Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining juicy marinated grilled chicken with creamy street corn, fresh avocado, and tangy cotija cheese. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, these tacos stand out with their bold flavors and vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in, these tacos are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Experience: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty flavors that pair perfectly with the sweet corn.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your tacos with various toppings and sides to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep for the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves tacos! These are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos requires some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken and mixing ingredients for the corn topping.
• Tongs: Make it easy to flip chicken on the grill 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 Assembly

• 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: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the street corn topping. In another bowl, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, chopped jalapeno, sliced green onions, and garlic salt until well combined.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked through. Use tongs to flip carefully.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

While grilling the chicken, warm up corn tortillas on a separate skillet or directly on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until soft.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Once grilled chicken is ready, slice it into strips. On each tortilla, layer sliced chicken followed by a generous scoop of street corn mixture. Top with avocado slices and crumbled cotija cheese. Add sour cream and drizzle taco sauce as desired.

Enjoy these flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos that will surely be a highlight at your next meal!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos is all about enhancing their vibrant flavors and providing a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your taco night.

Use Colorful Plates

• Using bright, colorful plates can make your tacos pop visually and enhance the overall dining experience.

Add Fresh Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra cotija cheese as garnishes can add a fresh touch to each plate.

Create a Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar where everyone can customize their own tacos with toppings like avocado, jalapenos, and sauces.

Pair with Refreshing Beverages

• Offer drinks like horchata or margaritas to complement the bold flavors of the tacos.

Serve with Extra Sides

• Consider serving with chips and salsa or guacamole for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

Use Fun Serving Utensils

• Use taco holders or fun platters to make serving easy and stylish, adding an element of fun to your meal.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Perfecting Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos involves attention to detail in both preparation and presentation. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Grill at High Heat: Ensure your grill is preheated to high heat for perfect sear marks and juicy chicken.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados will greatly enhance the taste of your tacos.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder in the street corn mixture based on your spice preference.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for better flavor and texture.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Start with chicken, then add toppings in layers for a balanced bite every time.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Pairing side dishes with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice
   A flavorful blend of rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices makes a perfect accompaniment.
2. Refried Beans
   Creamy refried beans provide a hearty contrast and complement the tacos beautifully.
3. Chips and Salsa
   Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa add an enjoyable crunch to your meal.
4. Guacamole
   A creamy avocado dip that pairs perfectly with the spices in your tacos while adding richness.
5. Pico de Gallo
   A fresh tomato salad made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness to each bite.
6. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
   Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime brings out traditional flavors.
7. Cilantro Lime Slaw
   A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and cilantro dressed in lime adds crunch and zestiness to balance out the meal.
8. Corn Salad
   A tangy corn salad mixed with tomatoes and avocado makes for a delightful side dish that echoes your taco’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken properly can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to use enough salt and spices during marination.
• Bold corn choice: Using canned corn instead of fresh corn can affect the taste. Opt for grilled corn or frozen corn for better flavor.
• Bold tortilla handling: Forgetting to warm your tortillas can result in a tough bite. Always warm them before assembling your tacos.
• Bold ingredient balance: Overloading your tacos with toppings can make them messy. Keep a good balance between the chicken, corn, and toppings for the best experience.
• Bold cooking time: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without overcooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Separate tortillas from fillings for best freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Place components in freezer-safe containers.
• Will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Freeze chicken and street corn separately from tortillas.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Bold oven method: Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap tacos in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Bold microwave method: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
• Bold stovetop method: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add tacos without oil, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos combine marinated grilled chicken with street-style corn topped with creamy ingredients and fresh flavors.

How do I make homemade street corn?

To make homemade street corn, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, chopped jalapenos, green onions, and garlic salt.

Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

Absolutely! You can add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, or even switch up the type of cheese used!

How long does it take to prepare these tacos?

The total prep time is approximately 20 minutes with an additional cook time of around 15 minutes.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile while maintaining the essence of Mexican Street Corn Tacos.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. This dish allows you to customize it according to your preferences while delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these tacos are sure to impress! Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or variations—your taste buds will thank you!

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and vibrant twist on traditional tacos, featuring juicy marinated grilled chicken paired with a creamy street corn topping. Each bite bursts with the zesty flavors of lime, chili, and fresh herbs, complemented by creamy avocado and crumbled cotija cheese. These tacos are perfect for casual family dinners or lively gatherings, making them a surefire hit at your next meal. With easy preparation steps and customizable toppings, you can create a taco experience that caters to everyone’s taste buds.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup Canola Oil
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 2 cups Cooked Corn
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
• 6 to 12 Corn Tortillas

Instructions

1. 1. Marinate chicken in canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. 2. Mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt.
3. 3. Grill marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
4. 4. Warm corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for about 30 seconds per side.
5. 5. Slice grilled chicken and assemble tacos by layering chicken, street corn mixture, avocado slices, cotija cheese, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For maximum flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. Use fresh corn or high-quality frozen corn for the best taste. Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder in the street corn mixture.