Juicy grilled chicken paired with smoky-sweet corn, creamy avocado, and a punchy chili-lime sauce makes these tacos an instant crowd-pleaser. Each bite is the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, creamy, and fresh—a flavor-packed taco that’s deceptively simple to make.
These street-style chicken tacos come together in under an hour, with a marinade that infuses the chicken with bold spices and fresh lime. Perfect for a family dinner, summer cookout, or casual get-together, these tacos offer all the street-food flavor without leaving your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 limes (zest + juice)
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2 tsp minced garlic
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2 tsp ground cumin
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1 1/4 tsp chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Street Corn Topping:
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1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted corn or 2 large cobs, grilled and cut
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1 large avocado, diced
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1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
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1/3 cup cilantro, finely chopped
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1 tbsp jalapeño, finely chopped
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Optional: Cotija cheese, extra cilantro, lime wedges
For the Sauce:
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1/2 cup full-fat mayo
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2 tbsp fresh lime juice
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1/8 tsp ground cumin
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1/4 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp Sriracha
Other:
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12 small corn or flour tortillas
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Cooking spray
Directions:
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Trim and pound chicken to even thickness. Set aside in a large ziplock bag.
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In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime zest & juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reserve 3–4 tbsp for basting.
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Pour the rest into the bag, seal, and knead to coat. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 3 hours.
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Preheat grill to 450°F. Oil grill grates. Grill corn and chicken (basting with reserved marinade) for 4–6 minutes per side or until chicken reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest, then slice.
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Grill tortillas briefly until warm and pliable, then fold into taco shapes.
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Cut corn from cob. Combine corn, avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice for topping.
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Whisk all sauce ingredients until smooth.
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Assemble tacos with sliced chicken, corn-avocado salsa, and sauce. Garnish as desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Marinating: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 372 kcal | Servings: 6
Introduction to Chicken Tacos with Mexican Street Corn
Chicken Tacos with Mexican Street Corn is not just a recipe—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and vibrant ingredients that pay homage to the irresistible flavors of Mexican street food. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a Taco Tuesday feast, or simply craving something fresh and filling, this taco dish fits the bill with elegance and ease. The star of the show is the perfectly grilled chicken, marinated in a bold, citrusy blend that delivers tenderness and zesty warmth in every bite. Paired with a sweet, charred corn and creamy avocado topping, this dish is a fusion of classic elote (Mexican grilled corn) and your favorite taco night staples.
These tacos are all about balance—spicy yet cooling, rich yet refreshing, hearty yet light. The layers of flavor make it perfect for any palate, and the customizations are virtually endless. From casual family meals to festive gatherings, Chicken Tacos with Mexican Street Corn bring a taste of summer to your table any time of year.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
Inspired by the street vendors of Mexico who serve up grilled corn on the cob, slathered in creamy sauces and sprinkled with chili powder, cotija cheese, and fresh lime, this recipe takes those irresistible flavors and transforms them into a taco filling that’s unforgettable. The grilled corn salsa with avocado echoes the savory sweetness of traditional elote, while the spicy mayo-based sauce delivers the familiar heat and tang you’d expect.
This taco variation captures the joy of street food while giving you the freedom to prepare it in the comfort of your own home. The recipe cleverly bridges the gap between authenticity and convenience, offering grilled or canned corn options and multiple preparation styles for the chicken, whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop skillet.
Why This Chicken Taco Recipe Works
What sets this chicken taco recipe apart is the attention to flavor layering. The marinade used for the chicken is both simple and effective—it tenderizes while infusing deep flavor. Lime juice adds brightness, garlic lends depth, and spices like cumin and paprika give it that smoky warmth essential to a truly great taco.
The grilled corn and avocado salsa brings in a refreshing and creamy counterpoint to the warm, savory chicken. It’s loaded with fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions that add zing and balance. And finally, the sauce—creamy, spicy, and tangy—ties everything together in one delicious bite.
Each component is independently flavorful, but together they form a harmonious dish that is greater than the sum of its parts. That’s what makes this recipe a favorite among families, foodies, and busy weeknight cooks alike.
Versatility and Customization
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how customizable it is. While the original recipe includes grilled chicken, fire-roasted corn, avocado, and a chili-lime sauce, there’s plenty of room to play with the ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Vegetarians can substitute the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas. Dairy-free eaters can omit the mayo in the sauce or use plant-based alternatives. Want to turn up the heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a spicy chipotle crema. Prefer a sweeter note? Add grilled pineapple to the salsa.
You can also swap the tortillas—use flour, corn, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. Side dishes like cilantro-lime rice or black bean salad make great accompaniments if you’re looking to build a full meal around the tacos.
Nutrition Benefits
Beyond being incredibly tasty, these tacos offer nutritional value as well. The grilled chicken is high in protein and relatively low in fat, especially if skinless breasts are used. Avocados contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a rich dose of potassium. Corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and is a good source of fiber and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Using fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions adds not just flavor but also micro-nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K. Even the spices used in the marinade—paprika, cumin, and chili powder—come with their own health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and digestive support.
With a bit of care in the ingredient selection, this meal can easily become part of a balanced, wholesome diet.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
These chicken tacos also make a great candidate for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken in advance, and grill it fresh or pre-cook and store it for up to four days in the fridge. The corn-avocado topping is best made fresh, but the ingredients can be chopped and stored separately to mix just before serving. The chili-lime sauce keeps well and actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld.
This means that with a little planning, you can enjoy vibrant, homemade tacos multiple days in a row with very little effort. It’s a great way to stay excited about lunch or dinner without repeating the exact same flavors every time—just tweak your toppings or sauces for variety.
Entertaining Made Easy
If you’re hosting a get-together, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them buffet-style so guests can build their own tacos to suit their preferences. Set out bowls of toppings: extra cheese, salsa, hot sauce, lime wedges, and pickled onions. Add a pitcher of margaritas or agua fresca, and you’ve got a festive spread that’s sure to impress.
Kids love these tacos too, especially if you simplify the toppings or serve everything deconstructed on their plates. The bright colors and fun textures make this a visually appealing dish for all ages.
What Makes This a “Street Taco”?
Street tacos are known for being small in size, quick to assemble, and big on flavor. Traditionally sold by street vendors, they typically consist of a soft corn tortilla, a simple protein, and minimal but impactful toppings. This recipe honors that tradition with its use of compact tortillas, fresh and bold garnishes, and no-frills assembly.
What differentiates this taco from more Tex-Mex or restaurant-style versions is the focus on purity of flavor. There’s no heavy sour cream or overstuffed fillings—just clean, fresh ingredients that let each component shine.
Tips for Grilling Success
Grilling is at the heart of this recipe’s flavor, particularly for the chicken and corn. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest point. Letting the meat rest after grilling helps retain its juices, keeping it tender and moist.
If grilling corn, rotate it every few minutes for even char. If using canned corn, dry it thoroughly and sear in a hot cast-iron skillet for a caramelized finish. And always preheat your grill and oil the grates to avoid sticking.
Even if you’re working with indoor appliances, such as a grill pan or stovetop, you can still achieve impressive results with a little technique and attention to heat management.
Conclusion
Chicken Tacos with Mexican Street Corn is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. This recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, versatility, nutrition, and ease of preparation. It channels the spirit of Mexican street food while offering flexibility for the modern home cook. From the bold spice rub on the chicken to the creamy corn-avocado topping and the zesty chili-lime sauce, every bite bursts with excitement.
Perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or weekend cookouts, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to adapt to your tastes, fun to prepare, and even better to share. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, these tacos are a delicious way to bring people together over fresh, homemade food.