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

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs bold Mexican-inspired seasonings and provides hearty protein for a satisfying meal.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and creates a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, slightly spicy undertones that define Mexican-style cooking.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant red color to the chicken.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, warm notes typical in authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces aromatic complexity and savory background flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the spice blend.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness to the seasoning mix.

• Lime Juice: Cuts through rich flavors, adds tangy brightness, and helps tenderize the chicken.

Tools to Build These Flavor-Packed Tacos Fast

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and developing delicious flavors.
• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing and shredding cooked chicken.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice chicken into neat, uniform pieces.
• Mixing bowl: Great for marinating chicken with spices and olive oil.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

How to Make Chicken Tacos With Street Corn Flair

• Marinate the Chicken

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.

• Sizzle and Cook

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.

• Rest and Prep

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.

• Build Your Taco

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

• Grill Master Trick: For extra smoky flavor, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to give the chicken those beautiful char marks that'll make your tacos taste like authentic street food.
• Dietary Swap: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by replacing chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu, maintaining the same zesty Mexican-inspired spice blend.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate the chicken overnight to let those incredible spices deeply penetrate the meat, guaranteeing maximum flavor explosion in every single bite.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the chili powder and add a dash of cayenne if you're craving more heat, or reduce it for a milder version that's kid-friendly and gentle on sensitive palates.
• Corn Lover's Twist: Elevate the Mexican street corn theme by actually grilling fresh corn and chopping it directly into the taco for an authentic street-style corn experience that'll transport your taste buds to Mexico.

Serve Topped High and Zesty

• Flavor-Packed Fiesta Plate: Arrange the sliced or shredded chicken on warm corn tortillas, creating a vibrant base for your tacos.
• Mexican Street Corn Topping Delight: Sprinkle cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and grilled corn kernels over the chicken for an authentic street-style experience that bursts with flavor.
• Zesty Lime Crema Finish: Drizzle a quick homemade lime crema sauce by mixing sour cream, lime zest, and a pinch of salt to add a creamy, tangy element that complements the spicy chicken.
• Fresh Side Kick: Serve with a small side of crisp cabbage slaw or pickled red onions to provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced chicken tacos.

Store the Fillings Separately for Best Results

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap shredded chicken tightly in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken remains delicious for up to 3 months.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken in larger batches earlier in the week, creating versatile protein for multiple meals like salads, tacos, and grain bowls.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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