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Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

These Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos combine crispy, flavorful chicken tenders marinated in zesty pickle juice and buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour and hot sauce batter, then fried until golden. Served on lightly pan-fried flour tortillas, topped with a creamy jalapeño sauce, tangy street corn salad, and crispy bacon, these tacos are a vibrant and satisfying fusion of bold textures and flavors perfect for a casual meal or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs. chicken tenders
  • 1 cup pickle juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (for marinade)

Breading

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder

Wet Breading Mix

  • 1.5 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce

Toppings and Assembly

  • Bacon, cooked crisp and diced (1 strip per taco)
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup prepared Chuy’s creamy jalapeño copycat sauce
  • 2 cups prepared street corn salad
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Cooking Oil

  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil (for frying chicken and pan-frying tortillas)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine pickle juice and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Submerge the chicken tenders in the mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne powder.
  3. Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together 1.5 cups buttermilk with 2 tablespoons hot sauce until well combined. Add a few tablespoons of this wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir until crumbly bits form that will help the coating stick to the chicken.
  4. Heat the Oil: Preheat peanut or vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces during frying.
  5. Bread the Chicken: One piece at a time, remove chicken from marinade and pat dry. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Shake off excess flour.
  6. Rest the Coated Chicken: Set the coated chicken pieces aside for a few minutes to allow the coating to become slightly pasty, which helps it stick during frying. Use separate hands or utensils for wet and dry handling to avoid clumps.
  7. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place 3-4 chicken tenders at a time into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning them occasionally for even cooking, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. Pan-Fry the Tortillas: In a skillet over medium-low heat, add a few tablespoons of neutral oil. Cook 1-2 tortillas at a time, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and pliable. Drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  9. Assemble the Tacos: Place one chicken tender in each tortilla. Top with a scoop of street corn salad, a drizzle of creamy jalapeño sauce, and diced crispy bacon. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
  • Use separate utensils or hands when moving between wet and dry ingredients to avoid clumping.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and achieve a crispy crust.
  • Pan-frying tortillas adds texture and flavor but keep them pliable for easy folding.
  • Adjust cayenne powder for desired spice level or omit for milder heat.
  • Leftover fried chicken can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: fried chicken taco, street corn taco, jalapeno sauce, southern fried chicken, creamy street corn, homemade taco recipe

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/fried-chicken-street-corn-tacos-recipe/