If you're looking for a meal that combines the best of crispy fried chicken, zesty street corn salad, and a spicy, creamy jalapeno lime ranch, these Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are the perfect choice. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the crunchy bacon to the tender chicken, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Whether you're planning a casual dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos are sure to impress and satisfy everyone's cravings.
Ingredients
The list of ingredients for these tacos is comprehensive and ensures every component is packed with flavor. Here’s everything you need to create this delicious dish:
For the Bacon
- 1 strip bacon per taco, cooked crisp and diced
For the Flour Tortillas
- Flour tortillas
For the Chicken Tender Marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Chicken 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
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying chicken and for pan-frying shells
For the Street Corn Salad
- 5-6 ears corn, husked and grilled
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 lime, juiced and zested
- 1/3 cup sliced scallions
- 1/3 cup grated cojita cheese
- 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1/2-1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Jalapeno Lime Ranch
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapenos
- 3/4 cup cilantro, large stems removed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (milk can be used as a substitute)
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare the Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos. Each step is designed to ensure you achieve the best flavors and textures.
Frying Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of pickle juice and 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
- Submerge 1.5 lbs of chicken tenders in the marinade, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Street Corn Salad
Step 1: Grill the Corn
- Grill 5-6 ears of husked corn and carefully slice the kernels off the cob.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
- In a bowl, combine the grilled corn, 1/3 cup mayo, 1 minced garlic clove, juice and zest of 1 lime, 1/3 cup sliced scallions, 1/3 cup grated cojita cheese, 1/4 cup minced cilantro, 1 diced jalapeno, 1/2-1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Jalapeno Lime Ranch
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a food processor, puree 3/4 cup cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, and 2 tablespoons juice from pickled jalapenos until mostly smooth.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, mix 3/4 cup mayo, 3/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add the cilantro mixture and 1 tablespoon lime juice to the sour cream mixture.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup buttermilk until the desired consistency is reached.
Assemble the Tacos
Step 1: Pan-Fry the Tortillas
- Add a few tablespoons of neutral oil to a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook tortillas 1-2 at a time on each side until golden brown but still pliable. Drain on paper towels.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Immediate Serving: Serve tacos immediately after assembling for the best texture and flavor.
- Accompaniments: Include lime wedges and extra ranch for customization.
Helpful Notes and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the jalapenos to control heat.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken with shrimp or grilled vegetables.