Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and fresh toppings that bring vibrant flavors to any gathering. Perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or taco nights with friends, these tacos offer a unique twist on traditional recipes. The combination of zesty spices and fresh ingredients makes this dish both satisfying and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy street corn and fresh toppings, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
• Easy to Prepare: With a quick prep time and simple cooking steps, you can whip up these tacos in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a light lunch or serve at a party—these tacos fit any occasion perfectly.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice level or swap toppings according to your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is sure to impress guests and family alike, making it a favorite at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or Grill Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or Grill Pan: Provides the perfect cooking surface for marinating chicken, giving it a delicious charred flavor.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients seamlessly, ensuring even distribution of flavors in marinades and toppings.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing avocados and jalapeños safely and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Protects your countertops while preparing ingredients and provides stability while cutting.

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

• 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 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 marinating your chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the street corn mixture. In another bowl, mix together cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, chopped jalapeño, green onions, and garlic salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from marinade and place it on the grill. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until fully cooked through. Once done, let it rest before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken rests, warm your corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

To assemble your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, layer sliced grilled chicken on each tortilla. Top with street corn mixture, avocado slices, cotija cheese, cilantro garnish, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are delicious and versatile, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.

Casual Gatherings

• Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, allowing guests to customize their tacos with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.
• Family Style: Serve the tacos on a large platter with bowls of toppings for everyone to enjoy together.

Game Day Feast

• Finger Food: Serve these tacos in bite-sized portions for easy snacking while watching the game. Smaller tortillas or quartered tacos work great.
• Pair with Drinks: Complement your tacos with refreshing drinks like margaritas or Mexican sodas for a festive touch.

Picnic or BBQ

• Wrap for Easy Eating: Wrap each taco in parchment paper for a portable option that’s perfect for picnics or barbecues.
• Side Salad: Pair with a light salad featuring fresh greens and citrus dressing to balance the flavors.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To create the best Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, consider these essential tips that will elevate your dish.

• Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Grill Over High Heat: Cooking on high heat gives the chicken beautiful grill marks and locks in moisture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Cheese: Cotija cheese adds a salty, creamy element that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels based on your spice preference to personalize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes an excellent base or side dish.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein and a delicious complement to tacos.
3. Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad with lime dressing pairs well and echoes the street corn flavors.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is always a hit, adding richness that balances out spicy flavors.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a great appetizer before digging into tacos.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrients while being easy to prepare on the grill alongside your chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, it’s easy to fall into some common traps. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfect juiciness.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using canned corn instead of fresh or frozen corn can reduce flavor. Opt for fresh or quality frozen corn for a better taste.
• Forgetting the Toppings: Skimping on toppings like avocado and cotija cheese can make your tacos less exciting. Load them up for extra flavor and texture!
• Not Warming Tortillas: Cold tortillas can break and ruin the experience. Warm them in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Place chicken and corn mixture in a freezer-safe bag.
• These tacos can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap tacos in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, but be cautious as this may soften the tortillas.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add tacos, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often have about Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes, you can use shrimp or steak as alternatives for chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

These tacos pair well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I make my own taco sauce?

You can easily mix sour cream with lime juice, chili powder, and salt for a quick homemade sauce!

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare all ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or switch up proteins based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful meal that brings everyone together!