Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch
This dish combines the bold flavors of crispy fried chicken, smoky street corn, and a zesty jalapeño lime ranch dressing. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch. The street corn is charred and smoky, coated with creamy, cheesy goodness. The tangy jalapeño lime ranch adds a fresh, spicy kick, tying all the elements together into a flavorful and irresistible meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 Ib boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Street Corn:
- 2 ears of corn grilled or roasted, kernels removed
- 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cups crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cups fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Shredded lettuce optional
- Additional lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Make the Fried Chicken: Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness). In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Fry in batches until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Street Corn: In a bowl, combine the grilled or roasted corn kernels, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Mix well and set aside.
- Make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven. Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce (if using), fried chicken strips, a generous scoop of street corn, and a drizzle of the jalapeño lime ranch.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:
1. The Irresistible Crunch of Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken is at the heart of these tacos, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The golden-brown coating locks in the juiciness of the chicken, making it the perfect contrast to the soft tortilla. Each piece is seasoned to perfection, ensuring a flavorful base that stands up to the other vibrant toppings.2. Sweet and Smoky Street Corn Magic
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a delicious mix of roasted corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, and crumbled cheese. When added to these tacos, it brings a burst of sweetness and smokiness that enhances the savory fried chicken. The charred corn kernels provide texture and depth, making every bite more exciting.3. Jalapeño Lime Ranch – A Game-Changing Sauce
What takes these tacos to the next level is the jalapeño lime ranch. This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce ties everything together with its zesty kick. The ranch dressing is infused with fresh lime juice for brightness, jalapeños for heat, and herbs for a refreshing balance. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.4. A Perfect Balance of Textures and Flavors
One of the best things about these tacos is the combination of textures—crispy chicken, soft tortillas, creamy sauce, and juicy corn. Each element complements the others, creating a harmonious bite that’s crunchy, creamy, smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy all at once. The flavors are bold yet balanced, ensuring that no single ingredient overpowers the others.5. Easy to Customize and Serve
These tacos are incredibly versatile. You can swap out flour tortillas for corn tortillas, add avocado slices for extra creaminess, or throw in some pickled onions for a tangy twist. If you like extra heat, a drizzle of hot sauce or fresh jalapeño slices can kick things up a notch. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s taco night, a summer BBQ, or a casual gathering with friends.6. A Crowd-Pleasing Dish That Feels Gourmet
Despite being easy to make, these tacos feel like something you’d order at a trendy food truck or restaurant. They’re vibrant, colorful, and packed with gourmet flavors, making them perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal.7. A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
From the first bite, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors—crispy, juicy, sweet, smoky, tangy, and creamy. The fried chicken delivers bold seasoning, the street corn adds depth, and the jalapeño lime ranch ties it all together with a zesty kick. It’s a taco experience like no other. If you love bold flavors and satisfying textures, Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are guaranteed to become a favorite.Tips & Tricks
1. Get Extra Crispy Fried Chicken:
- Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for a light, crispy coating.
- Let the battered chicken sit for 5 minutes before frying to help the crust stick better.
2. Perfect Street Corn Flavor:
- Grill the corn for a smoky touch.
- Add a little Tajín seasoning for extra zest.
3. Balance the Heat in the Ranch:
- For less spice, remove jalapeño seeds.
- For more heat, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Servings & Storage
- Servings: Makes 6 tacos, serving 3 people (2 tacos per person).
- Storage:
- Store leftover chicken separately from toppings. Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven for crispiness.
- The street corn and ranch can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, swap out the fried chicken for grilled chicken.
- Adjust the spice level by using less jalapeño or skipping the cayenne in the fried chicken seasoning.
- Make the jalapeño lime ranch sauce ahead of time for enhanced flavor.