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Crispy Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

Crispy Corn Chicken Tacos


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican street corn chicken tacos blend smoky grilled flavors with creamy, zesty toppings. Crisp tortillas and succulent chicken create a perfect handheld meal packed with authentic southwestern charm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 ears corn, washed
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup finely diced cilantro
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper
  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • ⅓ cup water (plus more to thin if necessary)
  • 1 medium jalapeno, seeded
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 soft corn tortillas
  • Extra thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Soften cashews through quick boiling or prolonged soaking, then blend with water, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, seasonings until creamy and smooth. Reserve sauce for final assembly.
  2. Chicken Marination: Coat chicken thighs with olive oil and robust spice blend including cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Allow flavors to penetrate for minimum 30 minutes.
  3. Corn and Grilling Technique: Coat corn with olive oil and complementary spices. Ignite grill to 400°F, simultaneously roasting corn and chicken. Rotate corn until beautifully charred and caramelized, cooking chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Salsa Creation: Transform grilled corn into vibrant salsa by combining kernels with diced avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Slice rested chicken into delectable bite-sized pieces.
  5. Taco Assembly: Quickly char tortillas for enhanced flavor profile. Spread luxurious cashew sauce, layer spice-infused chicken, crown with zesty corn salsa, garnish with additional jalapenos and fresh cilantro. Finish with another drizzle of creamy cashew sauce.

Notes

  • Cashew Sauce Prep: Soak or boil cashews to ensure ultra-creamy, smooth texture without graininess.
  • Marinate Strategically: Let chicken absorb spices for maximum flavor depth; longer marination means more intense taste.
  • Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 400°F heat for perfect charring and caramelization on corn and chicken.
  • Resting Meat Crucial: Allow grilled chicken to rest under foil, guaranteeing juicy, tender meat with sealed-in moisture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg