Description
Crispy fried chicken, savory street corn, smoky bacon, and tangy jalapeño lime ranch come together in these flavor-packed tacos. Perfect for Taco Tuesdays or gatherings, this recipe is customizable and easy to make, delivering bold, zesty bites every time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Street Corn:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Prepare the Frying Batter:
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat evenly in the flour mixture.
- Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Street Corn:
- In a skillet, char the corn kernels over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, and cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Layer each tortilla with fried chicken, a spoonful of street corn, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle of jalapeño lime ranch.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
- Make it Healthier: Use baked or air-fried chicken for a lighter option.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the buttermilk, mayo, sour cream, and cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
- Extra Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat.
- Make Ahead: Prep the ranch dressing and street corn a day in advance for faster assembly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos, Tex-Mex Tacos, Jalapeño Lime Ranch Tacos, Chicken Tacos with Bacon, Crispy Chicken Tacos