Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco with Jalapeno Lime Ranch
Step-by-step instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken tenders in pickle juice for at least 1 hour. This step is key to infusing moisture and flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Dip the marinated chicken in this mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken is frying, combine corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped jalapeno, salt, and pepper in another bowl to make the street corn mixture.
- Once the chicken is cooked, assemble your tacos by placing pieces of fried chicken into each taco shell and topping them with the street corn mixture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
For a delightful presentation, serve these tacos on a colorful platter, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Pair them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a perfect accompaniment, or whip up a simple salad to add some greens to your meal. A chilled beverage like a limeade or even a light beer pairs wonderfully to balance the spiciness.
How to store
To keep leftovers fresh, store any unassembled tacos in an airtight container in the fridge. The fried chicken can be kept separate from the taco shells and corn mixture for best results. Use within 3 days. To reheat, heat the chicken in an oven or on a skillet to maintain its crispiness, while avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess. If you plan to freeze any extras, make sure the chicken cools completely before freezing to preserve the texture.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra crunchy coating, feel free to double-dip the chicken by repeating the buttermilk and frying process.
- If you want to kick the spice level up a notch, consider adding some cayenne pepper to the buttermilk or the street corn mixture.
- Don’t skip the marinating step; it’s essential for that juicy, flavorful chicken that shines in the dish.
Creative twists
Explore variations by adding different toppings such as avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or even pickled red onions. If you want to make this dish lighter, consider baking the chicken tenders instead of frying them. You can also replace traditional taco shells with lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
FAQs
How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
Letting the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the pickle juice is recommended for optimal flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the street corn mixture ahead of time. Just assemble the tacos just before serving when you’re ready.
What if I can’t find pickle juice?
If you’re unable to find pickle juice, you could substitute it with vinegar or a marinade made with vinegar and water, though the flavor may differ slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or skillet for best results.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add more jalapeno or even some red pepper flakes to the street corn mixture for an extra kick.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeno Lime Ranch, get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by marinating the chicken tenders in pickle juice for at least 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the marinated chicken in the buttermilk mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken is frying, combine corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped jalapeno, salt, and pepper in another bowl to make the street corn mixture.
- Once the chicken is cooked, assemble your tacos by placing pieces of fried chicken into each taco shell.
- Top them with the street corn mixture.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Serve and enjoy on a colorful platter with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
