Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The combination of marinated grilled chicken, fresh homemade street corn, and creamy avocado makes these tacos irresistible. These tacos are not only easy to prepare but also deliver a burst of flavor in every bite, making them suitable for any occasion from backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinated chicken paired with zesty street corn creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can have an impressive meal on the table in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tacos soft or crispy, with a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh produce and herbs elevates the flavor and nutrition of your meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, everyone will love building their own tacos!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything is prepared perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that delicious charred flavor on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken and mixing the street corn ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

Mexican marinated grilled chicken tacos with homemade street corn, fresh avocado, and cotija cheese.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs Chicken Breasts (or tenderloins or thighs)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup Canola Oil (or EVOO)
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice (about 2 to 3 limes)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper

For the Street Corn Topping

• 2 cups Cooked Corn (from corn on the cob or frozen white corn)
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1/2 Jalapeno (chopped)
• 2 Green Onions (sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt

For Assembling the Tacos

• 6 to 12 Corn Tortillas
• 1 to 2 Avocados (sliced)
• 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 3 Tablespoons Taco Sauce (or more depending on spice preference)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by preparing your chicken marinade. In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

While your chicken marinates, prepare the street corn topping:
1. In another mixing bowl, combine cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat:
1. Grill marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
2. Remove from heat and allow resting before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Now it’s time to put everything together:
1. Warm your corn tortillas on the grill briefly.
2. Layer sliced chicken onto each tortilla followed by street corn topping.
3. Add avocado slices and sprinkle with cotija cheese.
4. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with sour cream and taco sauce on the side.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos is all about presentation and enhancing the flavors. With vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, you can create an appealing dish that melts in your mouth. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Fresh Garnishes

• Lime Wedges – Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Extra Cilantro – Sprinkle additional cilantro on top for a fresh pop of color and taste.

Accompaniments

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that balances the spices.
• Taco Sauce – Offer various levels of taco sauce so guests can adjust the heat to their liking.

Side Salads

• Avocado Salad – A simple avocado salad with lime juice and salt complements the tacos beautifully.
• Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad can bring out the street corn flavors in your tacos.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To make your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos truly exceptional, consider these tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Bold Marinade – Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight if possible.
• Grill to Perfection – Ensure your grill is hot before adding chicken to get those beautiful char marks and juicy meat.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh corn over frozen when possible to capture that sweet, crunchy texture.
• Customize Your Tortillas – Warm tortillas on the grill for a few seconds on each side for added warmth and flexibility.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a perfect base next to flavorful tacos.
2. Black Beans – Rich in protein, black beans can be served warm or cold, adding a hearty component to your meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Colorful grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add both nutrition and visual appeal.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa provide a fun, crunchy contrast to soft tacos.
5. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole enhances flavors while offering a delightful dip alongside tacos.
6. Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness to every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to subpar results. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring the Marinade Time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes can result in bland flavor. It’s best to let it sit longer for maximum taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy tacos.
• Using Old Tortillas: Stale or old tortillas can ruin your taco experience. Always use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the Corn Prep: Not seasoning the corn properly can lead to a dull taste. Mix in lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro for vibrant flavor.
• Not Assembling Quickly: Waiting too long to assemble your tacos after cooking can make them soggy. Assemble just before serving for optimal crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label containers with dates for reference.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30 seconds at a time until warm, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium heat in a skillet for about 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference.

What if I don’t have cotija cheese?

You can replace cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco for a similar creamy texture.

How do I make these tacos spicy?

Add more chopped jalapeno or use a hotter chili powder to increase the spice level according to your taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn ahead of time. Just assemble right before serving for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust spices according to your preference. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!