Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful dish that combines crispy fried chicken, creamy street corn, and a zesty jalapeño lime ranch, then you’ve found it! These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are a mouthwatering fusion of textures and flavors. The crunch of the fried chicken, the sweetness of roasted corn, and the tangy, spicy kick of jalapeño lime ranch come together in a warm tortilla for the ultimate taco experience. Perfect for a casual dinner, taco night with friends, or even a party spread, these tacos are easy to customize with your favorite toppings and variations. Packed with vibrant ingredients and exploding with flavor, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crunchy, Creamy, and Tangy: The fried chicken provides a crispy, satisfying texture, while the street corn and jalapeño lime ranch add creamy and zesty elements.
2. Street Food Vibes at Home: These tacos replicate the bold, exciting flavors of street food, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
3. Perfect for Entertaining: With a stunning presentation and customizable toppings, this recipe is great for parties or taco nights.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of fried chicken and tacos is universally loved, appealing to both kids and adults.
5. Highly Adaptable: Easily tweak the spice levels, toppings, or tortillas to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos
• Serving size: 2 tacos per person

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Tacos)

• Calories: 620
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Street Corn:

• 2 ears of corn (or 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Diced tomatoes (optional)
• Sliced avocado (optional)
• Extra cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

1. If using fresh corn, grill or roast the ears until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, sauté in a hot skillet until slightly browned.
2. In a bowl, mix the corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust lime juice or salt as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.
4. Fry the chicken in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
2. Place a layer of shredded cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla. Add a piece of fried chicken, followed by a generous spoonful of street corn.
3. Drizzle with jalapeño lime ranch and garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and any additional toppings like diced tomatoes or avocado.

Ingredient Background

• Chicken: Chicken tenders are ideal for frying, as they cook quickly and remain juicy. Boneless chicken breasts can also be used and cut into strips for convenience.
• Corn: Fresh, grilled corn adds a smoky flavor, but frozen corn is a great substitute and easier to work with year-round.
• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese provides a salty, tangy element that complements the sweetness of the corn.
• Jalapeño Lime Ranch: This sauce is a twist on classic ranch dressing, with jalapeño for spice, lime for tang, and cilantro for a fresh herbal note.

Technique Tips

1. Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying chicken, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy breading.
2. Keep Chicken Warm: Place fried chicken in a 200°F oven to keep it warm and crispy while you finish frying the rest.
3. Char the Corn: If you have access to a grill, cooking the corn over open flames enhances its flavor with a smoky, charred taste.
4. Blend the Ranch Smooth: For the jalapeño lime ranch, ensure your blender fully purees the jalapeño and cilantro for a smooth, creamy consistency.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Taco Bowl: Swap tortillas for a bowl of rice or quinoa, layering fried chicken, street corn, cabbage, and jalapeño lime ranch for a deconstructed taco.
2. Mini Tacos: Use smaller tortillas or cut regular tortillas into mini circles for appetizer-sized tacos.
3. Open-Faced Tacos: Serve the tacos open-faced on a platter for a visually stunning presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Oil: When frying chicken, use fresh oil for the cleanest flavor and best crispiness.
2. Make Ahead Components: Prepare the street corn and jalapeño lime ranch up to a day in advance to save time.
3. Warm Tortillas Properly: Heat tortillas on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side to make them pliable and flavorful.
4. Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to control the spice in both the ranch and fried chicken.

Recipe Variations

1. Baked Chicken Option: Skip frying and bake the chicken tenders in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce to the ranch dressing or sprinkle chili flakes on top of the tacos for an extra heat boost.
3. Vegetarian Version: Substitute fried chicken with crispy fried cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes.
4. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for breading the chicken and corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.

Freezing and Storage

1. Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
2. Freezing Chicken: Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
3. Ranch and Street Corn Storage: Store ranch dressing and street corn in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well before using.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Air-Fried Chicken: Use an air fryer instead of deep-frying for a healthier alternative that still delivers crunch.
2. Greek Yogurt Ranch: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream in the ranch with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
3. Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of frying to reduce fat content while keeping it flavorful.
4. Whole-Wheat Tortillas: Swap regular tortillas for whole-wheat ones for added fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Taco Bar: Set up a DIY taco bar with fried chicken, street corn, jalapeño lime ranch, and a variety of toppings so guests can customize their tacos.
2. Game Day Feast: Pair these tacos with chips, guacamole, and a refreshing pitcher of margaritas for the ultimate game-day spread.
3. Party Platter: Arrange the tacos on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Special Equipment

1. Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the correct temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
2. Blender or Food Processor: Essential for making a smooth, creamy jalapeño lime ranch.
3. Tongs: For safely handling the chicken during frying.
4. Cast-Iron Skillet: Ideal for frying chicken evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The ranch dressing and street corn can be prepared a day in advance. However, the fried chicken is best served fresh to maintain its crispiness.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake breaded chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

3. What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

Feta cheese or grated Parmesan can be used as a substitute for cotija cheese if unavailable.

4. How do I control the spice level?

Reduce or omit the jalapeño in the ranch and cayenne in the chicken breading for a milder flavor.

5. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Yes, but adding fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro can enhance the flavor to better suit the tacos.

6. What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?

Reheat fried chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.

7. Are there gluten-free options for breading the chicken?

Yes, use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free breading. Pair with corn tortillas for a completely gluten-free meal.

8. Can I use frozen corn for the street corn?

Absolutely! Sauté the frozen corn in a skillet until lightly browned for a roasted flavor.

Conclusion

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. From the crispy, golden chicken to the creamy street corn and the tangy, spicy ranch, these tacos are a feast for the senses. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and enjoy this taco night favorite that’s sure to impress!

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