These Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a fun treat! Imagine juicy chicken topped with sweet, crunchy corn, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Yum!
You can whip these up in no time, and they’re perfect for a weeknight meal. I love adding a squeeze of lime on top—it just makes everything pop! 🌽🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs are perfect. If you’re looking for a quick option, shredded rotisserie chicken works too. For a plant-based alternative, try jackfruit or grilled veggies to keep it hearty!
Corn: Fresh corn gives a lovely crunch, but frozen or canned corn is just fine too. If corn isn’t available, try diced bell peppers or even black beans for a twist.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a dash of liquid smoke will work. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your spice preference!
Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional but flour tortillas are great for a softer bite. If gluten-free, look for corn tortillas labeled gluten-free.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s a way to make it juicy every time! Start with even pieces so they cook at the same rate. Season well and let the skillet get hot before adding the chicken.
- Use a medium-high heat to get a good sear.
- Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices!
What’s the Best Way to Char the Corn?
Charring corn gives it an amazing flavor! After cooking the chicken, use the same skillet to save those tasty bits.
- Add butter and let it melt before adding corn.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown—around 5 minutes.
- For extra flavor, let it sit without stirring for a little while to get those nice char marks!
Enjoy making these delicious Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos! They’re a great way to brighten up your weeknight meals!
Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Street Corn Topping:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking everything together. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoning mix. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts or thighs, making sure every piece is well coated to get all that wonderful flavor!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and nicely browned. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board.
3. Making the Street Corn Topping:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the corn kernels. Cook the corn for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s slightly charred and golden brown.
4. Adding Flavor:
Add in the chopped red onion, minced garlic, sliced jalapeño, cilantro, and cayenne pepper (if you like heat!) and stir everything together. Squeeze in the lime juice and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Then take it off the heat.
5. Slicing the Chicken:
Now, slice the rested chicken into thin strips. This will make it easier to fit into the tacos and give each bite a nice mix of flavors.
6. Preparing the Cream Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice. This creamy mixture will add a delicious topping to your tacos!
7. Assembling the Tacos:
To warm the tortillas, you can use a dry skillet or microwave. Once they are pliable, start assembling your tacos: place some sliced chicken on each tortilla, top it with the street corn mixture, and drizzle with the lime crema. If you’re using cotija cheese, sprinkle that on top for an added touch of flavor!
8. Serving:
Finally, garnish your tacos with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos!
These tacos are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your table. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while beef may require longer depending on your cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, add more sliced jalapeños or incorporate diced serrano peppers into the street corn topping. You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the crema or use a spicy sauce as a topping!
Can I Prepare the Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even the day before to enhance the flavor. Chop the vegetables and prepare the crema ahead of time, storing everything in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store leftover chicken and street corn mixture in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, warm them up and assemble fresh tacos with new tortillas for the best taste!
These tips should help make your cooking experience even better—enjoy your tacos! 🌮
