Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors that will elevate any meal. These tacos feature marinated grilled chicken, complemented by creamy street corn, fresh avocado, and tangy cotija cheese. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and zesty taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious tacos in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The marinated chicken and street corn create a mouthwatering combination that bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Great for lunch or dinner, these tacos can be customized with your favorite toppings or served at parties.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serve them at your next gathering, and watch as everyone raves about the unique flavors.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials. Having the right tools will streamline your cooking process and enhance the overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or Grill Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Cooking Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or Grill Pan: Ideal for achieving that smoky flavor on the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the tacos.
• Mixing Bowl: Necessary for marinating the chicken and mixing the street corn ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of vegetables, making your prep work quicker and safer.

Ingredients

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 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 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

Start by combining canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add your chicken breasts to this marinade. Ensure they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes for optimal flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

In another bowl, mix together cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeno, green onions, and garlic salt. Stir until everything is combined well.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Grill for about 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken cooks, warm your corn tortillas on a separate skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Once cooked, slice the grilled chicken into strips. Layer some street corn topping onto each tortilla followed by sliced avocado and cotija cheese. Serve with sour cream and taco sauce on top.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a vibrant dish perfect for gatherings. They can be served in various ways to suit any occasion or palate. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

For a Casual Gathering

• Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and fillings laid out so guests can customize their own tacos.
• Family Style: Serve the tacos on a large platter with sides of corn, avocado, and cheese for a communal dining experience.

With Refreshing Beverages

• Margaritas: Pair these tacos with classic margaritas to complement the flavors of lime and spice.
• Agua Fresca: Offer agua fresca made from fresh fruits for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

As Part of a Themed Dinner

• Mexican Fiesta Night: Include other Mexican dishes like guacamole and salsa for a festive atmosphere.
• Grilled Veggie Platter: Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful and healthy addition.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To achieve the best flavors in your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, follow these simple tips.

• Marinade: Marinade the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
• Grill at High Heat: Preheat your grill to high heat. This will create beautiful grill marks and seal in juices.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cilantro, lime juice, and corn to maximize flavor.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder in both the chicken marinade and street corn mix according to your spice preference.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Chips and Salsa: A classic starter; serve tortilla chips with fresh tomato salsa or mango salsa.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, making them a satisfying side.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides a hearty accompaniment.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender enhance your meal’s freshness.
5. Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad with lime dressing adds crunch and complements the tacos well.
6. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip is always a hit; serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for the tacos.
7. Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn): Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayo, cheese, and chili powder echoes the street corn flavor in your tacos.
8. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw with lime dressing adds texture and balances out the richness of the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.

• Using Overcooked Chicken: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can result in bland flavor. Allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for maximum taste.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted ingredients can affect the flavor and presentation. Always choose fresh corn, avocados, and herbs for a vibrant dish.
• Using the Wrong Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and add authenticity. Flour tortillas may alter the flavor; stick with corn for this recipe.
• Not Balancing Flavors: Forgetting to season the street corn or tacos can lead to unbalanced flavors. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap tacos tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place tacos on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat tacos individually on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are grilled chicken tacos topped with a delicious street corn mixture, avocado, and cotija cheese.

Can I use other meats for these tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeno and taco sauce you add. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn mixture in advance for easier assembly later.

What is cotija cheese?

Cotija cheese is a crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty flavor to dishes. It’s commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs perfectly with these tacos.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos offer a delightful blend of flavors that are sure to please any crowd. They are perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels. Try making these tasty tacos today!