Zesty Crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Recipe

Corn tortillas sizzle with perfectly seasoned crispy fried chicken street corn taco with jalapeno, creating a flavor explosion that dances across your palate.

Spicy and savory notes blend seamlessly in this street-style culinary creation.

Bold ingredients combine to deliver a mouthwatering experience that elevates classic taco traditions.

Fresh jalapenos add a zesty kick to each bite, complementing the crispy chicken.

The corn tortilla serves as the perfect canvas for this vibrant dish.

Layers of texture and heat promise a memorable meal that satisfies deep cravings.

Prepare to unleash a taste adventure that will become your new favorite street food indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

Taco Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn

• Pickle Juice: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor base.
• Buttermilk: Creates rich, creamy coating and helps meat stay juicy.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides crispy exterior and binding base.
• Cornstarch: Enhances crunchiness and lightens coating.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep savory undertone.
• Paprika: Brings warm color and mild pepper flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Contributes aromatic depth.
• Black Pepper: Introduces sharp, spicy notes.
• Cayenne Powder: Delivers subtle heat kick.

• Corn: Fresh base with sweet, charred profile.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic punch.
• Lime Juice and Zest: Provides bright, citrusy freshness.
• Scallions: Introduces mild onion crispness.
• Cotija Cheese: Adds salty, crumbly texture.
• Cilantro: Brings herbal, zesty element.
• Jalapeno: Contributes spicy, vibrant heat.
• Chili Powder: Enhances smoky warmth.

• Cilantro: Adds herbaceous freshness.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Introduces tangy, spicy complexity.
• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy base.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy dimension.
• Ranch Seasoning: Provides classic herb blend.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers.

Gear Needed for Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Deep Skillet: Essential for deep-frying chicken at the perfect temperature of 350F.
• Medium Bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and mixing coating ingredients.
• Food Processor: Crucial for creating smooth jalapeno lime ranch sauce.
• Skillet: Used for pan-frying tortillas and grilling corn.
• Paper Towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Grater/Zester: Needed for extracting lime zest.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling chicken during frying and moving tortillas.
• Cutting Board: For chopping scallions, jalapenos, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting corn kernels and dicing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Assembling Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Pickle Juice Magic

Submerge chicken tenders in a blend of pickle juice and buttermilk, letting them soak up flavor for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

• Create Crispy Coating

Mix flour with an exciting blend of spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk with hot sauce for a tangy dip.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Drain chicken from marinade and pat dry. Dredge each piece through the seasoned flour, then buttermilk, then flour again for an extra crunchy exterior. Carefully lower into hot oil heated to 350F, cooking until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches 165F internally.

• Craft Street Corn Delight

Char corn on the grill, then slice kernels into a zesty mix with creamy mayonnaise, bright lime, fresh scallions, crumbly cotija cheese, and spicy diced jalapenos.

• Whip Up Spicy Ranch

Blend cilantro and pickled jalapenos until smooth. Combine with creamy base of mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasonings. Add lime juice for a tangy kick.

• Toast Tortillas

Warm tortillas in a skillet until they’re crispy yet still flexible.

• Build Amazing Tacos

Layer crispy chicken on tortillas, top with corn salad, drizzle with spicy ranch, and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits. Serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

Tips & Swaps for Street Corn Tacos

• Chicken-Corn Taco Perfection: Master the art of crispy, flavorful fried chicken tacos with these expert tips.
• Extra-Crispy Coating Trick: Double-dredge chicken in flour mixture for an ultra-crunchy, golden exterior that stays crisp longer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken overnight to intensify flavor and ensure maximum tenderness before frying.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeno quantities in corn salad and ranch sauce to create mild, medium, or fiery-hot versions that suit every taste preference.
• Dietary Flex Options: Swap flour tortillas for gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based buttermilk for dairy-free version, or replace chicken with crispy tofu for vegetarian twist.

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Tacos

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange tacos on a rustic wooden board with lime wedges scattered around, creating a vibrant, street-food style presentation that screams deliciousness.
• Spice Level Customization: Serve extra diced jalapenos and hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to adjust heat intensity according to their personal preference.
• Refreshing Drink Pairing: Complement the rich, spicy tacos with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or a zesty margarita to balance the intense flavors and cool down the palate.
• Family-Style Feast: Lay out all components separately on a large platter, encouraging everyone to build their own tacos and enjoy an interactive, fun dining experience.

Keep Chicken Street Corn Tacos Fresh

• Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the fried chicken tenders on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess, allowing air circulation around each piece.
• Flavor-Boosting Storage: Keep the street corn salad and jalapeno lime ranch in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and taste integrity.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive leftover fried chicken by warming in an air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunchiness, avoiding microwave which can make the coating soggy.
• Taco Assembly Prep: Wrap assembled ingredients separately and build tacos just before serving to prevent tortillas from becoming soft and losing their delightful texture.

Crispy Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets crispy fried chicken in this flavor-packed taco fusion. Spicy jalapeños and creamy sauce elevate each bite, creating a perfect balance of crunch and zest for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
• 1 strip bacon, cooked crisp and diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) pickle juice
• 2.5 cups (600 ml) buttermilk
• 1.5 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsps hot sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsps salt
• 2 tsps onion powder
• 2 tsps black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne powder (optional)
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 5–6 ears corn, husked and grilled
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• ⅓ cup sliced scallions
• ⅓ cup grated cotija cheese
• ¼ cup minced cilantro
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• ½–1 tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
• 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Marination: Submerge chicken tenders in pickle juice and buttermilk blend, refrigerating for 2-4 hours to infuse robust flavors.
2. Seasoning Preparation: Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne into a comprehensive dry coating mixture.
3. Liquid Coating Development: Whisk buttermilk with hot sauce to create a zesty dredging liquid.
4. Chicken Preparation: Remove chicken from marinade, meticulously pat dry, then execute a triple-dredging method: first coating with seasoned flour, dunking in buttermilk mixture, then returning to flour for maximum crispiness.
5. Frying Technique: Heat oil to 350F in deep skillet, strategically frying chicken in batches until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F.
6. Corn Transformation: Char corn kernels on grill, developing smoky caramelized edges, then blend with mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest and juice, scallions, cotija cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder, and salt.
7. Sauce Creation: Craft jalapeno lime ranch by merging mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, jalapeno puree, and lime juice.
8. Tortilla Preparation: Lightly oil skillet and crisp tortillas until golden and malleable.
9. Taco Assembly: Layer crispy chicken, abundant street corn salad, drizzle jalapeno lime ranch, sprinkle bacon pieces, and garnish with fresh lime wedges for a flavor-packed culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to soak in pickle juice and buttermilk for maximum tenderness, ensuring flavors penetrate deeply without over-soaking.
• Master Crispy Coating: Double-dredge chicken using dry-wet-dry technique, creating an ultra-crisp exterior by thoroughly coating and shaking off excess flour between dips.
• Control Frying Temperature: Maintain consistent 350F oil heat to prevent soggy or burnt chicken, using a thermometer for precise monitoring and even cooking.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantities in puree and salad to control spiciness, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for intense heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg