Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeño Lime Ranch: A Flavor Explosion

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Tacos have long been a beloved staple in many households, from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. But what if you could take your taco game to the next level? Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm tortilla stuffed with crispy fried chicken, fresh street corn salad, and drizzled with a zesty jalapeño lime ranch. This Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeño Lime Ranch is the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crispy, making it a flavor-packed dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of preparing this incredible taco dish, from marinating the chicken to assembling the tacos with all the flavorful toppings. Whether you’re planning a taco night, looking for an exciting new dinner idea, or simply craving a delicious fusion of flavors, these tacos are sure to hit the spot.

Key Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need. These ingredients come together to create a taco that’s bursting with bold flavors, textures, and a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness.

Chicken Marinade – A Flavorful Base

The chicken marinade is one of the key components of this dish. It tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, ensuring that every bite is as juicy and delicious as possible.

Ingredients for the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 cup pickle juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

The combination of pickle juice and buttermilk works wonders. The acidity in the pickle juice breaks down the chicken, making it incredibly tender, while the buttermilk adds a rich, creamy flavor that soaks deep into the meat.

Chicken Coating – Crispy and Bold

The chicken coating is where the magic happens. It gives the chicken that golden, crispy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy tender inside. This mixture of spices will elevate your fried chicken to a whole new level.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Ingredients for the Chicken Coating:

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

By combining the flour and cornstarch with the seasonings, you’ll create a crispy, flavorful coating that will perfectly complement the fried chicken. The hot sauce adds just the right amount of heat, while the cayenne powder ensures that your chicken has a slight kick without being overwhelming.

Street Corn Salad – A Fresh and Creamy Sidekick

The street corn salad adds a delightful crunch and creaminess to your tacos. It balances out the richness of the fried chicken and provides a refreshing contrast with the heat from the jalapeños.

Ingredients for the Street Corn Salad:

• 5-6 ears of corn, husked and grilled
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, juiced and zested
• 1/3 cup scallions, sliced
• 1/3 cup cojita cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced
• 1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

The grilled corn gives the salad a smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy mayonnaise, fresh lime, and tangy cojita cheese. The jalapeño adds a touch of heat, while the cilantro and scallions provide a burst of freshness that elevates the dish.

Jalapeño Lime Ranch – Creamy and Spicy

A taco isn’t complete without a great sauce, and this jalapeño lime ranch is the perfect addition. It’s creamy, zesty, and has just the right amount of heat to tie all the ingredients together.

Ingredients for the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice
• 3/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

This ranch dressing has the perfect balance of creaminess and spice. The pickled jalapeños and their juice add a delightful tang, while the lime juice brings in a zesty freshness that complements the richness of the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these delicious Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos.

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

The first step is marinating the chicken to ensure it stays juicy and full of flavor. The longer you marinate it, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the pickle juice and buttermilk.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the mixture and make sure they are fully submerged.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).

Pro Tip: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better it will taste. For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight.

Step 2 – Prepare the Coating

The coating is where the crispy magic happens. This is the part that will give your fried chicken that irresistible crunch.

Instructions:

1. In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until well combined.
3. Stir a few tablespoons of the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture. This will create crumbs that will stick to the chicken and create a crunchy coating.

Pro Tip: The key to a crispy coating is the double dredging process. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour first, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture.

Step 3 – Fry the Chicken

Frying the chicken is where you’ll get that golden, crispy exterior that makes these tacos so irresistible. Be sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure even cooking.

Instructions:

1. Heat oil (peanut or vegetable oil) in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
2. Dredge the marinated chicken tenders in the flour mixture, then dip them in the buttermilk mixture, and coat them again in the flour.
3. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch until golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Pro Tip: Fry the chicken in batches to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent and the chicken cooks evenly.

Step 4 – Make the Street Corn Salad

While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the street corn salad. This fresh and creamy salad adds the perfect contrast to the rich fried chicken.

Instructions:

1. Grill the husked corn on medium heat until charred and cooked through.
2. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, sliced scallions, cojita cheese, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also char the corn in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 5 – Prepare the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

This creamy, spicy ranch is the perfect drizzle for your tacos. It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in minutes.

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pickled jalapeños, jalapeño juice, cilantro, lime juice, and buttermilk.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to suit your preferred spice level.

Step 6 – Assemble the Tacos

Finally, it’s time to put everything together. Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos with all the delicious components.

Instructions:

1. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
2. Place a few pieces of fried chicken on each tortilla.
3. Top with a generous scoop of street corn salad.
4. Add a few crumbles of crispy bacon.
5. Drizzle with the jalapeño lime ranch and garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.

Final Touch: For extra flavor, sprinkle some additional cojita cheese on top and squeeze a little more lime juice over the tacos just before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this fried chicken street corn taco with jalapeño lime ranch is incredible as-is, there are plenty of ways you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:

Customizing Your Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• For a Spicier Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper or chopped fresh jalapeños to the chicken coating or ranch dressing for an even spicier version of these tacos.
• For a Healthier Option: Try baking the chicken tenders instead of frying them. This will still give you a crispy texture without the extra calories from frying.
• Substitute Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it out for shrimp, grilled chicken breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Perfect Side Dishes to Pair with Tacos

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that’s full of flavor and complements the tacos perfectly.
• Black Beans: Serve a side of black beans to add a hearty element to the meal.
• Guacamole or Salsa: Serve some fresh guacamole or salsa on the side for dipping.

Why This Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeño Lime Ranch is the perfect addition to your taco repertoire. Here are just a few:

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of crispy fried chicken, creamy street corn salad, and spicy ranch creates an irresistible flavor experience. The smoky corn and tangy ranch perfectly balance the heat from the chicken.
• Perfect for Taco Night: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual weeknight meal, these tacos will be a hit with everyone.
• Customizable: The recipe is easy to adjust to suit your dietary preferences or spice tolerance. Whether you want a milder version or a super spicy taco, this recipe can accommodate your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the fried chicken so crispy?

The combination of cornstarch and seasoned flour creates a light, crispy exterior. The double dredging process (flour, buttermilk, and flour again) ensures the coating stays crunchy throughout the frying process.

Can I make the jalapeño lime ranch ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the ranch dressing a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.

Can I use a different protein for these tacos?

Absolutely! You can substitute the fried chicken with grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of these tacos.

How can I adjust the spice level of the tacos?

To make the tacos spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the chicken coating, corn salad, or ranch dressing. If you prefer a milder taco, simply use less cayenne or skip the jalapeños.

Conclusion: A Taco That Packs a Punch

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to get cooking! These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch are the perfect blend of bold, creamy, spicy, and crispy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual meal, they’re sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with the different variations to suit your tastes. We promise these tacos will become your new favorite!

Try making this recipe today, and let us know how it turns out – your taste buds will thank you!

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