Sizzling Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe for Taco Night

The smoky barbecue chicken street corn tacos dance with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Tender grilled chicken nestled alongside charred corn kernels wrapped in warm tortillas.

Summer cookouts never looked this delicious or exciting.

Crisp corn brings a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the savory meat.

Fresh herbs and zesty lime add bright, complex layers to each delectable bite.

Each taco tells a story of bold, colorful ingredients mingling together.

These street-style tacos promise a mouthwatering adventure you won’t want to miss.

Grab a plate and let the culinary journey begin!

How To Make Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

In a skillet, wake up those chicken flavors by tossing shredded chicken with smoky barbecue sauce and a sprinkle of chili powder. Let the ingredients dance together over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is warm and coated with delicious sauce.

Step 2: Create Magical Street Corn Topping

• Charred corn kernels
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Crumbly Cotija cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Zesty chili powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Mix everything until the ingredients become best friends, creating a creamy, vibrant topping.

Step 3: Warm Tortilla Hugs

Gently warm tortillas in a dry skillet, giving each side about 15-20 seconds of love. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and let the oven work its magic.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Tacos

Layer each tortilla with the barbecue-kissed chicken, then crown it with a generous spoonful of the street corn mixture. Watch the colors and textures come together.

Step 5: Final Flavor Explosion

• Sliced jalapenos
• Creamy avocado chunks

Serve with lime wedges on the side, ready to squeeze and brighten up each bite.

Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Cooking Tips

• Shred Chicken Like a Pro: Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken quickly and evenly, ensuring uniform texture and better sauce absorption.
• Corn Charring Technique: Get perfect caramelization by using a cast-iron skillet and letting corn sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes before stirring to develop deep, smoky flavors.
• Tortilla Warming Hack: Wrap tortillas in a clean kitchen towel before heating to keep them soft, preventing them from drying out or becoming brittle.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare barbecue chicken and street corn mixture separately up to two days in advance, storing in airtight containers to streamline taco assembly and save time.

Store And Warm Up Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Refrigerate: Store leftover barbecue chicken and street corn separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keeping ingredients separate prevents soggy tortillas and maintains optimal texture.
• Reheat Chicken: Gently warm shredded barbecue chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through completely.
• Warm Tortillas: Quickly reheat tortillas on a hot skillet for 10-15 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft and pliable.
• Assemble Fresh: Rebuild tacos just before serving to ensure crisp tortillas and maximum flavor. Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright, zesty finish.

What Goes Well With Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Pair with Zesty Margarita Splash: Blend classic lime margarita with fresh cilantro and a touch of chili salt to complement the barbecue chicken's smoky flavors and enhance the street corn's creamy texture.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the rich barbecue sauce and provide a cool contrast to the spicy chili-infused taco components.
• Create a Tangy Slaw Side: Whip up a quick cabbage slaw with apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese to add crunch and brightness that balances the tacos' robust flavors.
• Select a Fruity Sangria Companion: Craft a red sangria with fresh orange slices and a hint of cinnamon to bring out the sweet and spicy notes of the barbecue chicken and street corn topping.

Different Ways To Try Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Smoky Southwest Spin: Swap barbecue sauce for chipotle salsa and add smoked paprika to chicken for an intense southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Corn Fiesta: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans, keeping the street corn topping for a plant-based version.
• Tropical Beach Taco: Incorporate diced pineapple into the street corn mixture and use mango-infused barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy Caribbean-inspired adaptation.
• Green Chile Power: Mix roasted green chiles into the chicken and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy New Mexico-style transformation.

FAQs For Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• What makes these tacos unique?

These tacos combine the smoky flavor of barbecue chicken with the creamy, tangy street corn topping, creating a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican and American cuisine.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder, or include sliced jalapenos for extra kick. You can also use a mild barbecue sauce if you prefer less spice.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the barbecue chicken and street corn topping ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to eat.

• What if I don't have Cotija cheese?

No worries! You can substitute with feta cheese or queso fresco. These alternatives will still provide a similar creamy and tangy flavor to the street corn topping.

Why Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Are Worth Making

• Flavor Explosion: Combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken with the creamy, tangy street corn topping, creating a mouthwatering blend of Mexican and American flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Allows for endless topping variations, so everyone can personalize their tacos with extra jalapeños, avocado, or additional cheese to suit their taste preferences.
• Textural Delight: Offers a satisfying mix of crispy tortillas, tender barbecue chicken, and creamy street corn topping that provides a perfect balance of soft and crunchy elements in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein with smoky barbecue flavor, perfect for creating a hearty taco filling.
• Barbecue Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a rich base for the tacos.

• Fresh or Frozen Corn: Sweet and charred corn provides a classic street corn texture and authentic Mexican street food experience.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that helps bind the corn mixture and adds richness.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that brings a salty and distinctive flavor to the corn topping.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy freshness to balance the creamy and rich ingredients.

• Tortillas: Soft base for holding the taco fillings, preferably corn tortillas for authentic flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note to both chicken and corn mixture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a vibrant, herbal garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Jalapenos: Fresh, spicy peppers for added heat.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich topping that adds extra texture.
• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus for squeezing and brightening the taco flavors.

Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy barbecue chicken street corn tacos blend Mexican street food magic with smoky, grilled flavors. Crisp corn tortillas cradle tender, charred chicken and creamy elote, creating a mouthwatering fiesta you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup (30 g) crumbled Cotija or feta cheese

Corn and Sauce Mixture:

• 2 cups (300 g) corn kernels
• ½ cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Seasonings and Accompaniments:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• ¼ cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced avocado
• Hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Transform shredded chicken into a tangy, spicy filling by simmering it with robust barbecue sauce and a dash of chili powder in a sizzling skillet. Allow the flavors to meld and intensify for several minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Create vibrant street corn topping by charring kernels in a hot skillet until they develop golden brown edges. Combine the caramelized corn with creamy mayonnaise, rich sour cream, crumbly Cotija cheese, zesty lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently revive tortillas by warming them in a dry skillet, flipping each side briefly to ensure they become pliable and slightly crisp without burning.
4. Construct each taco by layering the smoky barbecue chicken across the warm tortilla foundation, then generously crown with the complex street corn mixture.
5. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh chopped cilantro over the tacos. Consider adding optional embellishments like spicy sliced jalapenos or creamy avocado slices. Serve with wedges of lime for a bright, citrusy finish that diners can squeeze to their preference.

Notes

• Customize the barbecue sauce to match your spice preference by adjusting the amount of chili powder or using a mild/hot sauce variant.
• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like pulled jackfruit or tofu to create a vegetarian-friendly version of these tacos.
• Grill the corn instead of skillet-cooking for a deeper, smokier flavor that enhances the street corn topping’s complexity.
• Make the street corn mixture ahead of time and refrigerate to let the flavors meld together, intensifying the overall taste profile of the tacos.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg