Craving a burst of flavor in a simple meal? Let me introduce you to Street Corn Chicken Tacos! These tasty tacos combine juicy chicken and sweet corn, all topped with fresh veggies and tangy cheese. You don’t need to be a chef to whip these up, and they’re perfect for any night. Join me as I guide you through an easy recipe that guarantees deliciousness every time!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients Needed
To make street corn chicken tacos, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will gather:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen corn)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients form the base of your dish. The chicken gets flavorful from spices, while the corn adds sweetness.
Toppings and Extras
Next, we’ll add some tasty toppings to elevate our tacos. Here are the extras you’ll want:
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Optional: Sriracha or hot sauce for serving
The shredded cabbage adds crunch, and the feta gives a nice creaminess. Lime juice brightens the flavors. If you like heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top.
For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy crafting these tasty tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
To cook the chicken, first heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Season two boneless, skinless chicken breasts with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook each side for about six to seven minutes. The chicken is ready when it is no longer pink inside. To check, cut into the thickest part. If the juices run clear, it is done. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Preparing the Corn
Use the same skillet to prepare the corn. Add two cups of corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté them for about five to six minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly charred. This adds great flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, set the corn aside to cool slightly.
Making the Taco Filling
In a bowl, combine one cup of shredded cabbage, half a cup of crumbled feta cheese, and a quarter cup of freshly chopped cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the bowl. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. If you want more brightness, add a little more lime juice. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Assembling the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, warm eight small corn tortillas. Heat them in a dry skillet for about one minute on each side. This makes them soft and pliable. On each tortilla, place sliced chicken first. Then add the sautéed corn. Top it with the cabbage and feta mixture. Layering like this gives the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For serving, consider garnishing the tacos with extra cilantro or lime wedges. You can also drizzle Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. Present the tacos on a colorful platter to make them eye-catching. Enjoy your meal with a side of chips or a fresh salad.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken
To avoid dryness, start with fresh chicken breasts. Cook them on medium heat for even results. Make sure you season well with salt and pepper. Always check the center of the chicken. It should be white and juices should run clear. If you want something different, try grilling the chicken. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that is very nice.
Enhancing Flavor of Corn
For extra flavor, add spices. A dash of chili powder or paprika works great. You can also try mixing in lime juice or garlic. These will brighten up the corn’s taste. If you want a different texture, roast the corn in the oven. Roasting gives it a nice crunch and sweetness.
Making Ahead
If you plan to make these tacos ahead of time, prep your chicken and corn first. You can make the filling a day before. Just keep it in the fridge. Store the chicken and corn separately. This way, they will stay fresh longer. When you are ready, warm them up and assemble your tacos.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch up the protein in these tacos. Shrimp works great with the same spices. Just cook them until they turn pink. If you prefer a plant-based option, try tofu. Press and cube it, then marinate it like the chicken. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. You can use the same spices or add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
Different Corn Preparations
Corn is key to this recipe. You can use grilled or sautéed corn. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. Simply toss the corn on the grill until it’s charred. Sautéing is quicker. Just cook the corn in a skillet for a few minutes. If fresh corn is not available, you can use canned or frozen corn. Drain canned corn and sauté it for a few minutes. Frozen corn can go right into the skillet. Just cook it until warm.
Dietary Modifications
Want a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free tortillas instead of corn tortillas. They work just as well and still taste great. If you need a vegan choice, skip the chicken and feta. Instead, use a plant-based chicken substitute and vegan cheese. You can also add avocado for creaminess. It keeps the dish fresh and tasty while making it suitable for various diets.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store your street corn chicken tacos, let them cool first. Place the tacos in an airtight container. You can also store the filling separately. This helps keep the tortillas from getting soggy. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the taco filling easily. The chicken and corn freeze well together. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to label the bag with the date! When you’re ready to eat, thaw the filling overnight in the fridge. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For the tortillas, it’s best to warm them fresh. This makes your tacos taste great, just like when they were first made.
FAQs
How to make street corn chicken tacos from scratch?
To make street corn chicken tacos from scratch, you need to follow a few steps. First, cook the chicken with spices until it is juicy. Next, sauté fresh corn until it gets a bit charred. Then, mix cabbage, feta, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Warm your corn tortillas in a skillet. Finally, layer the chicken, corn, and the cabbage mixture in the tortillas. This will create a tasty taco.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn! It is a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking. Sauté the corn in the skillet until it is warm and slightly charred. This gives it a nice flavor. Frozen corn can be just as good as fresh corn when cooked well.
What sauces pair well with street corn chicken tacos?
For sauces, you can try a few tasty options. A drizzle of lime crema adds creaminess. Hot sauce, like Sriracha, gives a nice kick. You can also use avocado sauce for a smooth flavor. These sauces enhance the tacos and bring out the flavors.
How can I customize the toppings?
You can customize your toppings easily! Try adding diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor. Avocado slices or guacamole can make it creamy. You might also like pickled onions for a tangy touch. The options are endless, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Are street corn chicken tacos spicy?
Street corn chicken tacos can be mild or spicy, based on your choice. The spices used for the chicken are not hot. If you want more heat, add hot sauce or jalapeños. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy them as you like!
In this blog post, we explored making street corn chicken tacos step by step. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, corn, and toppings. We covered cooking techniques for the chicken and corn, plus tips for assembling your tacos perfectly. Don’t forget the fun toppings to boost flavor!
Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Whether using shrimp or tofu, there’s an option for everyone. Try different preparations and make it your own. Enjoy creating your delicious tacos!
