seeds for a milder ranch sauce, catering to different spice tolerances.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the crispy texture intact for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg