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

There's nothing quite like the bold flavors of Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeno Lime Ranch coming together in perfect harmony. Imagine crispy, golden fried chicken paired with smoky bacon, charred sweet corn, and a zesty ranch dressing infused with jalapeños and lime—it’s a fiesta in every bite.

this Recipe

This recipe is inspired by my love for street food and my quest to create something that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking to shake up Taco Tuesday, these tacos are sure to impress. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these tacos. They’re not just another taco night option—they’re an experience.

First off, these tacos are packed with layers of flavor. From the crunch of the fried chicken to the smoky sweetness of the street corn, every bite offers a new surprise. The addition of crispy bacon and the tangy, spicy Jalapeno Lime Ranch ties everything together beautifully.

These tacos are also surprisingly easy to make. While the name might sound fancy, the steps are straightforward, making this recipe perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices.

Perfect for entertaining, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, and watch as your guests build their perfect tacos.

Finally, they’re incredibly versatile. You can adjust the heat level, swap out ingredients, or add your favorite toppings to make them your own.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos lies in the combination of bold, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony.

Fried Chicken forms the base of this recipe. I recommend using boneless chicken thighs for their juicy texture and flavor, but chicken tenders or breasts work too. A simple buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, while the seasoned flour coating ensures a crispy finish.

Street Corn is all about smoky, charred kernels. You can grill fresh corn on the cob or use frozen corn and sauté it in a hot skillet until it develops a bit of char. Toss it with a sprinkle of cotija cheese for that authentic street corn vibe.

Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes these tacos to the next level. Cook it until it's perfectly crisp, then crumble it over your tacos for an extra layer of texture.

Jalapeño Lime Ranch is the star sauce of this dish. A blend of creamy ranch dressing, fresh lime juice, minced jalapeños, and a touch of cilantro makes this the ultimate taco topper. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference.

Corn Tortillas are traditional for street tacos, but flour tortillas work well if you prefer a softer base. Lightly toast your tortillas for added flavor.

For equipment, a heavy skillet or deep fryer is essential for perfectly fried chicken, and a grill or cast-iron skillet works great for charring the corn.

How To Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeno Lime Ranch

Creating these tacos is easier than you might think, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by marinating your chicken. Combine buttermilk with a touch of hot sauce and soak the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

While the chicken marinates, prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, grill it until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, sauté it in a hot skillet with a little butter until it develops some color.

Next, fry the chicken. Coat each piece in a seasoned flour mixture, then fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Set the chicken on a wire rack to drain and stay crispy.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Meanwhile, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, minced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro to make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch.

Assemble your tacos. Start with a warm tortilla, then add a layer of fried chicken. Top with a generous spoonful of street corn, a sprinkle of bacon, and a drizzle of the Jalapeño Lime Ranch.

Enjoy your tacos immediately, savoring the mix of textures and flavors that make this dish so special.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—these tacos store beautifully. Store the components separately to keep everything fresh.

The fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness.

Street corn can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days as well. Simply reheat in a skillet before serving.

Jalapeño Lime Ranch will last up to a week in the refrigerator, making it perfect for salads or other dishes later in the week.

To reassemble, warm the tortillas, reheat the chicken and corn, and assemble as directed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it.

Swap the fried chicken for grilled or baked chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. The tacos will still be delicious, and you’ll save a little time.

Not a fan of jalapeños? Use pickled jalapeños for a milder flavor or skip them altogether.

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with crispy fried tofu or roasted cauliflower. The street corn and bacon will still shine.

Add extra toppings like diced avocado, pickled red onions, or fresh salsa for even more flavor and texture.

Experiment with different cheeses—queso fresco or shredded cheddar work just as well as cotija.

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are a celebration of bold, fresh flavors. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make it your own, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your table. Enjoy every bite!

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