Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

Category: Chicken Recipes

These Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a fun twist on a classic! With tender chicken and sweet corn topped with creamy sauce, they’ll make your taste buds dance!

Everyone loves tacos, right? I mean, who can resist? I love serving these with extra lime for a zesty kick. They’re perfect for taco night or any night! 🌮

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I recommend using thighs for a juicier bite, but breasts work too. If you want a shortcut, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!

Corn: Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, but frozen corn is just as good and easy to find. You can also use canned corn—just drain it well!

Cotija Cheese: This cheese adds a nice salty note, but if you can’t find it, feta is an excellent alternative. Crumbled queso fresco also works well.

Cilantro: It’s a key ingredient for freshness, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it. Green onions or parsley make a nice substitute too!

How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?

Cooking the chicken can be tricky, but here are my steps to keep it juicy and flavorful:

  • Use a meat thermometer! Chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).
  • Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking; this helps keep the juices inside.
  • Slicing against the grain ensures tender bites. Look for the lines in the meat and cut across them.

What’s the Best Way to Warm Tortillas?

Warming tortillas is essential for flexibility and taste. Here’s a simple method:

  • In a dry skillet over medium heat, place one tortilla at a time. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side until warm.
  • Alternatively, stack the tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel, then microwave for 30 seconds.
  • Keep them wrapped in a towel until you’re ready to assemble your tacos to keep them warm and soft.

These tips will help ensure your Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos turn out delicious every time! Enjoy!

Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Corn and Sauce:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 tbsp lime juice, plus extra wedges for serving
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)

For Assembly:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: sliced jalapeño, diced red onion, hot sauce

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious taco recipe will take you about 25 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken and corn, and about 10 minutes assembling and serving them up.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Mix:

In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning will give your chicken a fantastic flavor!

2. Season the Chicken:

Rub the chicken pieces with olive oil and then coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Make sure every piece is nicely covered!

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice it thinly.

4. Cook the Corn:

In the same skillet, toss in the corn kernels. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and tender. Once done, remove from heat.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), and lime juice until smooth and creamy. This sauce will add a delightful richness to your tacos!

6. Warm the Tortillas:

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or you can microwave them for about 30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel. Keep them warm until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

7. Assemble the Tacos:

Now it’s time to build your tacos! Take a warm tortilla and layer it with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of charred corn, a drizzle of the creamy sauce, and sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top. Finish with some chopped cilantro.

8. Add Optional Toppings:

If you like, you can add some sliced jalapeños or diced red onion for an extra kick. Drizzle with hot sauce if you want it spicy!

9. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your tacos with lime wedges so everyone can squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos just before enjoying them. Dig in and savor the wonderful flavors!

Enjoy your Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos—bursting with fresh flavors and easy to prepare!

Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For shrimp, cook for about 3-4 minutes, and for tofu, ensure it’s cubed and sautéed until golden.

How to Make the Dish Spicier?

If you’d like to add some heat, consider using a spicier chili powder or fresh chopped jalapeños in the chicken spice mixture. You can also top your tacos with hot sauce or diced serrano peppers for an extra kick!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, corn, and sauce separate from the tortillas to maintain their texture. Reheat the chicken and corn gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling new tacos!

Can I Prep the Ingredients Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep components like the spiced chicken and creamy sauce in advance! Marinate the chicken a few hours before cooking, and the sauce can be made a day ahead. Just store everything in the fridge to save time on the day you plan to serve them!

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