Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe for Taco Night
Summers burst with flavor when authentic Mexican street corn chicken tacos hit the dinner table.
These zesty tacos blend smoky grilled chicken with classic street corn ingredients in a mouthwatering combination.
Corn kernels caramelize and dance with chili powder, creating a vibrant street-style profile.
Fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese add layers of traditional Mexican street food magic.
Lime wedges squeeze bright citrus notes across each taco, cutting through rich, creamy elements.
The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a festive meal you can savor in minutes.
Prepare to transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Mexico with every delectable bite.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 450 kcal
Servings: 4
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Ingredient List
For Protein:For Seasoning Blend:For Brightness and Freshness:Tools to Build These Flavor-Packed Tacos Fast
How to Make Chicken Tacos With Street Corn Flair
Dive into flavor by coating chicken in a zesty blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds dance. Mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a splash of lime juice to create a mouthwatering marinade.
Fire up your skillet to medium-high heat and let the chicken sear to golden perfection. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Allow the chicken to take a quick breather for 5 minutes. This magical resting time helps lock in all those incredible juices. Slice or shred the chicken into tender, flavor-packed pieces ready to be tucked into your favorite tortillas.
Layer the succulent chicken into warm tortillas. Top with fresh corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. Finish with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Mexico.
Add Jalapeños, Avocados, or a Dusting of Cheese
Serve Topped High and Zesty
Store the Fillings Separately for Best Results
Print
Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Description
Sizzling Mexican street corn chicken tacos blend creamy, zesty flavors from street-style elote with tender grilled chicken. Corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro create a delightful fusion you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup (120 g) crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Extra lime wedges
- Extra cotija cheese and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate: Immerse chicken in a symphony of zesty spices – chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper – massaging the blend thoroughly to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Sear and Cook: Heat a large skillet to medium-high, strategically placing marinated chicken pieces to develop a caramelized golden crust, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing succulent and safe protein.
- Rest and Prepare: Transfer cooked chicken from heat, allowing a 5-minute respite for juice redistribution, then skillfully slice or shred into delicate, flavor-packed morsels ready for taco assembly.
- Assemble: Layer shredded chicken into warm tortillas, creating a vibrant Mexican street corn chicken taco experience that captures authentic culinary essence, complemented by fresh garnishes like cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Notes
- Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to deeply infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Perfect Searing Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior without burning the spices.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
- Flexible Diet Adaptation: Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use gluten-free tortillas for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.