Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your table. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even festive celebrations, these tacos feature marinated grilled chicken paired with fresh street corn, creamy avocado, and crumbly cotija cheese. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious tacos in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The marinated chicken and street corn create a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adjust toppings and spice levels to suit your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, these tacos fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos successfully, having the right tools can make all the difference. Gather your equipment before you start cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or Grill Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Serving Plates

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken and enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients for the street corn topping efficiently.
• Knife and Cutting Board: Important for precise chopping of vegetables like jalapenos and green onions.

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 Assembly

• 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

In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

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

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6–8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Once done, let it rest before slicing.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken is resting, warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Place some grilled chicken in each tortilla. Top with street corn mixture, sliced avocado, cotija cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and taco sauce as desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

These delicious Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Here are some creative ways to serve them for maximum enjoyment.

Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings so guests can customize their tacos. Include items like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra cotija cheese.

Pair with Fresh Salsas

• Offer a variety of fresh salsas, such as pico de gallo or mango salsa, to enhance the flavors of your tacos.

Enjoy with Rice and Beans

• Serve alongside a side of Mexican rice and black beans for a complete meal that is filling and flavorful.

Garnish with Avocado Slices

• Add sliced avocados on top of each taco for a creamy texture that complements the spices in the chicken.

Serve with Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled bell peppers and onions make a great side that pairs well with the smokiness of the grilled chicken.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Creating the ultimate Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh corn and herbs. Fresh ingredients yield vibrant flavors.

• Grill at High Heat: Cooking over high heat gives the chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy inside.

• Warm Tortillas Properly: Heat tortillas on a skillet or open flame just before serving to add warmth and pliability.

• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking. A little more lime juice or salt can make a big difference!

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To complement your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall experience.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices, providing a nice base for your tacos.
2. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and earthiness, making this a hearty pairing.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados adds richness and freshness to each bite.
4. Grilled Elote: Charred corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder mirrors the street corn flavors in your tacos.
5. Chips and Salsa: A classic starter that offers crunch and freshness; it’s perfect for snacking before your meal.
6. Pickled Red Onions: These tangy onions provide a zesty contrast that brightens up each taco bite.
7. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in lime juice adds texture and cuts through the richness of the tacos.
8. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime that echoes the street corn flavor profile beautifully.

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.

• Ignoring marination time: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor. Allow at least 30 minutes for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on your grill to prevent dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
• Using bland corn: Fresh or grilled corn adds a sweet crunch. Avoid using canned corn that lacks flavor; opt for fresh or frozen instead.
• Skipping toppings: Toppings like avocado and Cotija cheese elevate your tacos. Don’t skip these flavorful additions!
• Not warming tortillas: Warming the tortillas enhances their texture and flavor. Use a skillet or grill briefly before filling them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed.
• Stovetop: Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos:

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What type of corn is best for this recipe?

Fresh corn on the cob is ideal, but frozen corn works well too if you’re short on time.

How spicy are Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeno you add. For milder tacos, reduce or omit the jalapeno.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and corn mixture ahead of time and store them separately until ready to assemble.

Are Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas, they are gluten-free. Always check labels if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Final Thoughts

These Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and proteins based on your preferences. They are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the burst of flavors!