Introduction
Love crispy fried chicken? Big fan of tacos? Enjoy bold, zesty flavors? If your answer is “yes” to any (or all) of those, then you’re going to love this recipe. These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are packed with everything that makes food fun: crunchy chicken, creamy corn, spicy jalapeños, and tangy lime.
It’s like a flavor party in every bite! Whether you’re cooking for a weekend dinner, a family gathering, or just want to try something different, this dish is super easy to make and full of delicious flavors. So let’s get into it!
Ingredients – Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these amazing tacos. Don’t worry—it’s a short and simple list!
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Street Corn:
- 1 ½ cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Extra lime wedges for squeezing
Step by Step Process – Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Let’s break it down into easy steps so you can follow along without stress!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken strips into a bowl.
- Pour in the buttermilk and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge. This makes the chicken extra tender.
Step 2: Make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch
- In a blender or food processor, add the ranch dressing, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic.
- Blend until smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Put it in the fridge while you prep everything else.
Step 3: Mix the Corn Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayo, sour cream, cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and a bit of salt.
- Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, shake off extra liquid, then coat them in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces for about 4–5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Place them on a paper towel to drain the oil.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
Step 6: Build Your Tacos
Now the fun part—putting it all together!
- Start with a warm tortilla.
- Add a few pieces of crispy fried chicken.
- Top with a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture.
- Drizzle with jalapeño lime ranch.
- Sprinkle on some fresh cilantro.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make the chicken in an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes! Just coat the chicken like normal, spray lightly with oil, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q2: Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Sure! Remove the seeds from the jalapeño or skip it completely when making the sauce. You can also reduce or skip the chili powder in the corn mix.
Q3: Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Absolutely. Just blend it with jalapeño and lime to give it that homemade kick.
Q4: What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the corn?
You can use Greek yogurt or more sour cream for a lighter option.
Q5: How can I make this vegetarian?
Try using crispy tofu or plant-based nuggets instead of chicken. It’ll still taste great!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Easy Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch that are bursting with flavor, texture, and fun! From the crispy fried chicken to the creamy corn topping and spicy-tangy sauce, every bite is something special.
Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday, a casual dinner, or even just because you’re craving something awesome, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, you can tweak it to fit your taste—mild or spicy, grilled or fried, loaded with toppings or kept simple.
So grab your tortillas, heat up that oil, and let’s taco ’bout how good this meal is going to be!
