If you’re craving a dish that delivers crunch, creaminess, and a bold burst of flavor, these Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos are exactly what you need! Combining crispy fried chicken with the smoky sweetness of street corn, all wrapped in a warm tortilla, this dish is pure comfort food bliss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
These tacos are a fusion of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more! Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:
Crispy fried chicken – Golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned.
Sweet and smoky street corn – A classic, charred delight with creamy cheese and a touch of spice.
Quick & easy – Ready in under 40 minutes!
Perfect for gatherings – Whether it’s taco night or a fun get-together, these tacos are always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need For The Best Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
For the fried chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the street corn topping:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
For assembling the tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeño (sliced, optional for heat)
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness). This helps to create juicy, flavorful fried chicken.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, panko, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Take each piece of buttermilk-soaked chicken, coat it evenly in the flour mixture, and fry until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Street Corn Topping
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and add the corn kernels.
- Cook until slightly charred, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over an open flame for a slight char.
- Spread a spoonful of sour cream on each tortilla.
- Add crispy fried chicken pieces.
- Top generously with street corn mixture.
- Garnish with jalapeño slices and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Double-coating the chicken – For extra crispiness, dip the chicken back into buttermilk and coat with the flour mixture a second time before frying.
Get that perfect char on the corn – The slight smokiness enhances the overall flavor.
Always warm your tortillas – It makes them more pliable and brings out their natural flavor.
Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
These tacos taste even better when served with:
- Zesty Mexican rice
- Creamy refried beans
- Fresh salsa with crispy tortilla chips
- Refreshing lime agua fresca or a tangy margarita
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos that are crispy, creamy, tangy, and packed with irresistible flavor! Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a summer cookout, or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate taco experience! Let us know how yours turned out in the comments. 🌮🔥
PrintFried Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Crispy, juicy fried chicken meets the zesty goodness of Mexican street corn in these irresistible Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos. Served on warm tortillas and topped with a creamy, spicy corn salad, they bring bold flavors and fun textures to every bite. Perfect for taco night, parties, or any time you’re craving a flavor-packed meal!
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Street Corn Topping:
1½ cups grilled or canned corn kernels
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Salt, to taste
For the Tacos:
8 small corn or flour tortillas
Extra lime wedges, for serving
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, hot sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Prepare the Corn Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
Coat and Fry the Chicken:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Warm the Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until warm and slightly charred. Keep covered to stay soft.
Assemble the Tacos:
Place a few fried chicken pieces on each tortilla. Top generously with the street corn mixture. Add cilantro, lime juice, or any extra toppings you like.
Serve Immediately:
Enjoy while hot with your favorite sides or dips!
Notes
Make it Spicier: Add extra hot sauce or jalapeños to the corn topping for a bolder kick.
Lighter Option: Swap fried chicken for grilled or air-fried chicken to reduce calories and fat.
Cheese Substitute: Cotija cheese can be swapped with crumbled feta or even shredded Parmesan.
Street Corn Shortcut: Use frozen grilled corn for quick prep.
Meal Prep Tip: The corn topping and chicken can be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos