Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

Ready to meet your new absolute favorite taco? Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos are about to steal the show at your next dinner. Each bite hits you with juicy, spiced chicken, smoky charred corn, creamy avocado salsa, and a mind-blowing jalapeno-lime cashew drizzle—all nestled in warm corn tortillas. It’s everything you love about street corn, reinvented as the kind of taco that makes everyone say, “Whoa, can you send me this recipe?”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Next-Level Flavor: Every layer in Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos is loaded with bold spices, zest, and unbeatable freshness.
  • Ultimate Weeknight Dinner: Marinate in advance and assemble in minutes—perfect for busy nights or when friends drop by.
  • Totally Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust spice, and make it dairy free or gluten free with the same amazing results.
  • Street Food Vibes at Home: No food truck run required—bring those street corn taco cravings right to your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This epic taco recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients coming together for maximum impact. Each part of these Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos adds its own personality—zesty, creamy, crunchy, and spicy—so don’t skip a single element!

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay ultra juicy and flavorful, perfect for bold spices and grilling.
  • Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick and gives a beautiful sear to both chicken and corn.
  • Cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt & pepper: This is your secret street taco flavor bomb—earthy, fragrant, and with a gentle kick.
  • Fresh corn on the cob: Grilled until caramelized for that authentic smoky Mexican street corn flavor.
  • Chili powder: Adds warmth and the signature street corn edge.
  • Avocado: Buttery and creamy, balancing all the boldness with freshness.
  • Jalapeno: Brings a little heat—leave the seeds in if you dare for spicier tacos.
  • Cilantro: Adds herby brightness in both the salsa and for topping.
  • Red onion: For sweet crunch and a lovely pop of color.
  • Lime juice: Acts as your flavor elevator, tying everything together with tang.
  • Raw cashews: The base of that dreamy, dairy-free sauce—soaked for extra creaminess.
  • Soft corn tortillas: The classic foundation for street tacos—go authentic for best texture.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

These tacos are seriously fun to riff on, and you can adapt Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos to match your mood, what’s in your fridge, or your guests’ preferences. Get creative and make them your own!

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower and keep every bit of flavor.
  • Add cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled cotija or feta over the tacos adds a salty, creamy finishing touch.
  • Spice swap: Prefer smoky flavor? Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder into your chicken marinade and corn rub.
  • Different tortillas: Flour tortillas or lettuce wraps both work if corn tortillas aren’t your jam or you need a gluten-free option.
  • Double the sauce: Use the jalapeno cashew lime sauce as a chip dip or salad dressing—it’s too good to limit to just tacos!

How to Make Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Soak and Prep the Cashews

To guarantee the creamiest sauce, soak your raw cashews in warm water for at least two hours. Short on time? Simmer them briefly and let them soak for about 30 minutes instead—it works like magic! Drain them once softened, so they’re ready for blending later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

While your cashews are soaking, grab a bowl and toss your chicken thighs with olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you want a little kick. Rub the marinade in well and let it hang out for at least 30 minutes—up to overnight for flavor that truly sings.

Step 3: Season and Prep the Corn

Drizzle your fresh corn ears with olive oil and give them a generous rubdown with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This simple step brings that classic street corn flair right into your tacos.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Preheat the grill to a smoky 400°F. Grill the corn, turning often, until it’s charred and just tender—about 15-20 minutes. The chicken cooks alongside, about 6-8 minutes per side, until a thermometer reads 165°F. Let your chicken rest under foil before you chop it into juicy, bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Make the Jalapeno Lime Cashew Sauce

In a blender, combine your drained cashews, water, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, onion powder, and a grind of black pepper. Blend on high until creamy and smooth. Add an extra splash of water if you prefer a thinner drizzle. This sauce brings Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos to a whole new level!

Step 6: Toss Together the Street Corn Salsa

Once the corn has cooled a bit, cut the kernels off and toss them in a bowl with avocado, sliced jalapenos, cilantro, red onion, fresh lime juice, plus salt and pepper. Give it all a gentle mix so the avocado stays chunky and bright.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

Char your tortillas if you wish (it makes all the difference!). Then layer them generously: creamy sauce, tender chicken, a pile of bright street corn salsa, extra jalapeno, fresh cilantro, and another finishing drizzle of that luscious cashew sauce. Grab a napkin—you’ll definitely need one.

Pro Tips for Making Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos

  • Marinade Magic: Let your chicken marinate overnight for the deepest, most vibrant flavor—especially if you’re prepping for a party.
  • Picture-Perfect Charring: Rotate your corn on the grill often to get those crave-worthy blackened spots, which are key to real street corn flavor.
  • Sauce Consistency: Play with the water in the cashew sauce—a thinner drizzle works perfectly over tacos, while thicker makes a great dip or spread.
  • Batch Cooking Friendly: Double everything for a crowd, or prep components ahead to make weeknight dinners extra easy.

How to Serve Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish these tacos with extra fresh cilantro (always!), thinly sliced jalapenos for color and spice, a squeeze of lime, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a little crumbled cotija or queso fresco. It’s those small touches that take Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with a bright corn and black bean salad, a bowl of zesty rice, grilled veggies, or crispy tortilla chips and extra jalapeno lime sauce for dipping. A chilled agua fresca (or a margarita!) completes the fiesta vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these family-style on a big platter so everyone builds their own—add bowls of salsa, lime wedges, and several toppings for a true taco night spread. Or miniaturize with street-taco-sized tortillas for party-perfect bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chicken, salsa, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store tortillas wrapped tightly to keep them soft and fresh for tomorrow’s taco craving.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken for meal prep, or cooked chicken if you made a big batch. The corn salsa and sauce are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make extra sauce and freeze for up to a month—just blend again when thawed for the silky texture.

Reheating

Rewarm chicken gently in a skillet or microwave just until heated through, so it stays juicy. Give tortillas a quick char in a dry pan, and assemble as usual with fresh salsa and sauce for Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos that taste just made.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos if I don’t have a grill?

    Absolutely! Simply bake the marinated chicken in a 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through, and roast your seasoned corn on a baking sheet at 375-400°F for smoky, caramelized flavor. You’ll still achieve delicious results, no grill required!

  2. What can I use instead of cashews for the sauce?

    If you need a nut-free option, try using hulled sunflower seeds or even a thick, unsweetened Greek yogurt for a creamy tang. Adjust salt to taste and blend until smooth—the flavor is still fantastic with Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos.

  3. Are these tacos gluten-free?

    Yes! As long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas (check the label), Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos are completely gluten-free and naturally dairy-free thanks to the amazing cashew sauce.

  4. Can I prepare any components ahead of time for meal prep?

    Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and even grill it a day ahead, make the sauce up to 2 days in advance, and prep the salsa (except the avocado, to avoid browning). Reheat and assemble your Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos in minutes for a quick and delicious meal.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a weeknight dinner destined to surprise and delight, it’s Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos. They truly bring the flavor, color, and fun—no taco truck necessary. Give them a try and let them light up your table; you’ll be coming back for seconds every single time!

Print
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Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos each) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken Tacos are bursting with flavors from sazon marinated chicken, grilled corn, avocado salsa, and a zesty jalapeno lime cashew sauce, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for a delicious meal any day of the week!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Sazon Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Grilled Corn:

  • 2 ears of corn, washed
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Salsa:

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup finely diced cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

Jalapeno Lime Cashew Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/3 cup water, plus more to thin if necessary
  • 1 medium jalapeno, seeded
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For Serving:

  • 8 soft corn tortillas
  • Extra thinly sliced jalapenos
  • Extra cilantro

Instructions

  1. Soak the Cashews: Soak the cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours or speed up by boiling for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Make the Sauce: Blend soaked cashews, water, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Add more water if needed.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with olive oil, spices, and marinate for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
  4. Prepare the Corn: Season corn with oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. Grill Chicken and Corn: Grill corn and chicken until cooked through.
  6. Assemble Tacos: Cut corn off the cob, mix with salsa ingredients, char tortillas, and assemble tacos with sauce, chicken, corn mixture, and toppings.

Notes

  • To bake the chicken: Bake marinated chicken thighs at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
  • To roast the corn: Roast seasoned corn on a sheet pan at 375-400°F for 25 minutes.
  • Customize and make ahead for convenience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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