The Best Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe with Zesty Ranch

Crispy street corn tacos feature a mouthwatering blend of fried chicken that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle with smoky bacon bits, creating a flavor explosion.

Jalapeño lime ranch adds a zesty kick to each delectable bite.

Crunchy chicken pieces nestle perfectly inside warm tortillas, promising a culinary adventure.

Southwest-inspired ingredients come together in a simple yet remarkable dish.

Mexican street food meets comfort cooking in this irresistible recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these incredible tacos.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch: Why It Works

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic goulash delivers pure, hearty satisfaction with its rich beef flavor and nostalgic home-cooked appeal that reminds you of family dinners.
• Quick Kitchen Hero: One-pot meal saves precious time and minimizes cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without complicated preparation.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Familiar ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese create a meal that children adore, making dinnertime smooth and stress-free for parents who want guaranteed smiles around the table.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Affordable ingredients combine to produce a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

What You Need For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Chicken Strips: Tender pieces of chicken that will be the protein base of the tacos.
• Buttermilk: A tangy marinade that helps tenderize and flavor the chicken.

• Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: A spicy and flavorful mixture that creates a crispy exterior for the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to golden brown perfection.

• Roasted Corn: Sweet and charred corn that adds texture and flavor to the tacos.
• Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that provides a salty and tangy element.
• Mayonnaise, Lime Juice, Chili Powder, Cilantro: Ingredients that create a creamy and zesty street corn topping.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the ranch sauce.
• Lime Juice, Jalapeno, Cilantro: Ingredients that add bright and spicy flavors to the ranch.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the sauce.

• Tortillas: The base for holding all the delicious ingredients.
• Bacon, Red Onion: Additional toppings that provide crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Garnishes that add freshness and brightness to the tacos.

Making Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Submerge chicken strips in buttermilk and let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating

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

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 3: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect frying environment for crispy chicken.

Step 4: Fry Chicken Strips

Coat each buttermilk-soaked chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture.

Carefully lower into hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare Street Corn Mixture

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

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Craft Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lime juice
• Diced jalapeno
• Chopped cilantro
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 7: Warm Tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over an open flame until slightly charred and pliable.

Step 8: Assemble Tacos

Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken strips.

Step 9: Add Toppings

Generously sprinkle street corn mixture over chicken.

• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped red onion

Step 10: Finish And Garnish

Drizzle jalapeno lime ranch over tacos. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 11: Serve

Present tacos with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Pro Secrets For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure tender, juicy meat that absorbs maximum flavor.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help flour mixture adhere better and create extra crispy coating.
• Substitute corn tortillas with gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining authentic street taco texture.
• Balance heat in jalapeno lime ranch by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for spice lovers.

Flavor Boosts For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Grilled Chicken Fiesta: Replace fried chicken with grilled chicken marinated in Mexican spices for a healthier option with smoky flavor.
• Shrimp Street Corn Tacos: Swap chicken for succulent shrimp, keeping the crispy coating and zesty ranch sauce.
• Vegetarian Corn Tacos: Use crispy cauliflower or jackfruit instead of chicken, maintaining the street corn and spicy ranch elements.
• Pulled Pork Street Corn Edition: Substitute fried chicken with tender pulled pork, preserving the vibrant corn and ranch components.

Pairing Suggestions For Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Spicy Fiesta Party Platter
• Arrange tacos on a large wooden board with extra lime wedges and cilantro sprigs. Create a colorful spread that invites guests to grab and enjoy. Add small bowls of extra jalapeno lime ranch and street corn mixture for dipping and topping.
• Picnic Perfect Taco Box
• Pack individual tacos in separate compartments of a bento-style container. Wrap components separately to keep crispy chicken and tortillas fresh. Include a small sealed container of ranch for on-the-go deliciousness.
• Taco Bar Celebration
• Set up a DIY taco station with warm tortillas, fried chicken, street corn mixture, bacon bits, and ranch on the side. Let everyone build their perfect taco creation. Add fun toppings like diced avocado or extra cheese for more variety.
• Mexican Street Food Style

How To Keep Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch Fresh

• Store leftover fried chicken tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate wet and dry components to prevent soggy tortillas.
• Keep ranch sauce, corn mixture, and fried chicken in different sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
• Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Freeze individual components separately. Chicken and corn mixture can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reassembling tacos.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for chicken marination?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful. The acidity breaks down proteins, resulting in a softer, more delicious fried chicken.

• What's the purpose of dredging chicken in seasoned flour?

Dredging creates a crispy, flavorful coating that seals in moisture and gives the chicken a golden-brown exterior. The mix of spices adds depth and complexity to the chicken’s taste.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil is exactly 350F (175C). If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and browns within 60 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

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

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets crispy fried chicken in these loaded tacos, combining spicy jalapeño lime ranch with smoky bacon. Grilled corn, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create an irresistible fusion you’ll crave on lazy summer evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 6 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup corn kernels (grilled or roasted)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh cilantro for garnish
• lime wedges for serving
• vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Create a zesty seasoning blend by combining flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
3. Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil, heating to 350F for optimal frying temperature.
4. Thoroughly coat each buttermilk-soaked chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Carefully lower chicken into hot oil, frying until exterior turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Transfer fried chicken to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining crispiness.
7. Create street corn mixture by blending roasted corn kernels with creamy mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, tangy lime juice, zesty chili powder, and fresh cilantro.
8. Craft jalapeno lime ranch by whisking sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
9. Warm tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet to enhance their flexibility and flavor.
10. Assemble tacos by placing crispy fried chicken inside each tortilla.
11. Layer with vibrant street corn mixture, sprinkle crumbled bacon, and add chopped red onion for additional texture.
12. Generously drizzle jalapeno lime ranch over the filling and garnish with fresh cilantro.
13. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer in buttermilk for extra tenderness and deeper flavor penetration.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of crispy fried chicken.
• Adjust spice levels in flour coating and ranch by reducing or eliminating cayenne and jalapeño for milder taste preferences.
• Consider air frying chicken for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, maintaining similar crispy texture with less oil.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg