Zesty Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

Crispy, golden street corn taco featuring fried chicken brings a fiery twist to your dinner plate.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside perfectly seasoned poultry.

Southern-style crunch meets zesty Mexican inspiration in this mouthwatering creation.

Jalapeño lime ranch adds a creamy, tangy punch that electrifies every bite.

Each component harmonizes into a spectacular culinary experience that defies ordinary expectations.

Layered flavors promise an unforgettable meal sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible fusion of textures and tastes.

Why Street Corn Chicken Tacos Are a Hit

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this flavor-packed taco in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-style excitement at home.
• Texture Explosion: Crispy fried chicken meets creamy street corn and zesty ranch, creating an irresistible combination of crunchy, smooth, and tangy bites.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeño amount, making it adaptable for kids and heat-lovers alike. Simple ingredient swaps allow personalization.
• Impressive Party Dish: Delivers bold street food vibes that wow guests without complicated techniques, ideal for casual gatherings, game nights, or taco-themed celebrations.

Chicken Street Corn Taco Ingredient Lineup

• Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender meat that provides the main protein for the dish, choose fresh cuts with minimal fat.
• Eggs: Helps create a crispy coating for the chicken, acts as a binding agent for the flour mixture.

• Flour, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cayenne: Creates a flavorful and crispy exterior for the fried chicken, look for fresh, high-quality spices.

• Grilled Corn, Mayonnaise, Cotija Cheese, Lime Juice, Chili Powder: Provides a creamy, tangy street corn element with a spicy kick, fresh corn works best.

• Corn Tortillas, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Onions, Fresh Cilantro: Adds texture, freshness, and traditional taco elements, choose crisp vegetables.

• Ranch Dressing, Jalapenos, Fresh Lime Juice, Garlic, Dill: Creates a spicy and zesty ranch sauce with a bright flavor profile, use fresh jalapenos for maximum heat.

Street Corn Chicken Tacos Cooking Steps

Step 1: Marinate and Bread Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

Create a breading station with flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.

Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to help the breading stick.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F.

Carefully lower the breaded chicken into hot oil and fry until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Drain on wire rack or paper towels to keep crispy.

Step 3: Char and Mix Street Corn

Grill corn kernels until slightly charred.

• Charred corn
• Mayonnaise
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh lime zest
• Chopped cilantro
• Chili powder

Mix ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 4: Whip Up Spicy Ranch Sauce

• Ranch dressing
• Fresh jalapeños
• Lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Chopped dill

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Build Delicious Tacos

Warm soft corn tortillas on a griddle.

• Crisp lettuce
• Fried chicken pieces
• Street corn mixture
• Drizzle jalapeño lime ranch

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top tacos with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Street Tacos With Crunch and Spice

• Use a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasoning for extra crispy chicken that stays crunchy even after cooling.
• Maintain oil at 350°F for perfect golden-brown chicken that's crispy outside and juicy inside without absorbing excess oil.
• Char corn slightly on a grill or skillet for deeper, smoky flavor before mixing with other ingredients to enhance overall taste profile.
• Remove jalapeño seeds for milder ranch or keep them for extra heat; adjust according to personal spice tolerance.
• Prepare ranch and street corn mix a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and intensify, saving time during final taco assembly.

Warm Chicken Street Tacos And Keep Flavorful

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and corn mix separate to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap fried chicken loosely in paper towels inside sealed container, refrigerate up to 3 days to prevent sogginess.
• Revive chicken's crunch by warming in preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior returns.
• Keep street corn mix refrigerated separately, stirring before serving to restore original texture and flavors.

Crunchy & Cool Sides for Fried Chicken Tacos

• Perfect Beer Pairing: Crack open a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona Extra, which cuts through the rich fried chicken and complements the zesty jalapeño lime ranch.
• Citrus Cocktail Match: Whip up a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to echo the tangy corn and spicy ranch flavors in the taco.
• Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option: Pour a chilled Mexican Coca-Cola or a blood orange sparkling water to balance the taco's bold and spicy profile with a sweet, bubbly contrast.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Select a chilled, off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer that provides a slight sweetness to temper the heat and enhance the corn's creamy texture.

Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch for chicken coating. Use gluten-free tortillas and ranch dressing.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap fried chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower. Coat plant-based protein in similar seasoning for texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. Substitute corn with grilled zucchini or bell peppers for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free ranch dressing for creamy components.

FAQs

• What makes the jalapeño lime ranch special?

The ranch gets its unique kick from fresh jalapeños, lime juice, and garlic, creating a zesty and creamy sauce that elevates the entire taco experience.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños in the ranch sauce. For less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds before blending.

• Is cotija cheese necessary for the street corn mix?

While cotija adds authentic Mexican flavor, you can substitute with feta or parmesan if cotija is unavailable. The cheese provides a salty, tangy element to the corn mixture.

• What's the best way to ensure crispy fried chicken?

Use a well-seasoned flour mixture, maintain oil temperature around 350°F, and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the chicken crisp and golden.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling fried chicken street corn tacos merge Mexican street food magic with zesty jalapeno lime ranch, creating an irresistible flavor explosion. Crispy chicken, charred corn, and creamy sauce promise a mouthwatering journey that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Fried Chicken:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Street Corn Mix:

• 4 ears grilled corn
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Taco Assembly and Jalapeno Lime Ranch:

• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 jalapenos, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in a blend of buttermilk and seasonings for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
2. Create a seasoned flour mixture with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for coating the chicken.
3. Dredge marinated chicken pieces thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to precisely 350°F for optimal crispy texture and even cooking.
5. Carefully lower coated chicken into hot oil, frying each piece until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
7. Char fresh corn kernels on a hot griddle or grill to develop smoky caramelized notes.
8. Mix roasted corn with creamy mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime zest, and chili powder to create vibrant street corn salsa.
9. Blend ranch dressing with minced jalapeños, fresh lime juice, crushed garlic, and chopped dill for a zesty ranch variation.
10. Warm soft tortillas on a skillet to enhance their flexibility and flavor.
11. Layer tortillas with crisp shredded lettuce as a fresh foundation.
12. Place golden fried chicken pieces atop the lettuce base.
13. Generously spoon street corn mixture over the chicken.
14. Drizzle jalapeño lime ranch sauce across the taco for added moisture and tang.
15. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Master the flour coating by adding extra spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for enhanced flavor depth.
• Create a crispier chicken texture by double-dredging in seasoned flour and letting the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
• Adjust jalapeño lime ranch heat level by removing seeds for milder version or adding more jalapeños for extra kick.
• Substitute corn tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s vibrant, zesty profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg