Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a delightful way to bring vibrant flavors to your table. These tacos feature marinated grilled chicken, fresh street corn, and creamy avocado, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Their balance of spice and freshness is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With a simple marinade and quick cooking time, you’ll have delicious tacos ready in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of lime juice, spices, and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for casual dinners, backyard parties, or Taco Tuesdays—these tacos fit any occasion perfectly.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from corn and avocado, these tacos are both filling and healthy.
• Customizable Toppings: Adjust the toppings to suit your taste preferences—add more spice or keep it mild!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or Grill Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or Grill Pan: Provides that authentic charred flavor that enhances the chicken’s taste.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining marinades evenly with the chicken for maximum flavor.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when preparing veggies like jalapenos and avocados.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Mexican marinated grilled chicken tacos with homemade street corn, fresh avocado, and cotija cheese.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs Chicken Breasts (or tenderloins or thighs)
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup Canola Oil (or EVOO)
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice (about 2 to 3 limes)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups Cooked Corn (from corn on the cob or frozen white corn)
• 1 to 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1/2 Jalapeno (chopped)
• 2 Green Onions (sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt

For Serving:

• 6 to 12 Corn Tortillas
• 1 to 2 Avocados (sliced)
• 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese
• Cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 3 Tablespoons Taco Sauce (or more depending on spice preference)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine canola oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl. Ensure they are well-coated in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn

1. In another mixing bowl, mix cooked corn with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, chopped jalapeno, sliced green onions, and garlic salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 5–7 minutes or until fully cooked through.
3. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

1. Warm corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
2. Layer sliced grilled chicken on each tortilla followed by street corn mixture.
3. Top with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and taco sauce as desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serving Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos is all about enhancing their vibrant flavors and creating a festive atmosphere. Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy these delicious tacos.

Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the fixings. Allow guests to customize their tacos with toppings like avocado, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Fresh Salsas

• Offer a variety of fresh salsas such as pico de gallo or mango salsa. The freshness will complement the grilled chicken perfectly.

Lime Wedges

• Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. A squeeze of lime elevates the flavors of the tacos.

Crispy Tortilla Chips

• Pair your tacos with crispy tortilla chips and guacamole. This adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft tortillas.

Side Salads

• A light side salad can balance out the meal. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.

Drinks

• Accompany your tacos with refreshing beverages like horchata or agua fresca. These drinks add to the authentic Mexican street food experience.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

To create truly unforgettable Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• Grill Over High Heat: Preheat your grill to high heat for searing the chicken. This creates those beautiful grill marks and locks in juices.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn on the cob whenever possible. The sweetness of fresh corn makes a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice levels by adjusting chili powder and jalapeno amounts according to your preference.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side before serving. This makes them more pliable and enhances flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Pairing sides with Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this dish well.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes, spices, and herbs provides a hearty base that pairs beautifully with tacos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer protein richness and can be served as a dip or spread alongside your tacos.
3. Corn Salad: A vibrant salad made from fresh corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds crunch and zestiness to your meal.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions bring added flavor and nutrition.
5. Chips & Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for an irresistible appetizer before diving into tacos.
6. Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and lime dressing adds freshness that cuts through the richness of tacos.
7. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This healthy grain option is packed with flavors and complements the spices in your tacos nicely.
8. Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice serves as a refreshing topping or side that enhances every bite of taco goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Skipping the marinade: Neglecting to marinate the chicken can result in bland tacos. Make sure to let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes.
• Using frozen corn without seasoning: Frozen corn can be tasteless if not seasoned properly. Always mix it with lime juice, chili powder, and other spices for flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Grill until just cooked through and juices run clear.
• Not warming tortillas: Serving cold tortillas makes for a less enjoyable taco experience. Warm them on a skillet or grill for a soft, pliable texture.
• Ignoring toppings: Skipping toppings like avocado and cotija cheese means missing out on flavor and texture contrast. Always load up your tacos for the best experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm tacos for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

What is the best chicken cut for Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

Chicken breasts are ideal due to their lean nature, but thighs also add juiciness. Choose based on your preference!

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos spicy?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or more chili powder to the marinade for extra heat.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos?

You can swap out toppings like using different cheeses or adding salsa, pickled onions, or other veggies as desired.

Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

Yes! Substitute grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins instead of chicken, along with the street corn topping.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients and toppings as you please. Give it a try, and elevate your taco night!