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Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Crispy fried chicken tacos with street corn salsa in warm tortillas.

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!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Keywords: Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos