Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Imagine biting into a taco that perfectly marries the crunch of golden fried chicken, the sweetness and smokiness of street corn, and the tangy, zesty punch of jalapeño lime ranch. These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are perfect for taco nights, casual gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with bold flavors and satisfying textures. They showcase how traditional ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary, making them a must-try for taco lovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy fried chicken and zesty jalapeño lime ranch creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With a straightforward cooking process, these tacos are accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether as a main dish or a fun appetizer, these tacos fit perfectly into various meal settings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family dinners, they are sure to satisfy guests of all ages.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust toppings and spices according to your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and ensure you have everything on hand. This will make preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Grill for corn

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or deep fryer: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly crispy fried chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken safely while frying to achieve an even golden crust.
• Grill for corn: Enhances the flavor of the corn through charring, adding a delicious smokiness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Fried Chicken

• 1.5 lbs. chicken tenders
• 1 cup pickle juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne powder
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1.5 cups buttermilk

For Frying

• Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Street Corn

• 5-6 ears of corn, husked and grilled
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• 1/3 cup sliced scallions
• 1/3 cup grated cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1/2-1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Jalapeño Lime Ranch Sauce

• 3/4 cup mayo
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
• 2 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice

For Assembly

• 3/4 cup cilantro, large stems removed
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• Flour tortillas
• Bacon (1 strip per taco, cooked and diced)

How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken tenders in pickle juice and buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat while adding flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne powder, and hot sauce. Mix well.

Step 3: Heat Oil

In a cast iron skillet or deep fryer, heat enough peanut or vegetable oil to fry the chicken tenders until golden brown.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. Fry them in hot oil until crispy—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Step 5: Grill the Corn

While the chicken is frying, grill your husked corn until charred on all sides. Once done, let it cool before cutting kernels off.

Step 6: Mix Street Corn Topping

In a bowl, mix grilled corn kernels with mayo, minced garlic, lime juice and zest, scallions, cotija cheese, cilantro, diced jalapeño, chili powder, and salt. Stir until combined.

Step 7: Make Jalapeño Lime Ranch Sauce

In another bowl combine mayo with sour cream. Add ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt along with pickled jalapeños and their juice. Whisk until smooth.

Step 8: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your flour tortillas briefly on a skillet. Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken tenders followed by street corn topping and drizzle with jalapeño lime ranch sauce. Optionally add bacon bits on top before folding your tacos.

Enjoy this delightful twist on tacos that brings together comfort food flavors in every bite!

How to Serve Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Serving these Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos is all about presentation and balance. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty ranch makes for an exciting meal that your guests will love. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your taco night unforgettable.

Taco Bar Extravaganza

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings laid out for guests to customize their tacos.
• Include extras like pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and various salsas.

Pair with Refreshing Drinks

• Serve with refreshing beverages like horchata or a spicy margarita.
• These drinks complement the bold flavors of the tacos beautifully.

Add a Crunchy Side Salad

• Offer a light salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette.
• This adds freshness and balances the richness of the tacos.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top each taco with freshly chopped cilantro or scallions.
• This enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Use Colorful Serving Plates

• Present the tacos on vibrant plates to make the dish pop.
• This adds to the overall dining experience and looks great for photos.

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How to Perfect Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Perfecting your Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos involves attention to detail in both preparation and presentation. Here are some tips to elevate your taco game.

• Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken tenders soak in pickle juice and buttermilk overnight for maximum flavor.
• Achieve Crispy Coating: Mix cornstarch with flour for an extra crispy texture when frying.
• Grill the Corn Right: Grill corn until it’s nicely charred to enhance its sweetness and smokiness.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh cilantro, lime, and jalapeños for a vibrant taste in your ranch sauce.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm flour tortillas on a skillet before serving; it makes them more pliable and delicious.
• Experiment with Spice: Adjust jalapeño levels based on your heat preference—for those who like it spicy, add more!

Best Side Dishes for Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Complementing your Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos is essential for a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly:

1. Mexican Street Corn: Serve elote style corn topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder for a flavorful twist.
2. Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that adds richness and pairs well with the crunchy tacos.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, diced peppers, and lime dressing provides protein and fiber.
4. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a crunchy side that everyone loves.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime juice makes an excellent base or side dish.
6. Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder create a satisfying contrast to soft tacos.
7. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity to balance out the meal’s richness.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini patties provide an additional crunchy element that’s easy to enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch, it’s easy to overlook some details that can make a big difference. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid.

• Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk is essential for flavor and tenderness. Plan ahead and let it sit for at least an hour.
• Using low-quality corn: Fresh, grilled corn enhances the flavor of your tacos. Opt for sweet corn and grill it to bring out its natural sweetness.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many chicken tenders at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Work in batches for crispy results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Properly seasoning both the chicken and the street corn is crucial. Don’t be shy with spices; they elevate the dish.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone has different spice preferences. Adjust the amount of jalapeño or hot sauce based on your taste or your guests’.
• Forgetting toppings: Toppings like cilantro, scallions, and cotija cheese add texture and flavor. Don’t skip them—they’re what make these tacos special.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

• For longer storage, freeze the taco components separately.
• Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped.

Reheating Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate. Heat tacos in increments of 30 seconds until warmed through. This method may make them soft.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch that can help you out.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of fried?

Absolutely! You can substitute grilled chicken for fried if you prefer a lighter option while still enjoying delicious flavors.

What type of tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas are commonly used, but corn tortillas also provide a delightful flavor that complements these tacos perfectly.

How can I customize my Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded lettuce, or a spicy salsa to enhance the flavors according to your preference.

What sides pair well with these tacos?

Serve them alongside a refreshing salad or chips with salsa for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Final Thoughts

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are not just another taco recipe; they’re an experience bursting with bold flavors and textures. The ability to customize these tacos makes them perfect for any occasion—from taco nights to family gatherings. So gather your ingredients and try this fantastic dish; your taste buds will thank you!

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Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

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• Author: Grace
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x

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Description

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are a culinary delight that perfectly balances crunchy fried chicken, sweet grilled corn, and a zesty jalapeño lime ranch sauce. These tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for taco nights, casual gatherings, or impressing your guests, this recipe transforms traditional ingredients into something extraordinary. With easy preparation steps and customizable toppings, these tacos cater to every palate and occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 cup pickle juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne powder
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)
• 5–6 ears of corn, husked and grilled
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• 1/3 cup sliced scallions
• 1/3 cup grated cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1/2–1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup mayo
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
• 2 tbsp pickled jalapeño juice
• 3/4 cup cilantro, large stems removed
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• Flour tortillas
• Bacon (1 strip per taco, cooked and diced)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Combine flour, cornstarch, and spices in a bowl for coating.
3. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer.
4. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side).
5. Grill corn until charred; mix with mayo, garlic, lime juice, scallions, cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, chili powder, and salt.
6. Whisk together mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt with pickled jalapeños for the ranch sauce.
7. Assemble tacos by layering fried chicken, street corn topping, and jalapeño lime ranch on warmed tortillas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg