There’s something undeniably appealing about the vibrant flavors and textures of Mexican cuisine, and one dish that perfectly encapsulates this is the Street Corn Chicken Tacos. This recipe is a delightful fusion of juicy, spiced chicken and the creamy, tangy goodness of Mexican street corn, all wrapped up in a convenient and delicious taco. Whether you’re a fan of spicy kick, the freshness of lime and cilantro, or the richness of mayonnaise and Cotija cheese, these tacos have something for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to create these mouthwatering Street Corn Chicken Tacos. We’ll cover the ingredients, cooking methods, and some valuable tips to ensure your dish turns out as flavorful and appealing as possible.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Optional: chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt for added flavor
For the Mexican Street Corn:
- 16 ounces frozen corn or 2-3 ears of fresh corn
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or light mayonnaise)
- 4 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese (or Feta cheese)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
- ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 6 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Additional Cotija cheese and cilantro for topping
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Chipotle Sauce:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook until the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the seasonings. Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover it with aluminum foil, and keep it warm.
Step 2: Cook the Mexican Street Corn
In the same skillet or a new one, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels) and cook until it starts to char, stirring occasionally. This should take about 7-8 minutes for frozen corn or a bit longer for fresh corn.
Step 3: Prepare the Street Corn Salad
While the corn is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, lime juice, chopped jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Once the corn is done, gently fold it into the bowl with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Alternative Method)
If you prefer to cook the chicken from raw, you can marinate it first. Combine lime juice, olive oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt in a bowl. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. Then, cook the chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it is fully cooked, about 6-10 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds or by grilling them lightly. Lay a tortilla out on a plate, add about ½ cup of the seasoned chicken, some Mexican street corn, a slice of avocado, and top with additional Cotija cheese and cilantro if desired.
Step 6: Add the Chipotle Sauce (Optional)
If you’re using the chipotle sauce, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and adobo sauce in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Drizzle this sauce over your tacos for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas make the tacos more pliable and easier to fold. You can warm them in the microwave, oven, or by grilling them lightly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor.
- Storage: Cooked chicken and street corn can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before assembling the tacos.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the street corn salad and chicken ahead of time, but assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain freshness.
Helpful Notes
- Corn Options: You can use either frozen corn or fresh corn. Fresh corn will give a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno or chipotle chili powder to your desired level of spiciness.
- Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or salsa to customize your tacos.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Marination: “”The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be,”” advises a chef from Little Spice Jar.
- Charred Corn: “”Lightly charring the corn kernels adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly,”” suggests a chef from Girl With The Iron Cast.
- Balancing Flavors: “”Make sure to balance the spiciness of the jalapeno with the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the tanginess of the lime juice,”” recommends a chef from Closet Cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of cheese instead of Cotija?
A: Yes, you can use Feta cheese or Parmesan as substitutes, though Cotija cheese provides a unique flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the corn from sticking to the skillet?
A: Ensure the skillet is not too hot, and stir the corn occasionally to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
A: Yes, grilling the chicken can add a nice char and smoky flavor. Just make sure it is fully cooked.
Q: What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder?
A: You can use regular chili powder or add a bit of smoked paprika to give a smoky flavor.
Q: How do I make the chipotle sauce less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of adobo sauce or omit the seeds from the jalapeno for less heat.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and street corn salad ahead of time, but assemble the tacos just before serving.
Q: What are some other toppings I can add to my tacos?
A: Consider adding diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or pickled onions to customize your tacos.
Q: How do I warm tortillas without a microwave?
A: You can warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes or by grilling them lightly.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
A: Yes, this recipe can be easily scaled up to serve a larger group. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the street corn salad?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise, though it will change the flavor slightly.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this culinary delight”