Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos With Bacon And Jalapeno Lime Ranch Recipe

There's nothing like biting into a crispy, flavorful taco loaded with bold, zesty flavors. These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch are the perfect fusion of indulgent comfort food and fresh, vibrant ingredients. Picture golden, crispy chicken paired with sweet charred corn, smoky bacon, and a creamy, tangy ranch sauce that packs just the right amount of heat.

This recipe was inspired by my love for Mexican street corn and my never-ending quest to reinvent taco night. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let's dive into why you'll fall in love with these tacos.

Why You'll Love These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Get ready for your new favorite taco recipe! These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos deliver an explosion of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds.

• Crispy Chicken Goodness: Each bite of the fried chicken offers a satisfying crunch, perfectly balanced by the creamy toppings and soft tortillas. The seasoning is bold, but not overpowering, ensuring the chicken remains the star.
• Street Corn Flavor Twist: Sweet and smoky grilled corn mixed with tangy lime and creamy mayo adds a street food-inspired flair that elevates these tacos to something truly special.
• Bacon Makes It Better: Smoky, salty bacon brings a delicious richness to every bite, taking these tacos to indulgent new heights.
• Zesty Jalapeño Lime Ranch: This sauce is the perfect finishing touch, blending creamy ranch with spicy jalapeños and zesty lime for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Weeknight-Friendly: Despite their gourmet taste, these tacos come together in about 40 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings or last-minute dinner plans.

Once you try these tacos, you'll never want to go back to plain old taco night again!

Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create the ultimate taco experience. Here's what you'll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for frying. They're juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts, ensuring tender, flavorful bites.
• Corn: Use fresh corn for the best flavor. Grilling it adds a smoky, caramelized touch, but you can use frozen corn in a pinch.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Its crispy texture and rich flavor complement the chicken and corn beautifully.
• Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas are the foundation of these tacos. Warm them up on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for added flavor.
• Seasonings: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and cumin gives the chicken its irresistible flavor.
• Jalapeño Lime Ranch: This homemade sauce combines mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, garlic, jalapeños, and a dash of cilantro for a creamy, spicy drizzle.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, or sliced avocado can take these tacos to the next level.

You’ll also need a large skillet for frying and a small grill pan or outdoor grill for the corn.

How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

These tacos may sound fancy, but they're surprisingly simple to make. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they're fully coated.
2. Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Grill the Corn: While the chicken cooks, grill the corn over medium-high heat. Rotate frequently until the kernels are slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. Slice the kernels off the cob and mix with a splash of lime juice, mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
4. Cook the Bacon: In a separate skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
5. Make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch: In a blender, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, jalapeños, and cilantro. Blend until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas and layer them with crispy chicken, grilled street corn, bacon, and a generous drizzle of jalapeño lime ranch. Add optional toppings like shredded lettuce or avocado if desired.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for maximum enjoyment:

• Fried Chicken: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to retain its crispiness.
• Street Corn Mixture: Keep the corn mixture in a separate container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Serve cold or warm briefly in the microwave.
• Jalapeño Lime Ranch: Store the sauce in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before using.

Note: Assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the textures fresh and crunchy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Make It Spicier: Add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the ranch for more heat.
• Use a Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, fish, or even crispy tofu for a fun twist.
• Lighter Option: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a slightly healthier version.
• Cheese Upgrade: Replace queso fresco with shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a gooey, melty option.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based chicken, vegan mayo, and dairy-free sour cream to create a delicious vegan taco.

Feel free to get creative and make these tacos your own. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch are more than just a meal – they're an experience. With their perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t wait for Taco Tuesday – give this recipe a try tonight!

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