Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for any occasion! With crispy fried chicken and creamy street corn topped with a zesty jalapeno ranch sauce, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy them at a casual get-together, game day, or simply as a fun weeknight dinner. The combination of textures and tastes makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: The blend of crispy chicken, smoky turkey turkey turkey bacon, and tangy ranch creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just under an hour, you can whip up these tacos anytime.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for appetizers or a main course, these tacos cater to various dining occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s family dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos will be the star of the table.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for frying the chicken to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Help in combining ingredients for marinades and coatings efficiently.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending buttermilk and spices evenly.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken while frying without splattering oil.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tacos

• 1.5 lbs. chicken tenders
• turkey bacon, cooked crisp and diced (1 strip per taco)
• 8 Flour tortillas
• 1 cup prepared Chuy’s creamy jalapeno copycat recipe
• 2 cups prepared Street Corn Salad
• lime wedges for serving

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 cup pickle juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne powder
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

For Frying

• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying chicken and for pan-frying shells)

How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating the chicken tenders to infuse flavor and tenderness.
1. In a bowl, combine pickle juice and 1/2 cup buttermilk.
2. Submerge the chicken tenders in the mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your coating mixture.
1. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne powder, and hot sauce.
2. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Now it’s time to fry those delicious tenders!
1. Heat peanut oil or vegetable oil in your deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove marinated chicken from the liquid and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated.
3. Carefully place chicken tenders into the hot oil; fry until golden brown (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Once cooked through, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

It’s taco assembly time!
1. Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until soft.
2. Layer each tortilla with crispy fried chicken tenders.
3. Top with diced turkey bacon and generous portions of street corn salad.
4. Drizzle with creamy jalapeno ranch sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your tacos warm with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!

How to Serve Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch are a delightfully crunchy and flavorful dish. Serving them the right way can elevate your dining experience, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Guacamole: This creamy dip adds a rich texture that complements the tacos perfectly.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a zesty kick.
• Corn Salad: Bright and sweet, this salad enhances the street corn flavors in the tacos.

Add Some Crunch

• Chips with Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with a side of salsa offer an extra crunch before or after your tacos.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy slaw can bring freshness and balance to the meal.

Beverage Recommendations

• Lemonade: A refreshing drink that pairs well with the spices in the tacos.
• Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea is a classic choice that complements the flavors nicely.

How to Perfect Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Perfecting your Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos takes attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to make these tacos even better.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season the chicken well before frying. The spices enhance flavor and create a delicious crust.
• Crispy Texture: Use cold buttermilk for marinating the chicken; it helps achieve a crispy texture when fried.
• Consistent Frying Temperature: Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying results, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy pieces.
• Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly on a skillet before serving. This makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

To complete your meal, consider serving these tasty side dishes alongside your Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos. They will complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomato sauce and spices adds heartiness to your meal.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and richness; serve them warm on the side or as a dip.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add a smoky flavor that balances well with tacos.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices echoes the street corn in your tacos.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these wedges are perfect for dipping in ranch sauce.
6. Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains provide a unique contrast to spicy flavors in your tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. These tips will help ensure your tacos turn out perfectly.

• Ignoring marination time: Skipping the marination can lead to bland chicken. Allow the chicken to soak in buttermilk and pickle juice for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Cooking too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for that perfect crunch.
• Not preparing ingredients ahead: Failing to have everything ready can lead to delays and overcooking. Prep all your ingredients before frying the chicken.
• Using the wrong oil: Some oils smoke at high temperatures, affecting flavor and cooking. Choose peanut or vegetable oil for frying.
• Skipping seasoning: Overlooking spices can make your dish taste flat. Don’t forget the garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne for a flavorful kick.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the components separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with date so you can keep track.

Reheating Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for a couple of minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco?

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are delicious tacos filled with crunchy fried chicken, sweet street corn salad, and topped with creamy jalapeno lime ranch sauce.

Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey or lamb according to your preference and dietary needs.

How do I make homemade jalapeno lime ranch?

You can mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, and spices together for a creamy dressing that’s perfect for these tacos!

What sides pair well with Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos?

Consider serving these tacos with a fresh salad or tortilla chips and salsa. They complement the flavors beautifully!

Conclusion

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch are not just tasty but also versatile! Customize them by adding your favorite toppings or switching up the protein. Enjoy making this delightful dish that everyone will love!