Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring the essence of street food right to your kitchen. Perfect for casual dinners or lively gatherings, these tacos combine juicy marinated chicken with vibrant street corn, creamy avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese. Each bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold spices, making them a standout choice for taco night or summer barbecues.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each taco bursts with a perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite is delicious.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have a fantastic meal ready in under an hour.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy these tacos as lunch or dinner, or serve them at parties to impress your guests.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream or extra lime for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun of assembling their own tacos.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready. This will streamline your preparation and cooking time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, adding flavor through grilling.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken and mixing the street corn topping.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even slices for presentation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent flavors in your taco filling.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs Chicken Breasts (or tenderloins or thighs)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup Canola Oil (or EVOO)
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice (about 2 to 3 limes)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper

For the Street Corn Topping

• 2 cups Cooked Corn (from corn on the cob or frozen white corn)
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1/2 Jalapeno (chopped)
• 2 Green Onions (sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt

For Serving

• 6 to 12 Corn Tortillas
• 1 to 2 Avocados (sliced)
• 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 3 Tablespoons Taco Sauce (or more depending on spice preference)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture

In another bowl, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt. Stir until fully combined.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken cooks, warm your corn tortillas on another part of the grill or in a skillet until soft and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Once grilled, slice the chicken into strips. Place a few strips on each tortilla followed by a generous scoop of street corn mixture. Top with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired.

Enjoy your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos as they are packed with flavor!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos is a delightful experience. These tacos can be customized to suit various tastes, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Fresh Sides

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and cilantro complements the tacos well.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled alongside the chicken provide a healthy touch.

Dipping Sauces

• Avocado Crema: A smooth blend of avocado, lime juice, and sour cream enhances the flavor.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro create a zesty topping for extra freshness.
• Hot Sauce: Offer a variety of hot sauces for guests who prefer an extra kick.

Toppings Bar

• Shredded Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to each bite.
• Chopped Cilantro: Brightens up the tacos with its fresh herb flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, fresh jalapeños are a great option.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Perfecting your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos involves attention to detail in both preparation and presentation. Here are some tips to elevate your taco night.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados make a significant difference in taste.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Heat tortillas on a skillet for a few seconds on each side for better texture.
• Balance Flavors: Ensure there’s a mix of creamy, spicy, and tangy elements in every taco bite.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a perfect appetizer.
2. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder mirrors the street corn in your tacos.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, tomatoes, and cilantro adds color to your plate.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides an irresistible dip that complements the flavors of the tacos.
5. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, and diced peppers offers additional nutrition.
6. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa tossed with lime juice and cilantro serves as a nutritious alternative to rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using dry chicken: Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness. Marinate and cook it just right for tender, juicy tacos.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can result in bland flavors. Don’t forget to use spices like chili powder and cumin for that authentic taste.
• Ignoring the corn quality: Using low-quality corn can affect the taco’s overall flavor. Opt for fresh corn or high-quality frozen corn for the best results.
• Not warming the tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can make your tacos less enjoyable. Warm them up on a skillet for a better texture.
• Overloading with toppings: While toppings enhance flavor, too many can overwhelm the taco. Find a balance that complements rather than overshadows.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile while keeping the essence of these tacos.

How do I make these tacos spicier?

To add more heat, include sliced jalapeños or use spicy taco sauce when assembling your tacos.

What’s the best way to serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

These tacos are best served immediately after cooking, topped with fresh avocado, cotija cheese, and cilantro for maximum flavor.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prep the street corn earlier in the day. Assemble them right before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos combine flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. They are versatile and allow room for customization based on personal preferences. Try adding your favorite toppings or switching out ingredients to make this dish uniquely yours!