BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos: A Flavor-Packed Recipe

BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your taco nights! Imagine juicy, tender BBQ chicken mingling with the sweet and smoky char of Mexican street corn, all nestled in a warm tortilla. This isn’t just a taco; it’s a fiesta in your mouth!

Street corn, or elote, has deep roots in Mexican culture, a beloved snack sold by street vendors throughout the country. Its vibrant flavors and textures have captivated taste buds for generations. We’ve taken that classic inspiration and given it a delicious twist by adding BBQ chicken, a universally loved comfort food.

What makes these BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. The grilled corn offers a delightful crunch and sweetness, while the BBQ chicken provides a satisfying protein punch. The creamy, tangy sauce ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and utterly delicious taco creation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a smoky-sweet variety)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Street Corn:
• 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• For the Tacos:
• 12 small corn tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, pickled onions, hot sauce, extra cilantro

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. First, let’s get that chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is our dry rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Now, you have a couple of options for cooking the chicken. You can grill it, bake it, or even use a slow cooker. I’ll give you instructions for both grilling and baking.
   • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
6. In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated. Set aside.

Preparing the Street Corn:

1. Now, let’s tackle the street corn. You can grill the corn, boil it, or even microwave it. I prefer grilling for that smoky flavor.
   • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred.
   • Boiling: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
   • Microwaving: Wrap each ear of corn in a damp paper towel and microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the kernels are tender.
2. Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. You can do this by standing the corn upright on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to slice down along the cob.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch more chili powder for extra heat!

Assembling the Tacos:

1. Warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.
2. Now, it’s time to assemble the tacos! Spoon a generous amount of BBQ chicken onto each tortilla.
3. Top with a heaping spoonful of the street corn mixture.
4. Add any optional toppings you like, such as avocado slices, pickled onions, hot sauce, or extra cilantro.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best eaten fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or street corn mixture for extra heat. You can also use a spicier BBQ sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or grilled halloumi cheese.
• Add some crunch: Top the tacos with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the BBQ chicken and street corn ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just warm them up before assembling the tacos.
• Different Cheese: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese or queso fresco are good substitutes.
• BBQ Sauce Variety: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors. Honey BBQ, Carolina BBQ, or even a spicy Korean BBQ sauce would be delicious.
• Grilled Pineapple: Add small chunks of grilled pineapple to the street corn mixture for a sweet and tangy twist. The sweetness complements the smoky BBQ chicken perfectly.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra kick, add some thinly sliced pickled jalapeños to the tacos. They provide a nice vinegary heat.
• Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce: Drizzle a creamy cilantro-lime sauce over the tacos for added flavor and moisture. To make the sauce, blend together cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, a clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt.
• Make it a Bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve the BBQ chicken and street corn over rice or quinoa for a delicious and healthy bowl.
• Slow Cooker Chicken: For an even easier method, cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the BBQ sauce over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and toss with the sauce.
• Air Fryer Chicken: You can also cook the chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through.
• Black Bean Salsa: Add a black bean salsa to the tacos for extra texture and flavor. Combine black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Mango Salsa: For a tropical twist, add a mango salsa to the tacos. Combine diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Avocado Crema: Instead of avocado slices, make an avocado crema by blending avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Toasting the Tortillas: For extra flavor and texture, toast the tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until they are slightly charred. Be careful not to burn them!
• Using Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover grilled or roasted chicken. Simply shred the chicken and toss it with the BBQ sauce.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the packaging to be sure.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos are truly a flavor explosion you absolutely must experience. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory, with a delightful crunch that will keep you coming back for more. I know, I know, I’m biased, but trust me on this one – these tacos are a game-changer.

What makes them so special? It’s the combination of the juicy, tender BBQ chicken, the creamy, charred street corn, and the zesty toppings, all nestled in a warm tortilla. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling completely satisfied. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! You can even prep the chicken and corn ahead of time, making these tacos a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While I’ve given you my go-to recipe, the beauty of tacos is their versatility! Feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished tacos for an extra kick.
• Go vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or black beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Add some avocado! A few slices of creamy avocado will add richness and healthy fats to your tacos.
• Experiment with toppings! Try adding pickled onions, crumbled cotija cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Make it a bowl! If you’re watching your carbs, skip the tortillas and serve the BBQ chicken and street corn over a bed of rice or quinoa.
• Different Corn: If you can’t find fresh corn, canned or frozen corn works well too. Just be sure to drain it well before grilling.
• Different Tortillas: Try different types of tortillas! Flour, corn, or even gluten-free tortillas will all work well.

These BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They’re a celebration of flavor, a testament to the power of simple ingredients, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve made these for countless friends and family gatherings, and they’re always a hit. The combination of the sweet BBQ sauce, the smoky corn, and the fresh toppings is simply irresistible.

I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. It’s a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or the stovetop!), and get ready to create some taco magic!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please, please, please let me know what you think! Share your photos, your variations, and your overall experience in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how you made these tacos your own and what your family and friends thought of them. Happy cooking, and happy taco-ing!

Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. I’m confident that these BBQ Chicken Street Corn Tacos will become a new favorite in your household, just as they have in mine. Enjoy!