Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any gathering. These tacos feature marinated grilled chicken paired with homemade street corn, fresh avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive backyard party, these tacos will impress your guests. Their vibrant ingredients and easy preparation make them a standout choice for taco night or any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and toppings according to your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are a crowd-pleaser at parties, barbecues, and family gatherings.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and fresh veggies, they offer a nutritious meal choice.

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Tools and Preparation

To make these Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or Grill Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Serving Platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or Grill Pan: Provides that delicious charred flavor on the chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken and mixing the street corn ingredients.
• Knife: Needed for slicing the avocados and chopping vegetables quickly.

Ingredients

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

For the Grilled 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 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

In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

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 all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

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

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Slice the grilled chicken into strips. To assemble each taco, place strips of chicken in a warm tortilla. Top with street corn mixture, sliced avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro garnish, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. You can customize them to suit your taste and impress your guests. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat that complements the tacos perfectly.

Pair with Dips

• Guacamole: Serve with creamy guacamole for a rich, avocado flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa adds zesty freshness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Add Crunch

• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Offer tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast that guests will love.
• Pickled Onions: Serve pickled onions for a tangy crunch that brightens up each bite.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To make your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos truly stand out, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and presentation of your dish.

• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate longer allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making it more flavorful.
• Grill Over High Heat: Cooking over high heat gives you those beautiful grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
• Use Fresh Corn: If possible, use fresh corn off the cob for a sweeter and crunchier texture in your street corn topping.
• Customize Taco Sauce: Adjust taco sauce amounts based on your spice preference to ensure everyone enjoys their meal.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving delicious sides alongside your tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that pair wonderfully with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements tacos perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and make a filling side dish.
3. Elote Salad: A corn salad with lime, cheese, and spices mirrors the flavors in your tacos.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing balances out spicy tacos.
6. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make an easy starter or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can be a delight, but there are common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Overcooking the Chicken: This can make your chicken dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
• Ignoring Marination Time: Skipping marination reduces flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best taste.
• Using Low-Quality Corn: Fresh or good-quality frozen corn makes a big difference in taste. Always choose quality ingredients for the street corn topping.
• Forgetting Garnishes: Toppings like cilantro and lime add zest. Don’t skip them; they enhance both flavor and presentation.
• Choosing the Wrong Tortillas: Opt for corn tortillas for authenticity. They add great flavor and texture compared to flour tortillas.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, here are some common questions.

What is the best marinade for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

A mix of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin works wonderfully. It infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or beef, adjusting cooking times as needed.

How do I make homemade street corn?

Mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, and cotija cheese for a delicious topping.

What toppings pair well with these tacos?

Sliced avocados, green onions, and extra cotija cheese enhance the flavor and texture of your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful dish at any gathering or cozy dinner at home!