These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch bring the perfect balance of crispy, juicy fried chicken, sweet grilled corn, and a creamy, zesty ranch dressing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a delightful family meal, these tacos will impress with their bold flavors and satisfying textures. This dish is quick to make, yet packs a punch of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into this delicious culinary adventure!

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Quick & Flavorful: A perfect balance of crispy fried chicken, sweet street corn, and a tangy ranch dressing. All in one meal, and it comes together in about an hour and a half.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tacos, and these Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch are a surefire way to please picky eaters while keeping things fun and flavorful.
Customizable: Make it your own with different spices, fillings, or toppings, depending on your taste preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a party, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious tacos:

For the Fried Chicken:

Chicken Tenders: These will be the crispy, juicy base of your tacos.
Pickle Juice & Buttermilk: The marinade adds flavor and moisture to the chicken.
All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: These create a light, crispy coating.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to add bold flavor.
Hot Sauce: A little heat to enhance the chicken’s flavor.

For the Street Corn Salad:

Corn: Grilled corn brings a sweetness and crunch to the salad.
Mayo, Sour Cream & Cilantro: Essentials for the creamy Jalapeno Lime Ranch dressing.
Jalapenos: Diced for that spicy kick.
Lime: Fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Bacon (Optional): Crispy diced bacon for extra savory goodness.
Red Onion: Adds a little sharpness and crunch to balance the salad.

For the Jalapeno Lime Ranch:

Mayo & Sour Cream: These form the creamy base of your ranch.
Ranch Seasoning: For that classic ranch flavor.
Garlic Powder: A little aromatic kick.
Cilantro & Pickled Jalapenos: Pureed together to create a smooth, zesty dressing.
Lime Juice & Buttermilk: To adjust the dressing’s consistency and add brightness.

For the Tortillas:

Flour Tortillas: Soft and flexible to hold all your taco fillings.

How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinate the chicken tenders in pickle juice and buttermilk for at least 2 hours—overnight is ideal for the best flavor infusion. This will give the chicken a flavorful base and keep it tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken its crispy, flavorful coating.

Step 3: Double-Coat the Chicken

After marinating, dip each chicken tender into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the buttermilk again, and back into the flour mixture. This double-coating creates that irresistible crispy texture.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Grill the Corn

While the chicken is frying, grill your corn on high heat until it’s charred and caramelized. Once done, let it cool and then cut the kernels off the cob.

Step 6: Mix the Street Corn Salad

In a bowl, combine the grilled corn, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeno, chili powder, salt, and crumbled cotija cheese. Toss everything together and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 7: Make the Jalapeno Lime Ranch

In a blender, puree cilantro and pickled jalapenos until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Gradually add the cilantro-jalapeno mixture and then stir in lime juice and buttermilk until you get a creamy, pourable dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 8: Fry the Tortillas

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Fry each tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy.

Step 9: Assemble the Tacos

Place a fried chicken tender in each tortilla. Spoon a generous amount of street corn salad on top, then drizzle with Jalapeno Lime Ranch. Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for that extra indulgence.

Step 10: Serve

Garnish with lime wedges and enjoy these tacos while they’re hot. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy ranch, and sweet corn will have everyone asking for more!

Tips for Success

Marinate the Chicken Overnight: This enhances the flavor and ensures your chicken is extra juicy.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection by checking the internal temperature.
Adjust Spice Levels: You can control the heat by adding more or less jalapeno in the ranch dressing and the street corn salad.
Fry Tortillas Crisply: Fry until the tortillas are golden, but still soft enough to fold.

Equipment Needed

Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for frying the chicken and tortillas.
Blender or Food Processor: For making the ranch dressing.
Mixing Bowls: To prepare the marinade, coating, and ranch.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.

Variations

Spicy Chicken Option: Add more cayenne or use a hotter hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Grilled Chicken Tacos: Marinate and grill the chicken for a lighter alternative.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms for a veggie taco.
Vegan Dressing: Use vegan mayo and sour cream to make the Jalapeno Lime Ranch dairy-free.
Cheese Options: Try feta, pepper jack, or even cheddar for a different cheese flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Sides: Serve with a fresh avocado salad or tortilla chips with salsa for added crunch.
Drinks: Pair with a chilled margarita or iced tea for a refreshing complement.
Presentation: Serve on a colorful platter with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a beautiful, festive display.

FAQs about Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Can I prepare the Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store the street corn salad in the fridge. Just fry the chicken and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of chicken tenders?

Boneless chicken thighs or even shrimp would work beautifully. Adjust the cooking times as needed.

Can I make a dairy-free version of the Jalapeno Lime Ranch?

Yes! Simply swap the regular mayo and sour cream for vegan alternatives.

How spicy is the Jalapeno Lime Ranch?

The spice level is customizable based on how many jalapenos you use. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled tacos, you can freeze the fried chicken and street corn salad separately. Reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness.

Final Thoughts

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch are an unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their crispy chicken, sweet corn, and creamy, zesty ranch, these tacos offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, dive into taco bliss, and enjoy every bite!