Quick Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

Crispy, golden street corn tacos with jalapeño lime ranch bring a bold twist to your favorite comfort food.

Kernels of sweet corn mingle with crunchy fried chicken in a delightful dance of flavors.

Mexican street food inspiration meets home cooking magic in this zesty creation.

Spicy jalapeños add a kick that’ll make your taste buds sing with excitement.

Creamy ranch sauce cuts through the heat, creating a perfect flavor balance.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that’ll have you craving more.

This recipe turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or even shrimp for a different flavor profile while keeping the same crispy coating technique.

• Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or remove the jalapeno from the ranch sauce and skip the chili powder in the street corn mix to lower the heat level.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try baking the chicken instead of frying, use Greek yogurt in place of mayo, and opt for whole wheat tortillas to boost nutritional value.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required – just a skillet for frying, a blender for the ranch, and basic kitchen tools like bowls and a grater for cheese.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch Highlights

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different palates.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience with bold flavors and gourmet-style street corn tacos that impress family and friends.
• Packed with Flavor Layers: Combine crispy fried chicken, zesty street corn, and spicy jalapeno lime ranch for a mouthwatering combination that delivers multiple taste sensations in every bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Assemble these tacos in minimal steps, creating a vibrant dish that looks complicated but comes together rapidly for spontaneous gatherings or casual meals.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that serves as the main ingredient of the taco.
• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and add richness to the chicken during marination.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crispy and light coating for the fried chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Paprika: Provides depth of flavor and seasoning to the chicken.

• Corn: Sweet and charred base for the street corn mix.
• Cotija Cheese: Adds a tangy and salty flavor to the street corn mixture.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess to bind the street corn ingredients.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal notes to both street corn and ranch sauce.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to multiple components.

• Ranch Dressing: Creamy base for the jalapeno lime ranch sauce.
• Jalapeno: Introduces spicy heat to the ranch sauce.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the ranch sauce.
• Tortillas: Soft wrapper for assembling the tacos.
• Lime Wedges: Fresh garnish that provides additional citrus tang.

How to Prepare Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco

Step 1: Soak Chicken in Tangy Bath

Place chicken pieces into a bowl of buttermilk.

Let it marinate for one hour or refrigerate overnight to create super tender meat that will melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Completely coat each buttermilk-soaked chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Golden Delight

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering.

Carefully drop coated chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Slice chicken into bite-sized strips.

Step 4: Craft Vibrant Street Corn Medley

Char corn kernels in a hot skillet or grill pan.

• Mayonnaise
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Chopped cilantro
• Chili powder

Mix ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Ranch Sauce

• Ranch dressing
• Chopped jalapeños
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Chopped cilantro

Pulse until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

Warm corn tortillas.

Layer with sliced fried chicken.

Top with street corn mixture.

Drizzle generously with jalapeño lime ranch.

Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate tacos immediately.

Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures with friends and family.

Helpful Tips for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion that breaks down proteins.
• Add cornstarch to flour mixture to achieve extra crunch and golden-brown exterior on fried chicken.
• Char corn on grill or skillet for smoky flavor before mixing with creamy street corn ingredients.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity in ranch sauce to customize heat intensity for different taste preferences.
• Always add fresh cilantro and lime wedges just before serving to enhance brightness and aromatic profile.

Flavor Variations for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version, using cornstarch to maintain crispy texture.
• Vegetarian Corn Delight: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower, marinating in buttermilk alternative and coating with same spice blend for plant-based option.
• Keto-Friendly Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas, substitute cornstarch with almond flour, and reduce corn quantity to lower carbohydrate content.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Choose low-sodium ranch dressing, reduce salt in spice mix, and use fresh herbs to maintain flavor profile without excessive sodium.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco

• Taco Night Fiesta: Invite friends over for a vibrant taco party featuring these mouthwatering fried chicken street corn tacos as the star attraction.
• Spicy Flavor Boost: Serve extra jalapeno lime ranch on the side for guests who love additional heat and want to customize their taco experience.
• Colorful Side Companions: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh avocado salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the taco's bold flavors.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Complement the zesty tacos with an ice-cold Mexican beer, fresh margarita, or tangy lime agua fresca to balance the rich and spicy elements.

Storage Advice for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco

• Store leftover fried chicken and street corn mix separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness and freshness.
• Wrap individual components tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping chicken and corn separate. Freeze for up to 1 month, avoiding ranch dressing as it may separate.
• Preheat oven to 375°F, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.
• Gently warm corn in a skillet, quickly toast tortillas, and reassemble tacos just before serving to prevent ingredients from becoming mushy.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco With Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling street corn fried chicken tacos blend Mexican and Southern flavors in one irresistible dish. Crispy chicken, tangy jalapeño lime ranch, and charred corn create a perfect handheld meal that will satisfy serious cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Corn and Topping Ingredients:

• 4 ears grilled corn (or 2 cups canned corn, drained)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Jalapeno Lime Ranch Sauce:

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 jalapeno pepper, deseeded
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Taco Assembly:

• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• Additional cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing flavors to penetrate for 60 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for enhanced tenderness.
2. Create a crispy coating by whisking flour, cornstarch, and aromatic spices in a shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
3. Carefully transfer buttermilk-soaked chicken into seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick, uniform crust that will crisp beautifully.
4. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed skillet, maintaining consistent temperature for golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
5. Fry chicken pieces until exterior turns deep golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on wire rack.
6. Char fresh corn kernels in a hot skillet or grill pan until lightly caramelized, developing rich smoky notes.
7. Combine grilled corn with creamy mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and zesty chili powder to create vibrant street corn mixture.
8. Pulse ranch dressing with roasted jalapeno, tangy lime juice, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro until smooth and well-integrated.
9. Warm tortillas briefly on griddle to enhance flexibility and flavor.
10. Layer tortillas with sliced crispy chicken, generously top with street corn mixture, and drizzle with spicy jalapeno lime ranch.
11. Garnish with additional cilantro sprigs and fresh lime wedges for bright, citrusy finish.
12. Serve immediately while components remain warm and crisp.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk for deeper flavor and extra juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Use a thermometer to ensure oil reaches 350°F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken without greasy texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity in ranch sauce or removing seeds for milder version.
• Make gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour, keeping the same crispy coating technique.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg