Oh boy, do I have an exciting and scrumptious recipe to share with you today! It’s one of my all-time favorites: **Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn and Bacon**. Now, let me tell you a little story about how I stumbled upon this gem. A while back, I was at a street fair, and I bit into the juiciest fried chicken taco topped with corn that just burst with flavor. Right then and there, I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few tweaks and experiments (and a few questionable taco nights), I found the perfect combination of crispy chicken and zesty street corn! Trust me; you’re gonna love it!
These tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They blend the crunch of fried chicken with the creamy richness of street corn, all packed into a soft tortilla. You might find it hard to eat just one – consider yourself warned! So, are you ready to dive into this flavorful fiesta? Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn and Bacon?
Chicken Tenders: This is the star of the show. Chicken tenders stay tender and juicy while frying, making them perfect for tacos. Plus, they’re easy to handle, which is a bonus!
Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk gives it an amazing moist texture and adds a delightful tang. If you want to make your own buttermilk, just mix some milk with a splash of vinegar and let it sit for a bit.
All-Purpose Flour: This creates a light and crispy coating. I always keep a bag in my pantry, so it’s perfect for spontaneous frying adventures!
Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper): These spices give the chicken that punch of flavor we all crave. The paprika adds a nice smokiness, while garlic and onion powders are just a match made in heaven!
Cooked Corn: You can use fresh grilled corn or even frozen corn (thawed). Both work wonders! It’s sweet, juicy, and brings a wonderful crunch to the party.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These two add creaminess to the street corn mixture and balance out the flavors perfectly, enhancing that rich taste.
Feta (or Cotija) Cheese: I like to toss in crumbled feta for its creamy, tangy flavor—cotija is another great choice if you are feeling a little adventurous!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing element. If it’s not your thing, feel free to skip it or substitute with green onions.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens everything up and adds a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness.
Bacon: Because bacon makes everything better! It brings a salty smokiness that takes these tacos over the top.
Is Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn and Bacon Good for You?
Now, I won’t pretend these tacos are a health food, but they do have some redeeming qualities.
Chicken Tenders: Packed with protein, chicken tenders are a great option for a filling meal. Just remember to choose lean cuts for the best impact.
Corn: Whether fresh or frozen, corn is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It adds a healthy crunch that is both sweet and satisfying.
Bacon: While bacon adds amazing flavor, it’s also high in sodium and fat, so moderation is key. On the bright side, crumbling just a few pieces can spread the flavor throughout the dish!
Overall, enjoy these tacos as an indulgent treat, and maybe save them for a fun Friday night dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenders
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– Oil for frying
– 2 cups cooked corn (grilled or frozen)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija cheese)
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 4-6 small tortillas (flour or corn)
– Additional cilantro for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
This recipe should serve about 4 people, but let’s be honest – you might find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds)!
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Tacos with Street Corn and Bacon?
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk with the chicken tenders. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, consider marinating overnight!
2. **Prepare the Chicken Coating**: In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
3. **Heat Oil**: Grab a deep skillet or frying pan, and heat enough oil to cover the chicken over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
4. **Fry the Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Fry the tenders in the hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels afterward to get rid of the excess oil.
5. **Prepare the Street Corn**: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, feta cheese, cilantro, lime juice, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely combined.
6. **Assemble the Tacos**: Warm up your tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Lay a few pieces of crispy fried chicken in each tortilla and heap on that delicious street corn mixture.
7. **Serve**: Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a little squeeze of zesty goodness.
Perfecting the Taco Experience
To elevate your taco night, consider serving these beauties with your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of spicy crema for an extra kick! And let me tell you, these tacos are best enjoyed fresh while the chicken is still crispy.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a delightful crunch to your evening! So take a break, gather your ingredients, and let the deliciousness unfold. Feel free to drop me a message or comment about how yours turned out – I always love hearing about your cooking adventures!
