Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn & Jalapeño Ranch – A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Taco Experience

These Fried Chicken Tacos are a next-level take on taco night! With crispy, golden fried chicken, creamy street corn, and a zesty jalapeño ranch drizzle, every bite is an explosion of flavor. These tacos bring together a perfect balance of spicy, crunchy, and creamy goodness—ideal for a fun family dinner, game day, or whenever you want something a little extra special. The combination of fried chicken and street corn creates a fusion of Southern comfort and Mexican street food that's sure to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Fried Chicken Tacos

The crispy fried chicken thighs or breasts are seasoned to perfection, while the creamy street corn brings in that sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. Topped off with a refreshing jalapeño ranch drizzle, these tacos hit every flavor note—savory, sweet, spicy, and creamy! Plus, they’re easy to customize: whether you like more spice, extra crunch, or a little more tang, this recipe is versatile and always delicious.

Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn & Jalapeño Ranch Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

For the Jalapeño Ranch:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking:

1. Prepare the Fried Chicken: Begin by marinating the chicken thighs (or breasts) in buttermilk for at least 1 hour—overnight if you want maximum flavor and tenderness. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create your seasoned flour mix. Heat a deep skillet with oil over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it well. Fry the chicken in the hot oil for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
2. Make the Street Corn: In a skillet over medium heat, add the corn (if using fresh or frozen, cook until softened and slightly charred). Remove from heat once warmed through. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled feta cheese, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the corn is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
3. Prepare the Jalapeño Ranch: In a small food processor or blender, combine the ranch dressing, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—feel free to add more jalapeño if you like extra heat!
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Slice the fried chicken into strips and layer it onto the warm tortillas. Top with a generous spoonful of the creamy street corn mixture, then drizzle with the jalapeño ranch for a delicious finishing touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish the tacos with fresh chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy these flavor-packed Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn & Jalapeño Ranch!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Fat: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 28g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg

Serving Suggestions:

These tacos are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to make the meal more substantial, serve them with a side of rice and beans, chips and salsa, or a simple salad. You can also experiment with different toppings like avocado, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of extra lime for even more brightness!

Storage Tips:

Store leftover fried chicken, street corn, and jalapeño ranch separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy, and assemble the tacos fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Enjoy these zesty, crunchy, and creamy Fried Chicken Tacos for your next taco night or gathering—they're sure to be a hit!