Fiesta-Style Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe

Summers burst with flavor when barbecue chicken street corn tacos hit the dinner table.

Smoky grilled chicken mingles with charred corn kernels, creating a mouthwatering explosion of textures.

Soft tortillas cradle each delectable bite, promising a festival of southwestern spices.

Fresh cilantro and zesty lime squeeze brightness into every morsel.

Tangy cream and crumbled cheese add richness that makes these tacos irresistible.

Fire up the grill and transform an ordinary evening into a festive feast.

How To Serve Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Flavor Fiesta Party: Pile these tacos onto a large platter with colorful lime wedges scattered around, creating an inviting street food-style presentation that makes everyone want to dig in.
• Backyard BBQ Spread: Pair the tacos with Mexican street corn salad, crispy tortilla chips, and a refreshing cucumber-mint agua fresca for a complete summer meal that celebrates bold southwestern flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sides: Serve alongside black bean rice, quick pickled red onions, and a zesty salsa verde to complement the smoky barbecue chicken and creamy street corn topping, giving guests multiple flavor options.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual taco components separately in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, keeping the tortillas, chicken, and corn topping in separate sections to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

Plan And Store Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the barbecue chicken and street corn topping up to 3 days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Cooked barbecue chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling tacos.
• Taco Assembly Line: Keep components separate until serving to maintain optimal texture. Warm tortillas just before eating to prevent sogginess and preserve their delightful softness.
• Leftover Love: Store taco components separately in sealed containers. Corn mixture stays fresh for 2-3 days, while chicken remains good for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 3

All Ingredients In Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein base that brings smoky barbecue flavor, best when using rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for maximum convenience.
• Cotija Cheese: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds tangy saltiness and authentic street corn character, traditionally used in Mexican street food.

• Fresh Corn or Frozen Corn: Delivers sweet, charred kernels that create a vibrant street-style texture, choose fresh summer corn for peak flavor.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that binds street corn mixture with rich, smooth consistency, use full-fat versions for best taste.
• Lime Juice: Bright acidic element that cuts through richness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Adds warm, subtle heat and depth to both chicken and corn mixture.

• Tortillas: Soft carriers that hold all delicious ingredients, warm briefly to enhance flexibility and release subtle corn aroma.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, herbaceous finish and authentic Mexican garnish.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and elevate all other ingredients.

• Jalapeños: Adds optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich topping that brings additional smoothness.
• Lime Wedges: Allows personalized citrus brightness at serving.

Tools You’ll Need For Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and corn with even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining street corn ingredients and creating a creamy topping.
• Dry skillet: Ideal for warming tortillas and achieving a light char.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Necessary for stirring chicken and corn mixtures.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for chopping cilantro and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Simple Steps For Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Saucy Chicken Base

Grab a skillet and transform your chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Toss shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and a whisper of chili powder. Let the flavors dance and mingle over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is perfectly heated and glistening.

• Corn Magic

Fire up another skillet and char fresh corn until it develops those irresistible golden edges. Mix the roasted kernels with creamy mayo, tangy sour cream, crumbly Cotija cheese, zesty lime juice, and a sprinkle of spices. Each bite will be a carnival of textures and tastes.

• Tortilla Warm-Up

Gently wake up your tortillas by heating them in a dry skillet. Watch them become soft and pliable, ready to cradle your delicious filling. They should be warm and flexible, almost whispering with anticipation.

• Taco Assembly

Layer your saucy chicken onto the tortillas with care. Crown each taco with a generous heap of the vibrant corn mixture. The colors and aromas will make mouths water instantly.

• Final Flourish

Shower your tacos with fresh cilantro. Add optional zingy touches like jalapeño slices or creamy avocado. Serve with lime wedges for that perfect citrusy punch that brings everything together.

Ideas And Swaps For Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos

• Pro Corn Charring Trick: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to get deeper, smokier char marks on corn, enhancing the street corn's authentic flavor profile without burning kernels.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional flour tortillas with corn tortillas and ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans, maintaining the smoky barbecue flavor while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder quantity or swap with smoked paprika for milder heat, allowing guests to customize spiciness without compromising overall taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare barbecue chicken and street corn topping separately up to 2 days in advance, storing in airtight containers to streamline taco assembly during mealtime.

Smoky Barbecue Chicken Street Corn Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sizzling barbecue chicken street corn tacos blend Mexican street food magic with smoky grilled flavors. Corn tortillas cradle tender chicken and charred corn, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor bite by bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) corn kernels
• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) barbecue sauce
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• ¼ cup (10 g / 0.35 oz) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)
• Diced avocado (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Barbecue Chicken: Simmer shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and chili powder in a skillet, stirring periodically to develop rich, intense flavors and prevent scorching.
2. Craft Street Corn Topping: Char corn kernels in a hot skillet until golden-edged, then blend with mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy mixture.
3. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet, turning briefly to achieve pliability and a subtle crisp texture without burning.
4. Assemble Tacos: Layer warm tortillas with barbecue-infused chicken, then lavishly top with the vibrant street corn mixture, ensuring each taco is generously filled.
5. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over tacos, optionally adding sliced jalapenos or avocado. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty, customizable finishing touch.

Notes

• Char Corn Carefully: Watch kernels closely while caramelizing to achieve golden brown edges without burning, ensuring a smoky, sweet flavor without bitterness.
• Control Chicken Moisture: Simmer barbecue chicken mixture on medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and maintain a saucy, tender texture that doesn’t dry out.
• Warm Tortillas Gently: Use a dry skillet on low-medium heat, flipping quickly to prevent cracking or becoming too crisp, creating a soft, pliable base for tacos.
• Balance Toppings Strategically: Layer street corn mixture evenly over chicken, ensuring each bite delivers a perfect combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors without overwhelming the taco.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg