Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are the perfect blend of vibrant flavors and textures, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, enjoying a casual family dinner, or celebrating Taco Tuesday, these tacos are sure to impress. The combination of marinated grilled chicken, creamy street corn, fresh avocado, and crumbly cotija cheese creates a delicious meal that stands out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lime and spices, creating an explosion of taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this dish quickly.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize toppings like avocado and cilantro to suit your personal taste preferences.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serve these tacos at parties or picnics; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, these tacos make for a nutritious meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This tool is essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spilling.
• Tongs: Use tongs for safe handling of hot food items, especially when flipping chicken on the grill.

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

• 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 (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

1. In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well in the marinade. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

1. In another bowl, mix together cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt.
2. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
3. Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

1. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet or directly on the grill for about one minute per side.
2. Slice grilled chicken into strips.
3. On each tortilla, layer sliced chicken with street corn mixture.
4. Top with avocado slices, cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos is all about creating a festive atmosphere that complements their vibrant flavors. These tacos are perfect for gatherings, casual dinners, or even a quick lunch. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance your taco experience.

Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings like sliced avocados, fresh cilantro, and cotija cheese. This allows guests to customize their tacos.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the tacos on a colorful platter, garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro for an eye-catching presentation.

Individual Serving

• Wrap each taco in parchment paper for a rustic feel. This also makes it easy to grab and go, perfect for parties.

Pair with Drinks

• Serve with refreshing drinks like margaritas or horchata. These beverages complement the spicy flavors of the tacos wonderfully.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, follow these tips that will elevate your dish.

• Marinate the chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors from the spices and lime juice.

• Grill over high heat: Cooking on high heat ensures a delicious char on the chicken, enhancing its taste and giving it a lovely smoky flavor.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn, avocados, and herbs bring out vibrant flavors that frozen or canned items may lack.

• Warm the tortillas: Lightly grill or toast your corn tortillas before serving for added warmth and flexibility.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Complementing your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful side dish seasoned with tomatoes and spices that pairs well with tacos.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your meal while balancing out the spices.

3. Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole brings a creamy texture and bright flavor, perfect for dipping or adding to tacos.

4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with homemade salsa make a great starter or accompaniment.

5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime offers a deliciously familiar taste.

6. Cilantro Lime Slaw: A crisp slaw made with cabbage, cilantro, and lime adds freshness to balance out the richness of the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you allow enough time for the marinade to soak in.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cooking with cold corn or chicken can affect cooking times and texture. Always ensure these ingredients are at room temperature.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality produce, like avocados, can ruin your tacos. Opt for fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors and textures.
• Not Toasting Tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can diminish the taco experience. Lightly toast them before filling for added warmth and flavor.

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

• To freeze, wrap tacos tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual tacos on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or even shrimp for varied flavors.

How do I make it vegetarian?

To make vegetarian Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, replace chicken with grilled vegetables or black beans.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Popular toppings include salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or extra cilantro for added flavor.

How spicy are Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder and jalapeños. Adjust these ingredients according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful blend of flavors that bring joy to any meal. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily with different proteins and toppings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients; you’re sure to love this dish!