Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that bring the essence of summer to your plate. These tacos feature juicy marinated grilled chicken, topped with a creamy, zesty street corn mixture, fresh avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this recipe makes any occasion feel festive and special. Experience the vibrant tastes of Mexico right at home with these mouthwatering tacos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious tacos ready in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of marinated chicken and flavorful street corn will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party dish—suitable for any occasion.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adjust toppings like avocado and taco sauce to suit your personal taste.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome components like lime and cilantro for a refreshing meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather all the necessary tools before you start. This will help you stay organized and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: Provides an excellent sear on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing the street corn topping easily.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken

• 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 Assembly

• 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

Start 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 or thighs to the marinade. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Mixture

While the chicken marinates:
1. In a separate bowl, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt.
2. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat your cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat:
1. Once hot, add the marinated chicken.
2. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes or until fully cooked through.
3. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

To assemble:
1. Place sliced grilled chicken onto each tortilla.
2. Top generously with street corn mixture.
3. Add sliced avocado and sprinkle cotija cheese on top.
4. Drizzle with 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 a delightful experience that brings vibrant flavors to your table. These tacos can be customized in various ways to suit your taste and make your meal even more enjoyable.

Fresh Toppings

• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced Jalapenos: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, fresh jalapenos can enhance the flavor.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity and freshness to each bite.

Dipping Sauces

• Sour Cream: A classic choice that offers creaminess and balances the spices.
• Taco Sauce: Use your favorite taco sauce for an extra layer of flavor—adjust according to spice preference.

Accompaniments

• Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with refreshing salsa make for a great snack or side.
• Mexican Rice: Pairing with seasoned rice complements the tacos beautifully.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are as delicious as possible, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn, ripe avocados, and vibrant herbs will elevate the overall taste.
• Cook Corn Properly: If using corn on the cob, grill it for a smoky flavor before cutting it off the cob.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Heating tortillas on a skillet makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
• Balance Flavors: Ensure a balance between creamy, spicy, and tangy elements for a well-rounded taco.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

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

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes an excellent base or side.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness to balance the meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrition.
4. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing pairs well with tacos.
5. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip is perfect for scooping up flavors from your tacos.
6. Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad offers fiber and complements the flavors of the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the marination – Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken – Dry chicken can ruin tacos. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F and remove it from heat promptly.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients – Fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro make a difference in taste. Always opt for fresh over processed when possible.
• Using low-quality tortillas – The tortilla is the foundation of your taco. Choose high-quality corn tortillas for an authentic experience.
• Not balancing flavors – A harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory is key. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze them for up to 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat tacos on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Warm a skillet over medium heat and add tacos one at a time, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are grilled chicken tacos topped with creamy street corn, avocado, and cotija cheese, offering vibrant flavors.

Can I use frozen corn for the street corn topping?

Yes, frozen corn works well! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

Feel free to adjust toppings! Try adding pickled onions or switching up the cheese for different flavor profiles.

What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Consider serving with lime wedges for an extra zing!

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe delivers satisfaction every time. Customize it with your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours!