Name: Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup buttermilk; Vegetable oil, for frying; 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn); 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (optional, for topping); 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste; 8 small flour or corn tortillas; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Lime wedges, for serving

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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when crispy, golden fried chicken meets smoky, cheesy street corn, Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos is the answer—and trust me, it’s magic. These tacos are a complete flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for more with every bite. Crispy fried chicken, tender corn, creamy sauces, and just the right amount of spice—this dish is the perfect mix of comfort food and street food flair.

The crispy fried chicken gives these tacos the crunch you crave, while the street corn, with its smoky and creamy layers, brings a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the heat from the hot sauce and the savory flavor of the chicken. Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday, a casual weekend dinner, or a fun family night, these tacos are guaranteed to impress. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll never look at a taco the same way again. Get ready for taco bliss.

Why You’ll Love Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Here’s why this dish is going to steal the show:

Crispy and Flavorful: The fried chicken is crunchy, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s seasoned to perfection and gives each taco the ultimate texture contrast.

Sweet and Smoky Street Corn: Grilled or roasted corn is smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce with smoky flavors from chili powder and the char of the grill. It’s a flavor-packed side that takes these tacos to the next level.

Cheese and Spice: The creamy cotija cheese adds a touch of saltiness, and the drizzle of hot sauce gives a little heat that balances out the richness of the corn and chicken.

Perfect for Sharing: These tacos are easy to make in batches, making them perfect for parties, get-togethers, or a fun family dinner.

Customizable: You can make these tacos as spicy or mild as you want. Add a squeeze of lime for some zesty freshness or throw in some jalapeños for an extra kick!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these crispy, creamy tacos to life:

Fried Chicken: You can use store-bought fried chicken or make your own with chicken tenders or boneless thighs. If you’re frying your own, make sure to season the chicken well for extra flavor.

Corn on the Cob: Street corn wouldn’t be street corn without fresh corn on the cob, grilled or roasted to perfection.

Taco Shells: Soft flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells—your choice! Both will be the perfect vehicle to carry all that fried chicken and street corn goodness.

Cotija Cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that adds the perfect finishing touch to your street corn. It’s a must-have for that authentic street corn flavor.

Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the sauce that coats the corn. It’s a key ingredient in traditional Mexican street corn and helps the seasonings stick to the kernels.

Sour Cream: Adds richness and balances out the heat from the chili powder and hot sauce in the corn sauce.

Chili Powder: This brings that smoky, spicy kick to the street corn. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika.

Lime: A squeeze of lime adds a fresh, zesty brightness to the tacos, and it’s the perfect complement to the rich, creamy corn.

Hot Sauce: For drizzling over the tacos to add some heat and a little extra flavor.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for garnish, bringing a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to put these beautiful tacos together:

Step 1: Prepare the Street Corn

Start by grilling or roasting the corn on the cob. You can do this on an outdoor grill or in the oven. If using a grill, cook the corn over medium-high heat, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes. If using the oven, roast the corn at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Corn Sauce

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. You can adjust the spice level here by adding more chili powder or hot sauce, depending on how much heat you want in your tacos.

Step 3: Assemble the Street Corn

Toss the cut corn kernels in the mayo-sour cream sauce until the corn is evenly coated. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and a little extra chili powder for that smoky flavor. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Fried Chicken

If you’re using pre-cooked fried chicken, warm it up in the oven or on the stovetop until crispy and heated through. If you’re making your own, fry the chicken until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. You can use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless thighs for a tender bite.

Once the chicken is cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces or strips to fit in your tacos.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas or taco shells in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Start by placing a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture onto each tortilla. Top with a handful of crispy fried chicken pieces. Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese, drizzle with hot sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime on top will give everything a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tacos immediately while everything is warm and crispy! You can serve them with extra lime wedges, hot sauce, and maybe even some chopped jalapeños if you like a little more heat.

How to Serve Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

These tacos are hearty and flavorful on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, try these delicious sides:

Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy, seasoned Mexican rice is the perfect accompaniment to balance out the richness of the tacos.

Black Beans: Black beans cooked with a little garlic, cumin, and lime are a great side to add some fiber and freshness.

Guacamole and Chips: Fresh guacamole made with ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, and a pinch of salt makes a fantastic dip for your chips or a side to serve with your tacos.

Salsa Verde: A tangy, green salsa made with tomatillos, cilantro, and lime is a fresh and vibrant addition to these tacos.

Additional Tips

Grilled Corn Tip: If you don’t have a grill, you can achieve a similar charred flavor by using a grill pan on the stovetop or by broiling the corn in the oven. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Make it Spicy: If you like things spicy, add some chopped jalapeños to the corn mixture or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper over the fried chicken for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the street corn and fry the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to assemble the tacos.
For Extra Crunch: Add some crushed tortilla chips to the tacos for an extra layer of crunch. They’ll complement the crispy chicken and make the texture even better!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
A1: While fresh or grilled corn gives the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn as a substitute. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly to get a nice, charred flavor, either in a pan or under the broiler.

Q2: Can I use a different protein?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the fried chicken with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The street corn pairs well with just about anything!

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: The corn and chicken can both be prepared ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve. Just warm everything up before assembling.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in separate airtight containers for up to 2-3 days. The corn can be kept in the fridge, and the fried chicken can be reheated in the oven to maintain its crispy texture.

Q5: Can I use a different cheese instead of cotija?
A5: Yes! If you can’t find cotija, you can use feta cheese or even parmesan as a substitute. Cotija has a crumbly, salty texture, but any salty cheese will work.

Q6: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A6: Absolutely! You can swap the fried chicken for crispy battered cauliflower, grilled portobello mushrooms, or black beans for a vegetarian version.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are a showstopper, combining everything you love about comfort food with bold, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re making them for yourself or feeding a crowd, these tacos will definitely be the star of the meal! Enjoy!