The sizzling sound of grilled chicken crackling on the barbecue instantly transports me to the lively streets of Mexico, where vibrant flavors dance together in every bite. That’s exactly the inspiration behind my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos—a recipe that brings that excitement right into your kitchen! Juicy marinated chicken pairs beautifully with a creamy, zesty street corn salad, fresh avocado, and crumbled cotija, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Not only are these tacos quick to whip up, but they also bring a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that promise to impress family and friends. Are you ready to take your taco night to a whole new level? Let’s dive into the flavors of this delicious recipe! Why Are These Tacos So Irresistible? Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a vibrant burst of flavors from the juicy grilled chicken and creamy street corn salad. Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos come together in no time, making them ideal for any home cook. Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients—try using chicken tenderloins or even switching to shrimp for a delightful twist! Crowd-Pleaser: With their tantalizing taste and colorful presentation, these tacos are guaranteed to impress family and friends alike. Textural Delight: Enjoy the combination of crispy tortillas, savory chicken, and creamy avocado, ensuring a satisfying mouthful with every bite. For a full burst of flavor, you might also like to explore my Mexican Street Corn Soup for a cozy meal or pair these tacos with refreshing Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for a complete feast! Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Ingredients Get ready to create a delicious taco experience with these fresh ingredients! For the Chicken • Chicken Breasts (or tenderloins/thighs) – The protein base for the tacos; feel free to choose your preferred cut. • Canola Oil (or EVOO) – Ideal for marinating and grilling; extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor beautifully. • Fresh Lime Juice – Adds acidity and brightness; juice from about 2-3 limes will do the trick. • Chili Powder – This spice provides heat and depth; smoked paprika is a great alternative for a different flavor profile. • Cumin – Offers earthy notes to elevate the taco’s flavor; there’s no direct substitution suggested. • Garlic Powder – Brings savory depth; you can opt for fresh minced garlic if you prefer. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for flavor; always adjust to your taste! For the Street Corn Salad • Cooked Corn – The base for the salad; fresh corn off the cob or frozen white corn works great. • Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the salad; Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute. • Lime Juice – Enhances flavor, just like the fresh lime juice listed above! • Cilantro – Adds a fresh herb flavor; feel free to omit if it’s not your thing. • Jalapeno – Adds heat and freshness; adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. • Green Onions – For garnish and added flavor, bringing a lovely crunch to the dish. For Assembling the Tacos • Corn Tortillas – Essential for serving; use flour tortillas for a softer texture, if desired. • Avocados – Adds a rich and creamy element; you can opt for guacamole for added convenience. • Cotija Cheese – Provides a salty finish; if you can’t find cotija, feta cheese makes a great substitute. Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying these Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Step 1: Marinate Chicken In a large bowl, combine canola oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade. Pierce the chicken breasts or tenderloins with a fork for better flavor absorption, then place them into a Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4-5 hours, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 2: Grill Chicken Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C), and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and it has a nice char. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces. Step 3: Prepare Street Corn Salad While the chicken is grilling, prepare the street corn salad. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeno, and sliced green onions. Stir until everything is well-coated and incorporated. The creamy, zesty mixture will perfectly complement the flavors of the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos. Step 4: Prepare Tortillas If using corn tortillas, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each tortilla for a few seconds on each side until warm and pliable, then drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step not only enhances their flavor but also gives them a sturdiness for holding the delicious fillings. Step 5: Assemble Tacos Now comes the fun part—assembling your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos! Begin by placing some of the grilled chicken pieces onto each tortilla. Top with the creamy street corn salad, then add sliced avocado for richness. Crumble cotija cheese over the tacos for a salty finish, and sprinkle with additional cilantro if you like. Each bite promises an explosion of flavor and texture! Expert Tips for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos • Marination Magic: Ensure chicken is marinated long enough—ideally 4-5 hours—for optimal flavor infusion. • Cook Safely: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat. • Tortilla Texture: Avoid soaking corn tortillas for too long while warming, as this can make them too soft to hold the fillings properly. • Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap chicken for grilled shrimp or steak; experiment with black beans for a delicious vegetarian option. • Freshness Matters: Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in both chicken and street corn salad components. Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Variations Feel free to explore new flavors and textures with these delightful variations that will elevate your taco experience! Alternative Proteins: Swap the chicken for grilled steak or shrimp for a delicious twist. The smoky flavors pair perfectly with the creamy corn! Vegetarian Delight: Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding black beans to the street corn salad. This plant-based option is hearty and satisfying. Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding diced serrano peppers. For an extra kick, incorporate a dash of hot sauce into the corn salad. Your taste buds will thank you! Herb Swap: Fresh basil or mint can replace cilantro for a unique flavor profile. These herbs bring an unexpected freshness that complements the dish beautifully. Creamy Upgrade: Substitute mayonnaise with avocado crema for a deliciously rich topping. This option adds an extra layer of creaminess to your tacos! Texture Variation: Try using flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer bite. The tender texture adds a different experience while still holding all those tasty ingredients together! Zestier Corn Salad: Experiment with adding diced red bell pepper or corn relish to your salad for a pop of color and flavor. The added crunch will delight your senses! For more exciting taco ideas, check out my Chicken Rolled Tacos or consider pairing these tacos with a refreshing side of Mexican Street Corn for a truly flavorful meal! Storage Tips for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep ingredients like tortillas and salad components separate to maintain freshness. Freezer: You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling to preserve texture and flavor. Reheating: Warm grilled chicken and street corn salad in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Tortilla Care: If storing tortillas, keep them in a sealed bag but avoid refrigeration to prevent dryness; reheat before assembling tacos. Make Ahead Options These Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse. Additionally, the street corn salad can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before serving to refresh its creamy texture. When it’s time to eat, simply grill the marinated chicken and assemble the tacos with fresh avocado and cotija cheese. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, homemade tacos with minimal effort while maintaining the quality and flavor just as delightful as when freshly made! What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Complement your meal with these delightful side dishes and drinks that enhance the flavors and textures of your tacos. Zesty Black Bean Salad: This vibrant salad with lime and cilantro adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy tacos. It’s packed with protein and fiber. Crispy Tortilla Chips with Salsa: The crunchy texture of tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa brings a festive flair to your meal, perfect for scooping. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Available in various forms, the grilled corn on the cob drizzled with lime and coated with cheese mirrors the flavors in your tacos. Guacamole & Chips: The creamy, avocado dip offers a smooth texture that balances the crunchy tortillas and savory chicken. Margaritas: A classic margarita, with its tangy lime and tequila notes, pairs beautifully to elevate your taco experience and bring a touch of celebration. Fresh Tomato Salsa: This bright, flavorful salsa made with ripe tomatoes and spices can add an extra layer of freshness to your tacos. Feel free to mix and match these options for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone craving more! Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe FAQs What kind of chicken should I use for these tacos? You can opt for chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thighs for your Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos. Each cut offers unique flavors and textures, but if you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to substitute with grilled shrimp or steak as well! How should I store leftover tacos? Leftover components of your tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the tortillas separate from the moist ingredients like the street corn salad to prevent them from getting soggy. This way, you can enjoy fresh tacos again! Can I freeze the marinated chicken? How? Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Just place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag, seal it tightly, and label the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps maintain the chicken’s great texture and flavor when you grill it. What if my tortillas rip while cooking? If your tortillas happen to rip while warming, don’t worry! Simply stack them and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them warm and moist until you’re ready to assemble. Alternatively, consider using flour tortillas as they are less likely to tear compared to corn tortillas. How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly? To create a vegetarian version of these tacos, you can easily omit the chicken and add black beans for protein. You can also increase the amount of street corn salad, making it a delicious and satisfying meat-free meal that everyone will love! Are there any allergies I should consider with the ingredients? Yes, always consider potential allergies! The recipe includes ingredients like mayonnaise and dairy from cotija cheese, which some might be allergic to. You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives if lactose intolerance is a concern. Always check your ingredients to ensure everyone’s safety! Savoring Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos at Home Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful recipe combining marinated chicken, creamy corn salad, and fresh toppings for an explosive flavor experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsMarination Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 tacosCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pieces Chicken Breasts or tenderloins/thighs2 tablespoons Canola Oil or EVOO2 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice juice from about 2-3 limes1 teaspoon Chili Powder smoked paprika is a great alternative1 teaspoon Cumin no direct substitution suggested1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlicto taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Street Corn Salad2 cups Cooked Corn fresh corn off the cob or frozen white corn1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt2 tablespoons Lime Juice to enhance flavor1/4 cup Cilantro optional1 Jalapeno adjust quantity based on spice preference2 tablespoons Green Onions for garnishFor Assembling the Tacos8 pieces Corn Tortillas use flour tortillas for a softer texture if desired2 pieces Avocados or guacamole1 cup Cotija Cheese or feta cheese as a substitute Equipment Grillmixing bowlZiploc bagskillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large bowl, combine canola oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Pierce the chicken with a fork, place in a Ziploc bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 4-5 hours.Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Lightly oil grates, then grill the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest before cutting into pieces.While chicken is grilling, mix cooked corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeno, and green onions in a bowl until well-coated.Heat oil in a skillet and lightly fry each corn tortilla for a few seconds on each side until warm. Drain on paper towels.Assemble tacos by placing grilled chicken on tortillas, topping with street corn salad, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese. Enjoy the explosion of flavors! Nutrition Serving: 1tacoCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, marinate chicken for optimal flavor and always use fresh lime juice. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
