These Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a tasty treat! Filled with juicy chicken, sweet corn, and topped with fresh toppings, they bring a burst of flavor in every bite.
Honestly, who can resist tacos? I love how quick they are to make. Just throw everything together, and you’ve got a simple dinner that feels like a party on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless make for easy grilling. If you want a quicker option, try using rotisserie chicken instead. Shredded or sliced, it’s a great shortcut!
Street corn: Grilled corn adds a smoky flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works just fine—just make sure to grill it until it’s slightly charred for that extra flavor.
Cilantro: This herb is fresh and adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, try swapping it with fresh parsley or chives for something milder.
Cotija cheese: This crumbly cheese gives a salty kick. If you can’t find cotija, crumbled feta or queso fresco can be good alternatives.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get juicy results. First, ensure your grill or pan is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps lock in moisture.
- Rub the chicken with the spice mix to give it flavor.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side without moving it around—this helps form a nice sear.
- Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a bit before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
These tips will make your Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos a hit! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Tacos:
- 1 cup street corn (grilled corn kernels)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients, 15 minutes grilling and assembling everything, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get lovely grill marks.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Take each chicken breast and rub this flavorful mixture all over them. This will give your chicken a nice kick of flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Grill the Corn:
While the chicken is resting, add the corn to the grill. Cook until slightly charred, around 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally. You can use corn cut from fresh cobs or frozen corn, both work well!
5. Slice the Chicken:
Once your chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips. This makes it perfect for filling your tacos.
6. Warm the Tortillas:
Now it’s time to warm up your tortillas! You can do this in a clean pan on the stove or right on the grill for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable.
7. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or crema) with the fresh lime juice. Mix it up until smooth; this will be a delicious topping for your tacos!
8. Assemble Your Tacos:
To put everything together, take a warm tortilla and add some sliced chicken. Next, top it with the grilled corn, a sprinkle of red onion, cotija cheese, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
9. Finish It Off:
Drizzle your creamy lime sauce over the finished tacos and add lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Serve and enjoy!
There you have it! Enjoy your flavorful and vibrant Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos—perfect for any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save time. Simply shred or slice it and skip the grilling step. Just heat it through in a pan before assembling the tacos for a delicious meal!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like heat, consider adding diced serrano peppers or extra jalapeños to the filling. You can also mix some hot sauce into the lime crema for a spicy kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
To store leftovers, keep the components separate in airtight containers. The tortillas can become soggy when combined with the ingredients. Store the chicken, corn, and toppings in one container and the tortillas in another for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Of course! Swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Portobello mushrooms. You can also use black beans or chickpeas for protein. Just make sure to season them well for maximum flavor!
Feel free to experiment and enjoy your cooking!
