There’s a certain thrill that bubbles up when I think about taco night—a time when friends and family gather, and vibrant flavors take center stage. Recently, I decided to elevate our usual taco experience with a recipe that instantly became the star of the show: Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch. This delightful fusion features crispy fried chicken, sweet and smoky street corn, and a zesty jalapeño lime ranch that dances on your palate.
As the scent of seasoned chicken mingled with the earthy aroma of grilled corn, I knew I had hit a comforting jackpot. Imagine a cozy evening where each bite bursts with flavor, bringing everyone together in a mouthwatering fiesta! Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a comforting meal, these tacos will transform your ordinary dining into an unforgettable culinary adventure. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to these delectable tacos that promise to make your taste buds sing!
Why love Fried Chicken Tacos?
Bold flavors await your taste buds with this scrumptious combination of crispy fried chicken and zesty jalapeño lime ranch. Unique twist on traditional tacos makes them a standout at any gathering. Quick preparation ensures that you can whip these up in under an hour. Versatile options allow for substitutions to suit your preferences, while crowd-pleasing appeal guarantees rave reviews from friends and family. Bring fun and flavor to your table with these mouthwatering tacos that are perfect for any occasion!
Fried Chicken Taco Ingredients
• Here’s what you need to create these flavor-packed tacos!
For the Chicken
- Pickle Juice – Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken. Tip: Lemon juice can be a refreshing substitute.
- Buttermilk – Provides moisture and flavor. Note: You can make buttermilk by mixing milk with vinegar.
- Chicken Tenders – The main protein, offering a juicy base. Alternative: Chicken breasts can work, but watch the cooking time.
- Flour – Forms the crispy coating. Substitution: Use a gluten-free flour mix if needed.
For the Street Corn Salad
- Corn on the Cob – Freshness and sweetness in the salad. Tip: Canned corn can be used, but it won’t have the char flavor.
- Mayonnaise – Base for the salad and ranch. Substitution: Greek yogurt offers a lighter choice.
- Cotija Cheese – Provides a salty, creamy element. Note: Feta cheese is a fine alternative.
- Cilantro – Adds freshness and vibrancy. Optional: Parsley can replace cilantro for those who prefer it.
- Jalapeños – Bring a delightful spice to the ranch and salad. Tip: Adjust the heat by using milder jalapeño varieties.
- Chili Powder – Adds depth to the salad.
For the Ranch
- Cilantro (again) – Enhances the flavors in the ranch.
- Pickled Jalapeños – Adds an extra kick!
For the Tacos
- Tortillas – The perfect vehicle for all the delicious fillings. Tip: Choose either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs.
Now that you have the ingredients ready, get excited about crafting your mouthwatering Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos!
How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
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Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine pickle juice and buttermilk. Submerge the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight for maximum tenderness.
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Prepare Coating: Set up your breading station by mixing seasoned flour in one bowl and buttermilk in another. This will ensure a crispy, crunchy coating for your chicken!
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Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge chicken in the seasoned flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat again in flour. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Make Street Corn Salad: Grill corn on the cob until it’s slightly charred. Remove the kernels and mix them with mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, chopped scallions, cotija cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
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Prepare Jalapeño Lime Ranch: In a blender, combine cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño juice. Mix with mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lime juice, and a splash of buttermilk to reach your desired consistency. Chill in the fridge.
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Warm Tortillas: Heat a skillet with oil and fry the tortillas until they are golden and pliable, making them perfect for holding all those delicious fillings.
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Assemble Tacos: Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken, a generous scoop of street corn salad, and a drizzle of jalapeño lime ranch. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.
Optional: Add extra jalapeño lime ranch on the side for dipping!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Fried Chicken Tacos
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Marination Matters: Letting the chicken marinate in pickle juice and buttermilk for at least 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness, creating truly succulent fried chicken tacos.
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Perfect Coating: Allow the coated chicken to sit for a few minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better, ensuring a crispy exterior that won’t fall off during cooking.
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Oil Temperature: Always maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) while frying. An overcrowded pan lowers the temperature, leading to greasy, soggy fried chicken.
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Flavor Boost: For an even richer taste, grill your corn until charred to bring out its natural sweetness, elevating the flavor in your yummy fried chicken tacos.
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Prep Ahead: Make the street corn salad and jalapeño lime ranch a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully, enriching the overall taste when you’re ready to serve.
Fried Chicken Taco Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to these delicious tacos with these exciting variations!
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Grilled Chicken: Swap the fried chicken for marinated grilled chicken for a lighter, smoky flavor. This variation keeps things fresh and adds a lovely charred taste.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced serrano peppers instead of jalapeños for a fiery upgrade in both the ranch and street corn. Adjusting the spice level can bring a thrilling heat to your meal.
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Vegan Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken, breaded and fried to mimic the crispy texture. Top with avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.
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Baja-Style: Replace the corn with cabbage slaw for a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the fried chicken. Drizzle lime juice over the slaw to brighten the flavors.
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Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for added heat, or cheddar for a classic flavor twist. Each cheese enhances the tacos with its unique richness.
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Herb Infusion: Instead of cilantro, use fresh dill or basil to give your ranch dressing a distinctive twist. The fresh herbs will create a unique flavor profile that’s still delicious.
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Street Tattoo: Top your tacos with charred street corn and a drizzle of chipotle sauce for an additional layer of smokiness and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
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Sweet Twist: Add a touch of honey to the ranch dressing for a sweet and tangy blend that beautifully complements the savory fried chicken. The unexpected sweetness will surprise and delight!
What to Serve with Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos?
Elevate your taco night with delightful sides and drinks that beautifully complement the tangy and savory flavors of these tasty tacos.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad adds a refreshing twist, mimicking the flavors of the street corn while being a great sidekick to the tacos.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime offers a zesty base that balances the savory chicken perfectly.
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Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips brings a classic Tex-Mex element that your guests will love.
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Pico de Gallo: Bright and zesty, this fresh salsa offers a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich jalapeño lime ranch.
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Spicy Black Beans: Hearty, flavorful black beans provide protein and fiber, making them an excellent accompaniment to round out your meal.
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Margaritas: A refreshing margarita pairs perfectly with the spicy tacos and enhances the lively vibe of taco night.
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Churros: End your meal on a sweet note with crispy, cinnamon-sugar dusted churros for a delightful dessert that everyone adores.
By combining these sides and drinks, you create a balanced, flavor-packed spread that transforms your taco night into an unforgettable fiesta!
How to Store and Freeze Fried Chicken Tacos
Fridge: Store leftover fried chicken tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain tortilla flexibility, avoid stacking them and instead keep components separate if possible.
Freezer: For best results, freeze cooked fried chicken separately from the other components. Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat fried chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. While you wait, make fresh street corn salad to refresh the dish when serving.
Assemble Just Before Serving: To maintain optimal flavor and texture, assemble tacos with freshly cooked chicken and freshly made street corn salad just before enjoying.
Make Ahead Options
These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor delicious flavors without the rush! You can marinate the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. The street corn salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas crisp and fresh. To maintain quality, store the fried chicken and street corn salad separately, then reheat the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes before layering it on your warm tortillas. Enjoy the time-saving convenience and delight in a fantastic meal any day of the week!
Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right corn for the street corn salad?
Selecting the best corn is all about freshness! Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels. If the corn has dark spots all over or feels tough, it’s best to pass. Fresh corn on the cob gives the salad that sweet and succulent burst, but if you’re in a pinch, canned corn can do. Just remember, it won’t have that lovely charred flavor!
How can I store leftovers from these tacos?
Absolutely! You can store leftover fried chicken tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, I recommend separating the filling components—chicken, corn salad, and tortillas—if possible. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes for a tasty refresh!
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Can I freeze the fried chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooked fried chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This way, it will keep fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until hot. Pair with freshly made street corn salad for the best flavor!
What if the chicken breading falls off while frying?
If you’re experiencing breading that falls off during frying, it might be due to two key factors: the chicken needs to marinate longer, or the frying oil temperature is too low. Make sure to let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying; this helps the breading adhere better. Additionally, maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
Are there any dietary substitutions I can make for these tacos?
Very! For a lighter option, you can substitute fried chicken with grilled chicken. If gluten is a concern, using a gluten-free flour mix works wonderfully for the coating. You can also switch out cotija cheese for feta or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the ranch for a healthier twist. Want to make it lower-carb? Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps instead!
How do I know when the fried chicken is done?
To ensure your fried chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This not only guarantees safety but gives you juicy, tender chicken every time! If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into a piece to ensure the meat is no longer pink in the center. Enjoy crafting these delicious tacos!
Ultimate Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Zesty Ranch
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine pickle juice and buttermilk. Submerge the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare Coating: Set up your breading station by mixing seasoned flour in one bowl and buttermilk in another.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge chicken in the seasoned flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat again in flour. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make Street Corn Salad: Grill corn on the cob until it's slightly charred. Remove the kernels and mix them with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Jalapeño Lime Ranch: In a blender, combine cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño juice. Mix with mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lime juice, and a splash of buttermilk to reach your desired consistency. Chill in the fridge.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat a skillet with oil and fry the tortillas until they are golden and pliable.
- Assemble Tacos: Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken, a generous scoop of street corn salad, and a drizzle of jalapeño lime ranch. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.