Easy Street Corn Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sauce

Street Corn Chicken Tacos – A Flavor-Packed Twist on Taco Night

⚖️
Difficulty
Easy

⏲️
Prep Time
15 mins

🕒
Cook Time
20 mins

⏱️
Total Time
35 mins

🍽
Servings
4

Street Corn Chicken Tacos deliver bold flavors and an irresistible combination of smoky, creamy, and zesty notes. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic Mexican elote, blending sweet and slightly charred street corn with spiced grilled chicken, cheese, and a tangy lime crema. Whether you’re making it for Taco Tuesday or a casual gathering, these tacos promise to impress with their mouthwatering flavors.

One of the standout elements of these tacos is the layered textures. The juicy grilled chicken provides a tender bite, while the street corn salsa adds bursts of sweetness and smokiness. The warm tortillas wrap everything together, and when topped with Mexican crema and crumbled queso fresco, every bite delivers a satisfying balance of richness and freshness. Simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these tacos will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Quick Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor Profile: Smoky grilled chicken, sweet corn, tangy lime crema, and a hint of spice
  • Texture: Juicy chicken, charred corn, creamy dressing, and soft tortillas
  • Aroma: The rich scent of grilled meat, roasted corn, and fresh citrus
  • Visual Appeal: Vibrant golden corn, deep brown chicken, and bright green cilantro
  • Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple grilling and mixing techniques
  • Special Equipment: Grill pan or outdoor grill for the perfect char on the chicken and corn

Why You’ll Love This Recipe


Street Corn Chicken Tacos balance bold flavors with minimal effort, making them ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. The grilled chicken is perfectly seasoned and pairs beautifully with the slightly charred corn for a smoky, summery touch. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of crema enhance the rich yet refreshing taste.

Not only are these tacos packed with flavor, but they also offer a variety of textures that keep each bite exciting. From the juicy protein to the crispy tortilla edges, there’s something satisfying in every mouthful. The street corn topping adds a delightful crunch, while the creamy cheese rounds out the dish.

This recipe is also highly versatile. You can easily adjust the level of heat, swap in different toppings, or make dietary modifications to suit your needs. Whether you prefer flour or corn tortillas, adding avocado or pickled onions, the possibilities are endless.

Street corn is a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, bringing nostalgic flavors reminiscent of lively markets and street vendors. By incorporating its flavors into tacos, you get an exciting fusion that honors its roots while also creating something new and irresistible.

Last but not least, these tacos are budget-friendly and made with simple, accessible ingredients. You can feed a hungry group without breaking the bank, making them a go-to for fun, flavorful meals that everyone will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long results in dry, rubbery meat; aim for an internal temp of 165°F.
  • Not Charring the Corn: Skipping the grill step means missing out on essential smoky depth—light charring is key.
  • Using Too Much Sauce: Overloading the crema can make tacos soggy; drizzle lightly for balance.
  • Skipping Fresh Garnishes: Cilantro, lime, and cheese add brightness; don’t leave them out.
  • Choosing the Wrong Tortillas: Flour tortillas work, but corn tortillas deliver a more authentic texture.
  • Not Prepping Toppings First: Have everything ready before assembling to keep tacos fresh and easy to handle.
  • Underseasoning: Bold flavors make this dish shine—season every layer well.
  • Skipping Rest Time: Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.

The Recipe

Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula or tongs

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ears of fresh corn, husked
  • ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 small corn tortillas

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush chicken with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest.
  3. Grill the corn on all sides until lightly charred, about 5 minutes total. Cut kernels off the cob.
  4. In a bowl, mix Mexican crema, mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice. Stir in grilled corn and crumbled queso fresco.
  5. Warm tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
  6. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips.
  7. Assemble tacos by layering grilled chicken, street corn mixture, and chopped cilantro in warm tortillas.
  8. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and additional toppings if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • Substitutions: Swap queso fresco with feta, or use grilled shrimp instead of chicken.
  • For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in separate containers and reheated before serving.

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