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

There's nothing quite like the combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet street corn, and smoky bacon all wrapped in a warm tortilla. These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch bring together bold flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable.

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The idea for this recipe came to me during a taco night experiment, combining a few of my favorite comfort foods. The result? A taco that's indulgent, zesty, and perfect for casual gatherings or a fun family dinner. Let’s dive into why these tacos will become your new favorite.

Why You'll Love These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Get ready for a taco night upgrade that packs a punch of flavor and texture. These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and fresh, zesty flair.

First off, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser. The crispy fried chicken adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy street corn and smoky bacon bring rich, indulgent flavors that everyone loves.

They’re also surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple shortcuts like pre-made tortillas and a quick-frying method, you can have these on the table in under an hour.

The Jalapeño Lime Ranch is a game-changer. Its creamy, tangy kick ties everything together and adds just the right amount of heat. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use as a salad dressing or dip.

Finally, these tacos are incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or want to swap out ingredients to fit what you have on hand, they’re perfect for experimenting.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these tacos lies in the perfect blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Let’s break down what makes each component special.

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for frying because they stay juicy and tender. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs are more forgiving.

Street Corn – Frozen or fresh corn kernels work perfectly here. The sweetness of the corn balances the smoky and spicy flavors in the dish. Roasting the corn before mixing adds extra depth.

Bacon – Thick-cut bacon is best for this recipe. It crisps up beautifully and adds a smoky, salty crunch that complements the creamy ranch and tender chicken.

Jalapeños – Fresh jalapeños bring the heat! For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. Want it spicier? Keep them in or add a pinch of cayenne.

Lime Ranch Dressing – A mix of sour cream, mayo, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro forms the base of this creamy dressing. Blending in the jalapeños adds a spicy kick.

Tortillas – Warm flour tortillas are the perfect vessel for these tacos. If you prefer, you can use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

How To Make These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Creating these tacos is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to bring this mouthwatering dish to life step by step.

Start by preparing the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate them with a mix of buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Next, heat your oil for frying. While the oil is warming up, coat the marinated chicken in a seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and fry the pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Prepare the street corn mixture by roasting the corn kernels in a skillet with a little butter until they’re lightly charred. Toss the roasted corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Set aside.

For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch, blend sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped jalapeños, cilantro, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level with more jalapeños if needed.

Assemble the tacos by layering fried chicken, street corn, bacon, and a drizzle of Jalapeño Lime Ranch onto warm tortillas. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—these tacos are just as delicious the next day. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

The fried chicken will keep for up to three days. To reheat, bake it in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

The street corn mixture can be stored for up to four days. Just give it a quick stir before using it again.

The Jalapeño Lime Ranch can be refrigerated for up to a week. Keep it in a mason jar or airtight container for easy storage.

Variations and Substitutions

These tacos are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients and flavors.

For a lighter option, swap the fried chicken for grilled or baked chicken. It’s still flavorful and pairs well with the other ingredients.

If you’re not a fan of bacon, try using turkey bacon or crispy pancetta. Both bring a different twist while maintaining the smoky element.

Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower. Both work wonderfully with the street corn and ranch.

Add more veggies like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices for extra freshness and color.

For an extra spicy version, add sliced serrano peppers or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top.

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch are a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for taco night or a casual gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress. So grab your tortillas and get ready to dig in!

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