Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Crispy fried chicken, creamy street corn, and a touch of spice—these Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos combine comfort food with classic Mexican street flavors. Juicy, crunchy, and loaded with toppings, these tacos are perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

• Crispy and Juicy: Buttermilk-marinated fried chicken with a crunchy coating
• Bold and Flavorful: Sweet, smoky, and creamy street corn topping
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients with a quick preparation time
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners or entertaining guests

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Street Corn Topping

• 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Assembling the Tacos

• 8 small corn tortillas
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and char the corn kernels for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly blackened. Transfer to a bowl and mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.

Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm the corn tortillas for 30 seconds per side until slightly charred.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Place fried chicken on each tortilla. Spoon street corn topping over the chicken. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if using. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Mexican rice and beans for a full meal
• Serve with guacamole and tortilla chips on the side
• Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or hot sauce for extra heat

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Use Fresh Corn: Grill fresh corn on the cob and cut the kernels off for the best flavor
• Make it Extra Crispy: Double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture for an even crunchier coating
• Lighten It Up: Use grilled chicken instead of fried for a healthier option
• Add More Heat: Sprinkle with Tajín or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover fried chicken and street corn in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm the chicken in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy
• Avoid Freezing: The fried chicken can be frozen, but the street corn topping is best fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas work great if you prefer a softer texture.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s a good cheese substitute if I don’t have cotija?
Feta cheese is a great alternative with a similar salty, crumbly texture.

Conclusion

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and zesty flavors. Whether for taco night or a weekend feast, they are guaranteed to be a hit.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutritional Information (per taco)
Calories: 380
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 4g

Enjoy every crispy, creamy, and flavorful bite

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