Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch combine crispy fried chicken, sweet and smoky street corn, and a creamy, zesty jalapeño lime ranch sauce for the ultimate flavor explosion. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any casual dinner, these tacos bring together bold flavors that everyone will love!

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Why You’ll Love These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos:

✔ Crispy Fried Chicken – Golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. ✔ Street Corn – Charred corn with a smoky, creamy sauce that elevates the flavor. ✔ Jalapeño Lime Ranch – A tangy, spicy ranch dressing with a fresh lime kick. ✔ Fun and Flavorful – These tacos are bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. ✔ Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for a taco night with friends or family.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)

For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:

• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeds removed, finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Tacos:

• Small flour or corn tortillas (4-6)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large skillet or deep fryer – For frying the chicken.
• Mixing bowls – For the marinade and coating.
• Baking sheet or paper towels – To drain excess oil from fried chicken.
• Grill pan or skillet – For cooking the corn.

How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce (optional).
2. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Fried Chicken Coating

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

5. Take each chicken piece from the buttermilk marinade and coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
6. Fry the chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Make the Street Corn

8. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to char and get slightly crispy.
9. Stir in smoked paprika, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Mix until the corn is evenly coated and heated through. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

10. In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, and cilantro (if using). Mix well until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeño if you like it spicier.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

11. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
12. Place a few slices of fried chicken in each tortilla.
13. Top with a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture.
14. Drizzle with the jalapeño lime ranch.
15. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

What to Serve with Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos:

• Mexican Rice – A classic side dish to complement the flavors of the tacos.
• Black Beans – A hearty, protein-rich side for a complete meal.
• Guacamole and Chips – Add some creamy guacamole for extra texture and flavor.
• Margaritas or Cold Beer – For the perfect pairing with these zesty tacos.

Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos:

• Use boneless thighs – They stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Fry in batches – Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure the chicken stays crispy.
• Customize the heat – Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
• Make the ranch ahead of time – This will allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.

Storing and Reheating:

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store the chicken and street corn separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the chicken – Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep it crispy.
• Keep the ranch separate – Store the jalapeño lime ranch in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I make these tacos in advance?
A: You can prepare the street corn and ranch ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the chicken and assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the crispiness.

Q2: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap the fried chicken for crispy tofu or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Q3: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen corn before cooking.

Conclusion:

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are a bold and delicious twist on classic tacos. Crispy fried chicken, smoky street corn, and a tangy jalapeño lime ranch come together to create a taco experience that’s full of flavor and texture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a taco party, these tacos are sure to be a hit!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican, Street Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

Enjoy these bold and tasty tacos, and share them with your friends and family!

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