Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful blend of flavors that bring the vibrant taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a fun lunch, these tacos feature marinated grilled chicken paired with creamy street corn, fresh avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese. The balance of textures and flavors makes these tacos stand out in any meal setting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, you can whip up these tacos in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh toppings creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy them as a casual dinner, or serve at parties and gatherings for an impressive dish that suits all occasions.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Tongs
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing the flavor.
- Mixing Bowls: Great for marinating the chicken and mixing the corn salad.
- Tongs: Helps flip the chicken easily without losing juices.
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 Assembling the Tacos
- 6 to 12 Corn Tortillas
- 1 to 2 Avocados (sliced)
- 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
- Cilantro
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 3 Tablespoons Taco Sauce (or more depending on spice preference)
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes or until fully cooked through. Once done, let it rest before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Street Corn Mixture
In another bowl, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your corn tortillas on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Place some chicken 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!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can be a delightful experience. These tacos are versatile and can be dressed up or down based on your preferences. Here are some great ways to serve them.
Taco Bar
- Set up a taco bar: Lay out all the toppings, allowing guests to build their own tacos. This creates an interactive dining experience.
Fresh Lime Wedges
- Add fresh lime wedges: Squeezing lime juice over the tacos enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
Garnish with Cilantro
- Top with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added freshness and color.
Serve with Sour Cream
- Offer sour cream on the side: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices and add creaminess.
Pair with Avocado Slices
- Include sliced avocado: Rich avocado complements the flavors of the street corn chicken tacos beautifully.
Add Taco Sauce
- Drizzle with taco sauce: Give your tacos an extra layer of flavor by drizzling taco sauce over them before serving.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
To get the most out of your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, consider these helpful tips. They can make a big difference in taste and presentation.
- Marinate chicken well: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice, ripe avocados, and vibrant herbs make your tacos pop with flavor.
- Grill for smokiness: Cooking the chicken on a grill imparts a smoky flavor that elevates the dish significantly.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings like pickled onions or jalapeños for added zest.
- Warm tortillas properly: Warm corn tortillas on a skillet to make them more pliable and flavorful before filling them.
- Adjust spice levels: Tailor the chili powder or taco sauce according to your heat preference for optimal enjoyment.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can enhance the meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this tasty dish perfectly.
- Spanish Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices brings a classic touch to your meal.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side that pairs well with tacos.
- Corn Salsa – A refreshing salsa made from sweet corn, tomatoes, and cilantro adds crunch and zest.
- Chips and Guacamole – Crispy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for a perfect starter.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection provide a healthy contrast to rich tacos.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A salad version of street corn brings in all those classic flavors in a different format.
- Black Bean Salad – Protein-rich black beans tossed with veggies is both filling and nutritious.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa offers brightness and acidity that complements the richness of tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using Dry Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy chicken.
- Ignoring Marinade Time: Skipping the marinating step or not allowing enough time can affect flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge, for maximum taste.
- Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Failing to prepare your toppings in advance can slow you down. Chop your vegetables and mix your street corn before cooking the chicken.
- Overloading Tacos: Stuffing too many ingredients into each taco can make them difficult to eat. Start with a moderate amount of filling, then add more if needed.
- Neglecting Freshness: Using stale tortillas or old toppings can ruin the dish. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and wrap tacos in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place tacos in the skillet and warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos spicier?
You can add more jalapenos or incorporate a spicy taco sauce into your filling. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I use different proteins for these tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute grilled steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while keeping the same marinated flavors.
What is the best way to serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?
Serve them with fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro on the side. This enhances their flavor and allows guests to customize their meal!
How long does it take to prepare Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?
The total time is approximately 35-40 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not just delicious; they also offer incredible versatility. You can easily customize them with various toppings, sauces, and proteins to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or enjoying a family dinner, these tacos are sure to impress everyone at the table! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (12 tacos total) 1x
Description
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a mouthwatering tribute to the vibrant flavors of Mexico, perfect for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. These tacos feature tender marinated grilled chicken paired with a rich creamy street corn topping, fresh avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese. The delightful combination of spices and textures creates an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave everyone asking for more. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these tacos are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Cooked corn
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh cilantro
- Corn tortillas
- Avocados
- Cotija cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked; let rest before slicing.
- For the street corn mixture, combine cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt.
- Warm corn tortillas on a skillet. Assemble tacos by adding sliced chicken and street corn mix, then top with avocado slices and cotija cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer—up to overnight is ideal. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickled onions or hot sauce for added zest.