Are you ready to spice up your taco night? Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos combine crunchy fried chicken with sweet corn and zesty flavors. This recipe is easy to follow and packed with taste. Whether you’re a taco lover or just want something fun, these tacos will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this delicious dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor: The combination of the street corn sauce and spices creates a burst of flavor that elevates the tacos.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
- Fun Presentation: These tacos are colorful and vibrant, making them a hit for gatherings or casual meals.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded fried chicken
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Fried chicken street corn tacos need fresh, simple ingredients. Start with cooked and shredded fried chicken. This gives the tacos their main flavor. Use four corn tortillas to hold all the tasty fillings. Fresh corn kernels add sweetness. If fresh corn is not available, canned corn works just fine.
The creamy sauce is key to the dish. Mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for a rich taste. This sauce brings the street corn flavor to life. Add salt and pepper for a little kick.
For garnish, sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or feta on top. Fresh cilantro adds brightness and color. Don’t forget lime wedges for extra zest. These ingredients make each bite a burst of flavor and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Street Corn Sauce
To make the street corn sauce, grab a bowl. Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust if needed. This sauce gives your tacos a great street corn flavor.
Cook the Corn
If you use fresh corn, take 1 cup of corn kernels. Sauté them in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. You want them to be slightly caramelized. If you use canned corn, just heat it in a pan for a few minutes. Set the corn aside when done.
Warm the Tortillas
Take 4 corn tortillas. Warm them in a skillet over medium heat. Heat each side for about 30 seconds. You want them to be soft and slightly toasted. This step helps the tortillas hold all the yummy fillings.
Assemble the Tacos
Start with one warm tortilla. Add a generous amount of cooked and shredded fried chicken, about 1/2 cup should do. Then, add a few spoonfuls of the sautéed corn on top. Drizzle your street corn sauce over everything.
Garnish and Serve
Now it’s time to make your tacos pretty. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro on top. This adds flavor and color. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Best Tortillas
For these tacos, soft corn tortillas are the best choice. They add that classic flavor and texture. Look for small, fresh tortillas at your local store. If you can, get them from a local tortilleria. They taste better and are more authentic. Warm them in a skillet for a few seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold.
Adjusting Spices for Personal Taste
You can play with the spices in this recipe. If you like heat, add more chili powder or even some cayenne. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder. Taste the sauce as you mix it. This way, you can find the right balance for your palate. Don’t hesitate to adjust the lime juice too. A little more can brighten the flavors.
Alternatives to Fried Chicken
If you want a change from fried chicken, think about using grilled chicken. It gives a smoky flavor that pairs well with the corn. You can also try shredded rotisserie chicken for ease. If you prefer a meat-free option, use grilled mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. Both options add great texture and taste.
Pro Tips
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality fried chicken for the best flavor and texture in your tacos.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Fresh Corn is Best: If possible, use fresh corn kernels for a sweeter, more vibrant taste.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Ensure the tortillas are warmed until just pliable to avoid tearing when assembling your tacos.
Variations
Vegetarian Street Corn Tacos
You can make a tasty vegetarian version. Start by swapping fried chicken for grilled veggies. Use bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Sauté them until soft and a bit charred. For the sauce, keep the street corn sauce as is. Mix it with some black beans for added protein. Top with corn kernels, queso fresco, and cilantro for a fresh bite. These tacos are colorful and fun!
Spicy Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
For a spicy kick, use spicy fried chicken. Coat the chicken with a blend of hot sauce and a bit of paprika before frying. This adds heat and flavor. Keep the street corn sauce but add more chili powder. You can even sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top. These tacos pack a punch and will wow your taste buds.
Grilled Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Grilled chicken brings a smoky flavor. Season chicken breasts with lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Grill until cooked through, then slice thinly. Use the same street corn sauce and toppings. The grilled chicken adds a nice texture. These tacos are great for summer cookouts!
Each variation offers a new twist. Enjoy exploring the flavors!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Tacos
To store leftover tacos, place them in an airtight container. Keep the tacos in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Store the chicken, corn, and sauce separately. This helps keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This helps keep them crispy. If you stored the chicken separately, heat it in the skillet first. You can also use the microwave for a quick option. Just cover the taco with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
Freezing Options
You can freeze the cooked chicken and corn separately. Place them in freezer bags. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. They will last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as needed. Avoid freezing the assembled tacos, as they do not freeze well.
FAQs
What type of chicken works best for frying?
I recommend using thighs or breasts. They stay juicy and flavorful. Thighs have more fat, which adds taste. Breasts cook faster but can dry out. Both work well in tacos.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it before cooking. Frozen corn is convenient and tasty. It also saves time. However, fresh corn gives a sweeter taste.
What’s the origin of street corn tacos?
Street corn tacos come from Mexico. They blend flavors from elote, a popular corn dish. Elote is grilled corn, topped with mayo, cheese, and spices. Tacos put a fun twist on this classic.
How do I make homemade tortillas?
Making homemade tortillas is easy! You need masa harina, water, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients until a dough forms. Shape the dough into balls. Then, press them flat and cook on a hot skillet. Enjoy fresh tortillas with your tacos!
This blog post covered tasty street corn tacos with fried chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, like fresh corn, mayo, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through making these delicious tacos. Tips for choosing the best tortillas and adjusting flavors make the dish even better.
Street corn tacos are fun and easy to make. Try the variations for new flavors. Enjoy these tasty bites with friends and famil
Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded fried chicken
- 4 pieces corn tortillas
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 0.25 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- to taste salt and pepper
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Street Corn Sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste. This sauce will give your tacos that signature street corn flavor.
- Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, sauté the corn kernels in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are slightly caramelized. If using canned corn, simply heat it in a pan for a couple of minutes. Set aside.
- Warm the Tortillas: In a separate skillet, warm the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until they become pliable and slightly toasted.
- Assemble the Tacos: Start with one tortilla, layer a generous amount of shredded fried chicken, followed by a few spoonfuls of the sautéed corn, and then drizzle over the street corn sauce you prepared earlier.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro over the top of each taco for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos before enjoying. Pair with extra lime wedges on the side for added zest.
