Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy tortillas cradle a mouthwatering mexican street corn chicken taco that promises pure delight.

Kernels of sweet corn burst with zesty flavors alongside tender, perfectly seasoned chicken.

Street-style magic happens when simple ingredients combine in unexpected ways.

Spices dance across your palate, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Bold and vibrant, these tacos transport you straight to bustling Mexican markets.

Creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible, they beckon you to take the first bold bite.

Prepare to savor every incredible moment of culinary bliss.

Pro Tips for Juicy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste and tenderness.
• Master the Skillet Heat: Ensure the pan is truly hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in juices.
• Slice or Shred with Precision: Use two forks to shred chicken for a classic taco texture, or slice against the grain for neat, uniform pieces.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to make the dish milder or more intense based on personal heat preference.
• Rest for Juicy Perfection: Letting chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and flavorful.

Keeping and Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken moist by adding a splash of chicken broth before sealing.
• Warm chicken over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Add a small amount of broth or water to maintain tenderness.
• Heat chicken in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Drizzle with extra lime juice to restore flavor.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Flavors That Work with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Pair these zesty tacos with a creamy Mexican street corn salad (elote) to double down on the corn theme, creating a harmonious flavor profile that echoes the taco's smoky and bright notes.
• Serve with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or a crisp, lime-garnished margarita that complements the chicken's spicy and tangy seasoning.
• Add a dollop of Mexican crema or queso fresco on top of the tacos to balance the heat and provide a smooth, creamy contrast to the spiced chicken.
• Include a side of quick-pickled red onions or a bright, citrusy slaw to cut through the richness and add a fresh, acidic element to each bite.

Ways to Remix Your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace tortillas with crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious version of the tacos.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Option: Swap chicken with seasoned black beans or grilled portobello mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Dairy-Free Corn Salsa: Use dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream instead of traditional sour cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Swap: Choose certified gluten-free corn tortillas to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Your Questions on Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Answered

• What makes the chicken flavorful in this recipe?

The blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, and olive oil creates a vibrant, zesty marinade that infuses the chicken with deep, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy. The chicken should also have a golden-brown exterior when properly cooked.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even pre-cut chicken strips. Just ensure you adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the chicken to maintain even cooking and prevent dryness.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The marinated and cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals or lunch preparation throughout the week.

What People Love About Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Combine zesty Mexican street corn inspired seasonings with tender chicken, creating a bold and exciting taste profile that tingles your taste buds.
• Perfect for busy families, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be customized with various toppings or served in multiple ways like salads or bowls.
• Packed with protein, uses lean chicken, and incorporates vibrant spices that boost nutritional value while delivering incredible flavor without heavy sauces or excessive calories.

Everything You’ll Need for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the main filling for the tacos, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easy cooking and shredding.

• Olive Oil, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of spices that creates a bold, smoky Mexican-inspired flavor profile for the chicken, ensuring a rich and complex taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken while bringing a fresh citrus note to the dish.

• Skillet: Used for even heat distribution and achieving a perfect golden-brown exterior on the chicken, preferably a cast-iron or non-stick pan for best results.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lime juice

Ensure each piece is beautifully coated with the vibrant spice mixture.

Step 2: Cook The Chicken To Perfection

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place marinated chicken into the hot pan. Let it sizzle and dance for about 5-6 minutes on each side. The goal is a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with a juicy interior. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 3: Rest And Prepare The Chicken

After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This magical pause helps retain those delicious juices. Using two forks or a sharp knife, shred or slice the chicken into tender, mouth-watering pieces.

Step 4: Build Your Corn Taco Magic

• Shredded chicken
• Grilled corn kernels
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Creamy Mexican street corn sauce

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Drizzle with additional sauce, sprinkle extra cheese, and add a final squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican street corn chicken tacos blend street-style elote magic with tender, spice-rubbed chicken wrapped in warm tortillas. Creamy, tangy, and packed with authentic Mexican flavors, you’ll savor each zesty bite of this irresistible culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (453 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 grams) crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Extra lime wedges
• Extra cotija cheese and cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken thoroughly with a vibrant blend of zesty spices, ensuring each piece is coated with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the seasoned chicken.
3. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, carefully monitoring the surface to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
4. Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
5. After resting, slice or shred the chicken into tender, flavorful pieces that will perfectly complement the taco filling.
6. The rested and prepared chicken is now ready to be assembled into Mexican street corn chicken tacos, promising a delectable and authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian/vegan version, adjusting seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
• Grill chicken instead of skillet-cooking for smoky char and additional flavor complexity, perfect for outdoor summer meals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg