Name: Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup pickle juice; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 pound chicken tenders; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels sliced off; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 scallions, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cilantro; 2 pickled jalapeños; 2 tablespoons jalapeño juice; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 82 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and irresistible crunch, you’ve got to try the Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe. This dish is a festive blend of crispy fried chicken tenders, creamy and zesty street corn salad, and a vibrant jalapeño lime ranch that ties everything together beautifully. Every bite feels like a celebration of texture and flavor, combining spicy, tangy, and creamy elements that effortlessly steal the spotlight at any taco night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy corn salad made of yellow corn kernels mixed with white sauce, green chopped herbs, and small red spice flakes sprinkled on top. A bright green lime wedge is placed on the left side inside the bowl, and a golden spoon is partially submerged on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe is how it relies on simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from tenderizing the chicken to adding layers of zest, creaminess, and smoky charm.

Chicken Tenders: The star protein that crisps up perfectly when fried.
Pickle Juice and Buttermilk: For marinating the chicken, ensuring deep tenderness and a tangy kick.
Flour and Cornstarch: Create the crunchy, golden coating on the chicken.
Hot Sauce: Adds heat and flavor depth to the batter and marinade.
Fresh Corn on the Cob: Charred to smoky perfection for the street corn salad.
Mayonnaise and Cotija Cheese: Make the corn salad luxuriously creamy and savory.
Garlic, Lime, Jalapeños, Cilantro: Provide vibrant freshness and a punch of heat.
Ranch Seasoning and Sour Cream: Bring that cool, herby balance in the jalapeño lime ranch dressing.
Tortillas: Fried lightly to a warm, flexible base for the loaded tacos.

How to Make Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This step is where the magic begins! Mix pickle juice and buttermilk to create a marinade that not only tenderizes your chicken but also infuses it with a tangy, slightly salty backbone. Submerge your chicken tenders in this marinade and let them soak for at least two hours. For best results, refrigerate overnight to maximize flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Set up two bowls to create a multi-textured coating. In one, combine flour, cornstarch, and your seasonings to add flavor and crunch. In the other, mix buttermilk with a splash of hot sauce for a spicy touch. Adding some buttermilk back into the flour creates little clumps that stick to the chicken and make each bite extra crispy.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect fry. Dredge each marinated tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the spicy buttermilk, and again into the flour. Let the chicken rest briefly before frying to ensure the coating clings well. Fry the tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

Step 4: Make the Street Corn Salad

Char your corn on the grill until it’s beautifully smoky, then slice off the kernels. Mix these with mayo, garlic, lime juice, cotija cheese, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, chili powder, and salt for an addictive street corn salad. This sidekick adds sweet, smoky, creamy, and spicy layers to your tacos that keep everyone coming back for more.

Step 5: Blend the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

Blend together cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and their juice until smooth to build the ranch’s bold base. Then stir in mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, lime juice, and buttermilk until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. This ranch is the zesty finishing touch that harmonizes all the flavors.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

Heat a skillet with oil and lightly fry your tortillas until they turn a warm golden color but remain soft and pliable. This step ensures your tacos hold up well against the hearty fillings without breaking apart.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

Now, the fun part! On each tortilla, place a crispy fried chicken tender, spoon over a generous amount of street corn salad, and finish with a drizzle of that luscious jalapeño lime ranch. The interplay of crunch, creaminess, and spice is absolutely delicious.

How to Serve Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe

Two soft white tortillas hold layers of bright yellow corn mixed with finely chopped white onion and green herbs as the base, topped with crispy, browned pieces of fried chicken. Above the chicken, there is a thick drizzle of creamy white sauce with green specks of herbs, and some fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top and around the tacos. The tacos rest on a white marbled surface with some loose corn kernels and cilantro leaves scattered nearby. A white bowl with more creamy sauce is blurred in the background, along with a piece of corn on the cob. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your finished tacos with extra cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice for that zesty pop. Thin slices of jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

These tacos pair wonderfully with a simple Mexican street-style salad or light avocado slices. A side of black beans or some crispy sweet potato fries can also round out the meal and add complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive party, arrange the tacos open-faced on a colorful platter with small bowls of extra street corn salad and jalapeño lime ranch for dipping. Alternatively, serve in mini taco holders for a neat, grab-and-go experience that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fried chicken and street corn salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and keeps the salad fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked fried chicken tenders by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. The street corn salad and jalapeño lime ranch are best enjoyed fresh and don’t freeze well due to their creamy ingredients.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken tenders in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. Serve immediately after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tenders work best for quick frying, boneless skinless chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness, though cooking time will be longer.

How spicy is the Jalapeño Lime Ranch?

The jalapeño lime ranch has a moderate spice level that complements the dish without overwhelming it. You can adjust the jalapeño amount to suit your taste, making it milder or spicier.

Is the street corn salad better warm or cold?

It’s best served chilled or at room temperature to enhance the creamy and tangy notes. You can prepare it a day ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free corn tortillas to keep all elements safe while still delicious.

What should I do if I don’t have pickled jalapeños?

If you don’t have pickled jalapeños, fresh jalapeños will work fine—just mince them finely and add a tiny bit of vinegar to mimic the tangy pickled flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Ranch Recipe is a total game-changer for taco lovers. It’s the perfect marriage of crispy, creamy, and zesty flavors that will brighten up any weeknight or weekend gathering. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!