Zesty Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos: Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe

Street corn tacos blend crispy, golden fried chicken with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle with spicy jalapeño accents, creating a vibrant culinary canvas.

Crunch meets creaminess in every bite, promising an explosion of textures.

Cool lime ranch sauce adds a tangy counterpoint to the rich, golden protein.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between warm tortillas, promising a feast for hungry souls.

Colorful ingredients promise a fiesta of flavors that pop with each delicious mouthful.

Flavor Friends for Fried Chicken Street Tacos

• Pair Zesty Mexican Beer: Choose a light, crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the spicy and tangy flavors of the tacos.
• Refresh with Citrus Margarita: Mix tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec for a bright cocktail that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and enhances the jalapeño lime sauce.
• Balance with Cool Cucumber Agua Fresca: Blend cucumber, water, and a touch of lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that soothes the palate and balances the spicy elements of the dish.
• Elevate with Craft Pale Ale: Select a hoppy pale ale with citrus notes to match the zesty corn and lime flavors, providing a crisp counterpoint to the fried chicken's richness.

Chicken Tacos Street Flavor Mods

• Gluten-Free Corn Chip Crusted Chicken: Replace flour with gluten-free cornmeal or crushed corn chips for a crunchy alternative that's celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Street Corn Tofu Tacos: Swap chicken with crispy tofu strips, marinated in buttermilk substitute and coated with same spice blend for plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip tortillas and serve fried chicken and street corn inside large lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced meal.
• Dairy-Free Ranch Alternative: Use cashew cream instead of mayonnaise and sour cream, with dairy-free cheese crumbles to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.

FAQs

• How spicy are these tacos?

The heat level is moderate. The jalapeño lime ranch sauce adds a mild kick, and you can control the spiciness by removing jalapeño seeds or using less hot sauce in the marinade.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely! While the recipe uses chicken strips, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure the protein is cut into similar-sized strips for even cooking.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

No problem! Make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the marinade.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure complete compatibility.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos That Hit All the Right Notes

Unleash Quick Flavor Magic: Dive into these irresistible fried chicken street corn tacos that bring restaurant-quality excitement right to your kitchen.

Conquer Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, with straightforward steps that anyone can master in under an hour, making it perfect for confident beginners and seasoned home chefs.

Customize Like a Pro: Swap ingredients effortlessly – use different proteins, adjust spice levels, or modify toppings to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for casual gatherings, game day parties, or family dinners where everyone can build their own taco, creating an interactive and delicious dining experience that sparks conversation and joy.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken Strips: Juicy and tender meat for the main protein, best when marinated for maximum flavor.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize chicken and adds tanginess to the marinade.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy golden exterior for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides seasoning and depth of flavor for the breading.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base for the ranch sauce.
• Jalapeño, Lime Juice: Adds heat and bright citrus notes to the sauce.
• Garlic, Fresh Dill or Cilantro: Enhances sauce with aromatic flavors.
• Corn Kernels, Cotija Cheese: Provides sweet and salty street corn topping.
• Chili Powder, Cilantro: Adds Mexican-inspired seasoning to corn mixture.

• Tortillas: Soft vessel for holding the fried chicken and toppings.
• Lettuce or Cabbage: Optional fresh crunch for additional texture.
• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus for garnish and extra brightness.

• Neutral Oil: For deep frying the chicken at the right temperature.

Street Taco Instructions with Fried Chicken & Corn Sauce

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken

Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl.

Submerge chicken strips completely in the mixture.

Let marinate in the refrigerator to infuse flavor and soften the meat.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Chopped jalapeño
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Chopped dill or cilantro

Season with salt and pepper.

Chill in refrigerator to let flavors meld.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Corn Topping

• Fresh corn kernels
• Mayonnaise
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Lime juice
• Chopped cilantro

Set aside at room temperature.

Step 4: Fry Crispy Chicken

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.

Coat thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture.

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet.

Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.

Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet.

• Crispy fried chicken pieces
• Vibrant corn mixture
• Drizzle of jalapeño sauce

Optional: Add shredded lettuce or cabbage for extra crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Street Taco Success with Crispy Fried Chicken Corn Combos

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk and hot sauce overnight for incredibly tender, flavorful meat that falls apart with each bite.
• Adjust flour mixture by adding extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to create your perfect crispy coating that holds up beautifully.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure chicken gets golden-brown exterior without becoming greasy or soggy inside.
• Experiment with ranch sauce by adding different herbs like fresh dill or reducing jalapeño for milder heat while keeping zesty lime kick.
• Swap cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco for different flavor profiles, making this recipe adaptable to various cheese preferences.

Save Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Store remaining tacos and components separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place fried chicken pieces in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping crispiness by avoiding moisture.
• Keep jalapeño lime ranch sauce and street corn topping in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave to prevent sogginess. Assemble tacos with fresh tortillas and cold toppings after reheating chicken.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling street corn tacos with fried chicken bring Mexican-inspired flavors to your plate. Zesty jalapeño lime ranch sauce and crispy chicken create an irresistible combination that will satisfy your craving for bold, mouthwatering street food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Street Corn and Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups corn kernels (grilled, roasted, or canned)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasoning and Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Jalapeno Lime Ranch Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill or cilantro, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Assembly:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional, for crunch)
• Extra lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken strips in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce blend for at least half an hour, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and tenderize it.
2. Craft a zesty jalapeño lime ranch sauce by blending creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, finely chopped jalapeño, bright lime juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper, then chill to meld the flavors.
3. Create a vibrant street corn topping by combining sweet corn kernels with creamy mayonnaise, crumbly cotija cheese, spicy chili powder, zesty lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Let the mixture sit to develop its complex flavor profile.
4. Prepare a seasoned dredging station with a mixture of flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoky paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
5. Heat oil to the optimal frying temperature of 350°F. Carefully submerge chicken pieces and fry in batches, cooking until they achieve a golden-brown exterior and reach complete internal doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Gently warm tortillas to enhance their flexibility and flavor. Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken pieces, generously top with the street corn mixture, and drizzle with the prepared jalapeño lime ranch sauce.
7. For additional texture and freshness, optionally scatter shredded lettuce or cabbage over the tacos. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with wedges of lime to add a final bright, citrusy touch.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and super tender meat.
• Use cold buttermilk for crispier chicken coating that locks in moisture and creates incredible crunch.
• Prep jalapeño lime ranch sauce a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Toast corn kernels slightly in a dry skillet before mixing to enhance natural sweetness and depth.
• Pat chicken completely dry before dredging to ensure extra crispy exterior.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F for perfectly golden, non-greasy fried chicken.
• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for gluten-free and vegan options.
• Use Mexican-style crema instead of mayonnaise for a more authentic street corn topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg