The Ultimate Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe with Zesty Ranch

Crispy fried chicken street corn tacos burst with bold, unexpected flavors that dance across your palate.

Smoky bacon and zesty jalapeño lime ranch create a mouthwatering combination few can resist.

Mexican street food meets classic comfort in this irresistible fusion dish.

Fresh ingredients bring each bite to life with vibrant textures and intense seasonings.

Layers of crunch and heat make these tacos a serious crowd-pleaser.

Spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will find themselves utterly obsessed with every single bite.

You should definitely dive into this flavor-packed recipe right now.

FAQs

• How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Double-coat the chicken by dipping it in buttermilk and breading mixture twice for an extra crunchy exterior.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper to the breading mixture or include additional sliced jalapeños in the taco for more heat.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

Create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Bake the chicken instead of frying, use Greek yogurt in the ranch, and reduce the bacon amount to lower calories and fat content.

Reasons to Crave Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold flavors from cayenne, paprika, and jalapeño lime ranch, this recipe delivers a delicious kick that transforms ordinary tacos into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Master Quick Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing you to create restaurant-quality tacos without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Combo: Crispy fried chicken meets street corn and bacon in a mouthwatering fusion that appeals to both adventurous eaters and classic comfort food lovers, perfect for gatherings and casual dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe lets you adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or modify toppings to suit personal preferences, making it a versatile meal for diverse tastes.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Ingredient List

• Chicken Strips: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the tacos.
• Bacon: Crispy, savory meat that adds rich flavor and crunch.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize and marinate the chicken.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the breading.

• Flour, Panko, Cornmeal: Create a crispy, textured coating for the chicken.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne: Provide depth and seasoning to the breading.

• Tortillas: Soft shell to hold the taco fillings.
• Street Corn: Adds sweet and creamy texture to the tacos.

• Lettuce, Cilantro: Provide freshness and crisp texture.

• Jalapeno, Lime, Ranch: Create a tangy, spicy, creamy sauce for the tacos.

• Vegetable or Frying Oil: Used for deep-frying the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Making Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos at Home

Step 1: Buttermilk Bath

Submerge chicken strips completely in buttermilk.

Let the meat soak and become tender for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

This process helps break down proteins and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Cornmeal
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

In a separate bowl, whisk an egg until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken Pieces

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Dunk each strip into whisked egg, then generously coat with seasoned flour mixture.

Press coating gently to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Fry To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or dutch oven to 350°F.

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Ranch

Blend ranch ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy and tangy sauce with a kick of jalapeño and bright lime notes.

Step 6: Build Mouthwatering Tacos

Warm soft tortillas until slightly charred.

• Fresh crisp lettuce
• Crispy fried chicken
• Grilled street corn
• Crumbled smoky bacon
• Fresh chopped cilantro

Drizzle generously with jalapeño lime ranch.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Plate tacos immediately.

Garnish with extra lime wedges for bright, zesty flavor.

Enjoy while hot and crispy!

Getting the Most from These Tacos

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature at 350F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning.
• Mix panko and cornmeal for an extra crunchy, textured coating that stays crisp longer.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level, making the dish mild or fiery based on preference.
• Taste and adjust jalapeno lime ranch seasoning gradually for a personalized zesty kick.

Try These Spins on Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Tacos: Replace flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Street Corn Tacos: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower, using the same breading technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Mexican Lettuce Wraps: Skip tortillas and use large lettuce leaves as a wrapper, keeping all other ingredients the same for a lighter option.
• Dairy-Free Ranch Adaptation: Swap buttermilk and ranch ingredients with coconut milk and vegan mayonnaise to create a dairy-free friendly recipe.

What Goes Well with These Chicken Street Tacos

• Flavor Explosion Party: Create a vibrant taco bar where guests build their own tacos with all the delicious components laid out beautifully.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack these tacos in a portable container for outdoor dining, keeping toppings separate to maintain crispiness during transport.
• Spice Level Adventure: Offer different hot sauces and extra jalapeños on the side, letting everyone customize their heat tolerance and flavor intensity.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve components in separate bowls, allowing everyone to assemble their dream tacos with personal favorite ingredients and proportions.

How to Keep Chicken Street Tacos Fresh

• Store leftover fried chicken tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate wet and dry ingredients to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual taco components separately in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Chicken and corn can last up to 2 months. Bacon and ranch sauce do not freeze well.
• Warm crispy chicken in air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunchiness. Alternatively, use oven at 350F for 5-6 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating.
• Reassemble tacos with fresh tortillas after reheating chicken. Add new lettuce, bacon, and ranch sauce to maintain original texture and flavor.

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn meets crispy fried chicken in these irresistible tacos, combining spicy jalapeño lime ranch with smoky bacon. Corn tortillas cradle golden chicken and elote-style corn, creating a flavor-packed street food experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 egg

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Wet Ingredients and Additional Components:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 6 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup Mexican street corn (corn, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder)
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken strips in buttermilk for a minimum of 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Create a dynamic breading mixture by combining flour, panko, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in one container, while whisking egg in a separate bowl.
3. Extract chicken from buttermilk, carefully dunk into whisked egg, then thoroughly coat with seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Heat cooking oil to precisely 350F in a deep skillet, gently lowering coated chicken and frying until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer crispy pieces onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Craft zesty jalapeno lime ranch by blending ranch ingredients, tasting and adjusting seasonings for balanced flavor profile.
6. Gently warm tortillas, layer with fresh lettuce, place crisp fried chicken, sprinkle street corn, crumble bacon, scatter fresh cilantro, and generously drizzle with spicy jalapeno lime ranch.
7. Serve immediately, accompanied by tangy lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus brightness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer in buttermilk for extra tenderness and deeper flavor infusion.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs beforehand to enhance crispiness and add nutty undertones to the coating.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crunch.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg