Juicy BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta!

Tender chicken meets vibrant street corn in these mouthwatering barbecue chicken street corn tacos that blend smoky, zesty flavors into every delicious bite.

Grilled to perfection, the corn kernels add a sweet and charred dimension to the hearty protein.

Soft tortillas cradle the succulent chicken, creating a harmonious medley of textures and tastes.

A drizzle of creamy sauce brings luxurious richness to each taco.

Tangy barbecue sauce provides a bold kick that elevates the entire dish.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the robust flavors with a burst of freshness.

You’ll want to make these tacos for your next gathering and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Ingredients for Street Corn Tacos with BBQ Chicken

• Shredded Chicken: Provides hearty, tender protein base that absorbs rich barbecue flavors, choose rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for best texture.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds tangy, smoky flavor that transforms ordinary chicken into a delicious taco filling, select a sauce with balanced sweetness and spice.

• Fresh Corn, Frozen Corn: Delivers sweet, charred kernels with authentic street-style flavor, select bright yellow or mixed-color corn for vibrant appearance.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creates creamy, luxurious base for street corn mixture, opt for full-fat versions for richer taste.
• Cotija Cheese: Provides salty, crumbly texture that elevates corn topping, choose authentic Mexican style for genuine flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness, use fresh lime for most intense flavor.

• Tortillas: Serves as soft, warm wrapper for delicious fillings, select corn tortillas for traditional street taco experience.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbal garnish that complements barbecue and corn flavors, choose bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Jalapeños: Provides optional spicy kick for heat lovers, remove seeds for milder experience.
• Avocado: Adds creamy, smooth element as optional topping, select ripe avocados with slight give when pressed.

Tools to Pull Together That Corn + Chicken Combo

• Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and corn with even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining street corn ingredients and creating a creamy topping.
• Dry skillet: Ideal for warming tortillas to get a light char and soft texture.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping cilantro and preparing optional garnishes.
• Chef’s knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping of herbs and optional toppings.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling tortillas and turning corn while cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring chicken and corn mixtures.

Build These Tacos Like a Food Truck Pro

• Fire Up the Chicken

Sizzle shredded chicken in a hot skillet with tangy barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of chili powder. Cook until warm and thoroughly coated, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

• Char the Corn

Toss corn kernels in a skillet until they develop golden brown edges. Mix roasted corn with creamy mayo, crumbly cheese, zesty lime juice, and a pinch of seasoning for a burst of flavor.

• Toast the Tortillas

Quickly warm soft tortillas in a dry pan, giving them a slight crisp and flexible texture. Heat each side for roughly 15-20 seconds until they’re pliable and lightly golden.

• Build Your Taco Magic

Layer the saucy barbecue chicken onto warm tortillas. Crown each taco with the vibrant, creamy corn mixture, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Add Final Flourishes

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the tacos. Enhance with optional toppings like spicy jalapeños or smooth avocado slices. Serve with bright lime wedges for an extra punch of citrus.

Quick Flavor Fixes for Corn + BBQ Tacos

• Taco Perfection Hacks: Elevate Your BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos
• Corn Charring Secret: For deeper flavor, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to get those beautiful smoky char marks on corn kernels, enhancing the street corn’s overall taste profile.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily transform this recipe by substituting barbecue chicken with pulled pork, grilled shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for vegetarian guests.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat intensity by choosing mild or hot barbecue sauce, adding extra chili powder, or incorporating fresh or roasted jalapeños based on personal preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare barbecue chicken and street corn topping up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline taco assembly during busy weeknights.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas and ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free, making this recipe accessible for guests with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.

Serving Tips for This Backyard Favorite

• Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Delightful Serving Suggestions
• Fresh Side Salad: Whip up a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, smoky taco flavors.
• Cool Beverage Pairing: Serve with an ice-cold Mexican beer, fresh margarita, or tangy agua fresca to complement the barbecue chicken’s spicy notes.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick cilantro-lime crema by mixing sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime zest, and a pinch of salt for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
• Texture Crunch Addition: Sprinkle some toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips on top for an unexpected crispy texture that adds excitement to each bite.

Packing & Storing Leftover Taco Goodness

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover barbecue chicken and street corn mixture separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator. Keep ingredients fresh for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Hack: Barbecue chicken freezes wonderfully in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
• Batch Preparation Tip: Prepare chicken and corn mixture in larger quantities during weekend meal prep. Quickly assemble tacos during busy weeknights, saving precious cooking time.
• Ingredient Freshness Trick: Keep tortillas in their original packaging, sealed tightly in the refrigerator. Warm them just before serving to restore softness and prevent moisture buildup.

Sizzling Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling barbecue chicken street corn tacos blend Mexican street cuisine with smoky grilled flavors. Crisp corn tortillas cradle tender chicken and creamy elote, offering a delectable fusion of textures that delights palates.

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Ingredients

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• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• 2 cups (300 g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup (30 g) crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
• ¼ cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapenos, diced avocado, or hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Infuse Chicken: Simmer shredded chicken in barbecue sauce and chili powder within a skillet, ensuring thorough heating and deep flavor penetration.
2. Roast Corn Mixture: Char corn in a hot skillet until caramelized, then combine with mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy street corn blend.
3. Prepare Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil, developing pliability and slight crispness around edges.
4. Assemble Tacos: Layer barbecue-infused chicken onto heated tortillas, topping generously with street corn mixture for a vibrant, textural experience.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over tacos, optionally adding jalapeño slices or avocado wedges. Accompany with lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Maximize BBQ Flavor: Simmer chicken slowly in sauce to ensure deep, rich barbecue penetration and prevent dryness.
• Perfect Corn Technique: Use cast-iron skillet for optimal charring and caramelization, rotating kernels frequently to avoid burning.
• Tortilla Temperature Trick: Heat tortillas just before serving to maintain optimal flexibility and prevent cracking during assembly.
• Balance Taco Toppings: Layer ingredients strategically – start with chicken, add corn mixture sparingly to prevent soggy tortillas, and finish with fresh herbs for bright flavor contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg