Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

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by Saphira

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that will impress at any gathering. These tacos feature juicy marinated grilled chicken, homemade street corn, creamy avocado, and crumbly cotija cheese. Perfect for lunch or dinner, they bring the vibrant taste of Mexico right to your table, making them an ideal choice for taco nights, casual gatherings, or backyard barbecues.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a taco bursting with flavor.
  • Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have these tacos ready in no time.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main dish or as part of a taco bar to please all your guests.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Homemade street corn adds a unique twist and freshness that elevates the meal.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive celebration, these tacos fit right in.
Mexican

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, gather your tools and get ready to cook!

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

  • Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks on the chicken.
  • Mixing bowls: Useful for combining the marinade and preparing the street corn mixture.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without losing any juicy goodness.

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

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

While the chicken is marinating:
1. In another bowl, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, chopped jalapeno, sliced green onions, and garlic salt until well combined.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Place marinated chicken on the grill.
2. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

While the chicken is grilling:
– Heat corn tortillas on a skillet for about a minute on each side until warm and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Once everything is cooked:
1. Slice grilled chicken into strips.
2. Layer tortillas with street corn mixture, sliced avocado, grilled chicken strips, cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos is all about enhancing the experience with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to present these delicious tacos.

Fresh Salad

  • A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness of the tacos.

Grilled Veggies

  • Pair your tacos with grilled bell peppers and zucchini for added color and flavor that complements the chicken.

Pickled Red Onions

  • These tangy pickled onions add a burst of flavor and a vibrant pop of color to your taco platter.

Lime Wedges

  • Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos for an extra zesty kick.

Spicy Salsa

  • A fresh, chunky salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños can elevate the taste of your tacos.

Crunchy Tortilla Chips

  • Offer some crispy tortilla chips alongside as a snack that pairs well with dips like guacamole or salsa.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Perfecting Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos takes practice and a few clever tips. Here are some ways to ensure your tacos turn out amazing every time.

  • Marinate the chicken: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor. Overnight is even better!

  • Grill at high heat: Cooking the chicken on high heat gives it a nice char while keeping it juicy inside.

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn, ripe avocados, and authentic cotija cheese will elevate your taco’s taste significantly.

  • Warm tortillas: Heating corn tortillas on a skillet or over an open flame adds warmth and flexibility for easier folding.

  • Customize toppings: Encourage guests to personalize their tacos with various toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or additional spices.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To round out your meal featuring Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, consider serving these delicious side dishes. They complement the flavors perfectly!

  1. Mexican Rice
    Fluffy rice cooked in tomato sauce and spices provides a hearty base that pairs well with tacos.

  2. Refried Beans
    Creamy refried beans offer protein and richness. Serve them topped with cheese for added flavor.

  3. Guacamole
    Fresh guacamole made from ripe avocados, lime juice, and cilantro adds creaminess that complements the tacos beautifully.

  4. Corn Salad
    A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing provides sweetness and crunch to balance savory flavors in your meal.

  5. Chips and Salsa
    Classic tortilla chips paired with spicy salsa make for an irresistible appetizer before diving into the main course.

  6. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
    Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime offers a deliciously messy side option!

  7. Black Bean Salad
    A zesty black bean salad mixed with corn, peppers, and cilantro adds fiber-rich goodness alongside your tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you create the best tacos possible.

  • Using dry chicken: Ensure your chicken is marinated properly to keep it juicy. Use enough marinade and allow the chicken to soak for at least 30 minutes.
  • Skipping fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the flavor. Always include fresh cilantro, lime juice, and ripe avocados for the best taste.
  • Overcooking the corn: Overcooked corn can lose its sweetness and crunch. Grill or sauté it just until it’s heated through and slightly charred.
  • Not warming tortillas: Cold tortillas can ruin your taco experience. Always warm them on a skillet or directly on the grill for a better texture.
  • Ignoring toppings: Toppings are essential for flavor and texture. Don’t skip the cotija cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream to enhance your tacos.
Mexican

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

  • Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
  • Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the best way to season the chicken?

Marinating the chicken with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder gives it an amazing flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marination time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn in advance. Just store everything separately until you’re ready to assemble.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you cannot find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a good alternative. It has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

You can add different toppings like pickled onions or switch out the protein for shrimp or beef. Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or proteins. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos


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  • Author: Saphira
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Description

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mexican street food right into your home. These tacos feature succulent grilled chicken marinated in zesty spices, paired with a creamy homemade street corn mixture, fresh avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese. Perfect for taco nights, casual gatherings, or backyard barbecues, they are both satisfying and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup Canola Oil
  • Fresh Lime Juice (from about 3 limes)
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Cooked Corn (2 cups)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cilantro
  • Cotija Cheese

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, chopped jalapeño, sliced green onions, cilantro, and garlic salt in another bowl.
  3. Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  4. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet for about a minute on each side.
  5. Slice the grilled chicken and assemble tacos by layering corn mixture, avocado slices, chicken strips, cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and taco sauce.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 220g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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