These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are a fun twist on a classic! Crispy chicken is paired with sweet, juicy corn and wrapped in soft tortillas for a tasty meal.
Every bite is a burst of flavor! The mix of crunchy chicken and sweet corn will have you going back for more. They’re great for taco night or any day you want a delicious treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: They’re perfect for this recipe, as they stay tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead. Just cut them into strips!
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to here for coating, but feel free to use gluten-free flour or cornstarch if needed. They’ll still give you that lovely crispy texture.
Fresh Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but you can substitute with canned or frozen corn (just drain or thaw it first). Grilled corn adds a nice smoky flavor too!
Bacon: While bacon adds a fantastic flavor, you can replace it with diced turkey bacon or even skip it entirely for a lighter option.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These create a creamy base for the street corn. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist, or low-fat mayonnaise if you’re watching calories.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Fried Chicken Crispiness?
Getting that crispy, golden-brown coating on your chicken is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk to add flavor and moisture—an hour is good, but overnight is even better!
- Use a mix of seasonings in the flour for extra flavor. The paprika, garlic, and onion powder really help here!
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can test it by dropping a little flour into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready!
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
- Once fried, place the chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps it crispy!
How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Street Corn Filling:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained)
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas (8)
- Optional garnishes: additional cilantro, lime wedges, or queso fresco
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need an hour for marinating the chicken. The cooking process will take an additional 20-25 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 40 minutes before you can dig into these yummy tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. Make sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For even tastier chicken, let it marinate overnight!
2. Prepare the Flour Mixture:
While the chicken is marinating, grab another bowl. Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), along with salt and pepper. Stir everything together so it’s nice and even.
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat—enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to get it to stick. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry in batches, about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Don’t forget to place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil!
4. Make the Street Corn Filling:
Now, in a large bowl, combine the corn, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed up and ready to go!
5. Assemble the Tacos:
To prepare the tacos, warm your corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave until they’re nice and soft. Place a few crispy pieces of fried chicken on each tortilla and then top them with a generous scoop of the street corn mixture. Go ahead and pile it on—more is more!
6. Serve:
Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or queso fresco, if you like. Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine. If using breasts, slice them into strips for easier frying. Just remember that they may take a minute longer to cook through, so keep an eye on them while frying!
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, and then use it just like buttermilk in this recipe!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and corn filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 days, while the corn filling is best consumed within 2 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven for crispy results.
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly here! Just thaw the corn and drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the street corn filling. It saves time and still provides great flavor!
