Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe

Indulge in a taco that’s bursting with bold flavors and textures! Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch bring together crispy fried chicken, smoky bacon, zesty street corn, and a tangy, slightly spicy ranch dressing. Perfect for taco nights, game day feasts, or simply satisfying a craving, these tacos redefine comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Each element—from the seasoned chicken to the creamy jalapeño lime ranch—is designed to elevate the taco experience. The sweet corn pairs beautifully with the savory bacon, while the crispy chicken provides a delightful crunch. These tacos are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a medley of tangy, smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
2. Crispy Texture: The fried chicken adds crunch, perfectly balancing the creamy toppings.
3. Customizable: Add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual dinners, parties, or celebrations.
5. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll be a taco master in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate: Cut the chicken into bite-sized strips or pieces. Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge.
2. Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry: Add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain: Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Street Corn Topping

1. Cook the Corn: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn kernels and sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly charred.
2. Mix: Transfer the corn to a bowl and stir in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro.

Step 4: Prepare the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

1. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook the Bacon

1. Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

1. Layer 1: Place a small handful of shredded lettuce on each tortilla.
2. Layer 2: Add a few pieces of fried chicken.
3. Layer 3: Spoon on a generous portion of street corn topping.
4. Layer 4: Drizzle with jalapeño lime ranch.
5. Layer 5: Sprinkle crumbled bacon and extra cilantro on top.
6. Optional: Add slices of avocado for a creamy finish.

Tips for Success

1. Marinate for Flavor: The buttermilk not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds flavor. Don’t skip this step!
2. Char the Corn: A slight char enhances the sweetness and gives an authentic street corn taste.
3. Customize Heat: Leave the seeds in the jalapeño for a spicier ranch or substitute with milder peppers.
4. Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
5. Keep Tortillas Warm: Wrap them in foil or a clean towel to prevent them from drying out.

Variations

1. Grilled Chicken Option: For a lighter version, skip the frying and grill or pan-sear the chicken instead.
2. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the fried chicken with crispy fried cauliflower or tofu.
3. Extra Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or queso fresco for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Spicy Kick: Top with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh side salad.
2. Drinks: Serve with margaritas, lime agua fresca, or chilled beer.
3. Toppings Bar: Set up a DIY taco station with extra toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the chicken coating and check that your tortillas are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I prepare components in advance?

Absolutely. The jalapeño lime ranch and street corn topping can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch are a culinary masterpiece that combines comfort food with bold, vibrant flavors. Perfectly crisp chicken, smoky bacon, creamy corn, and tangy ranch come together in one incredible bite. Whether you’re making these for Taco Tuesday or impressing guests, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.

Try it today and watch these tacos disappear from the plate in record time!

Yield: 8 Tacos

Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe

Print

Indulge in a taco that’s bursting with bold flavors and textures! Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeño Lime Ranch bring together crispy fried chicken, smoky bacon, zesty street corn, and a tangy, slightly spicy ranch dressing. Perfect for taco nights, game day feasts, or simply satisfying a craving, these tacos redefine comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Fried Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Street Corn Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• For the Jalapeño Lime Ranch:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 small jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembly:
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Additional lime wedges for serving
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded lettuce, extra cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fried Chicken

1. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for 15 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
5. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the Street Corn Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Prepare the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

4. Assemble the Tacos

1. Place a few pieces of fried chicken on each warm tortilla.
2. Spoon the street corn mixture over the chicken.
3. Drizzle with jalapeño lime ranch.
4. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top.
5. Add optional toppings like diced avocado or shredded lettuce, if desired.

5. Serve

1. Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy them warm and fresh for the best flavor!

Notes

• Corn: Char the corn in a skillet or on a grill for a smoky flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by leaving seeds in the jalapeño or adding extra chili powder.
• Tortillas: For extra flavor, lightly toast the tortillas in a skillet before assembling.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the street corn and jalapeño ranch ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.