The Zestiest Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe: Family Favorite in Minutes

Corn chicken tacos bring vibrant southwestern flavors right to your dinner table.

These handheld delights combine crispy textures with rich, satisfying ingredients that dance across your palate.

Mexican-inspired culinary traditions shine through each carefully crafted taco, blending traditional techniques with modern twists.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these tacos come together without sacrificing depth of flavor.

Fresh ingredients reimagine simple proteins into a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Colorful components create a festive dining experience that sparks conversation and delights hungry guests.

The balance of spices, proteins, and fresh garnishes makes these tacos an irresistible weeknight option.

Corn Chicken Tacos Packed With Texture and Taste

• Burst with Layered Flavor Complexity: These corn chicken tacos deliver an explosion of tastes with smoky grilled chicken, charred corn, zesty lime cashew sauce, and vibrant salsa, creating a multidimensional culinary experience.
• Master Effortless Grilling Techniques: The recipe teaches simple yet professional grilling methods for perfectly charred chicken and corn, allowing home cooks to elevate their outdoor cooking skills with minimal technical expertise.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: Flexible ingredients like optional cayenne pepper and adjustable jalapeno levels let you personalize heat intensity, making these tacos adaptable to different spice preferences and palates.
• Quick Gourmet Meal Solution: From marination to assembly, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into restaurant-quality tacos in under an hour, providing a fast and impressive dinner option for busy food lovers.

What You’ll Need to Make Corn Chicken Tacos

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that absorbs marinades well, with higher fat content for juiciness.

• Fresh Corn: Sweet summer vegetable that provides a charred, smoky flavor and adds texture to the tacos.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican flatbread with authentic corn flavor, perfect for holding taco fillings.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Raw Cashews: Creamy nuts that create a smooth, rich sauce when blended, offering a dairy-free alternative.
• Fresh Water: Essential for blending and adjusting sauce consistency.

• Jalapeno, Garlic: Adds spicy kick and aromatic depth to the cashew sauce.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that balances and lifts the sauce flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder: Classic seasoning blend for balanced taste.

Marinade and Salsa Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to chicken and promotes even cooking.
• Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper: Warm, complex spice blend for deep flavor profile.

• Avocado: Creamy, rich fruit that adds smoothness to the salsa.
• Red Onion, Cilantro, Jalapeno: Fresh ingredients that provide crunch, herbaceous notes, and additional heat.

Cooking Instructions for Golden, Crispy Tacos

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Cashew Blend

• Soak cashews in warm water for 2 hours
• Quick method: Boil cashews for 30 minutes
• Drain water completely

• Soaked cashews
• Fresh water
• Jalapeno
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Adjust consistency with extra water if needed

Step 2: Season Chicken Masterpiece

• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Turmeric
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage seasonings into chicken

Let marinate 30 minutes to 24 hours

Step 3: Fire Up Corn Magic

• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Grill Like a Pro

Heat grill to 400°F

Grill corn and chicken simultaneously

Rotate corn until charred

Cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side

Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces

Step 5: Create Vibrant Salsa

Slice grilled corn kernels

• Corn kernels
• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeno
• Cilantro
• Red onion
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 6: Assemble Flavor Explosion

Warm corn tortillas

Spread cashew sauce

• Chopped chicken
• Corn salsa
• Extra jalapenos
• Cilantro

Drizzle additional cashew sauce

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips That Make These Tacos Better Every Time

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more intense spice profiles and tenderize the meat completely.
• Perfect Grill Technique: Use medium-high heat and avoid moving chicken too frequently to create beautiful grill marks and seal in natural juices.
• Cashew Sauce Consistency: Soak cashews thoroughly and blend until ultra-smooth; add water gradually to achieve desired thickness without compromising flavor.
• Corn Charring Secrets: Rotate corn consistently while grilling to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning, which enhances natural sweetness.
• Tortilla Warming Hack: Briefly toast tortillas directly on grill grates or use a cast-iron skillet to create slight crispy edges and enhance overall taco texture.

Best Way to Keep Tacos Crisp Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the tortillas, chicken, salsa, and sauce to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Chicken: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Refresh Tortillas: Quickly warm tortillas on a hot skillet or griddle for 15-20 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness and prevent cracking.

What Drinks and Sides Go With Corn Tacos

• Sizzle with Spicy Margarita Pairing: Amplify the zesty flavors of the corn chicken tacos with a classic spicy margarita featuring fresh jalapeño slices and a chili salt rim. The tequila's bold profile complements the smoky grilled chicken and bright lime notes in the dish.
• Cool Down with Crisp Mexican Lager: Reach for a light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to balance the tacos' heat and complexity. These refreshing lagers cut through the creamy cashew sauce and provide a clean, palate-cleansing experience.
• Elevate with Citrus-Infused Sangria: Create a white wine sangria loaded with fresh orange and lime slices to echo the recipe's citrusy undertones. The fruity, slightly sweet beverage harmonizes with the grilled corn salsa and adds a vibrant layer to the meal.
• Match with Zesty Cucumber Agua Fresca: Prepare a light, non-alcoholic cucumber agua fresca that offers a cooling contrast to the spicy jalapeño elements. Its crisp, hydrating profile perfectly offsets the rich chicken and creamy cashew sauce.

Taco Variations With the Same Great Base

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Tacos: Replace cumin and coriander with oregano and za'atar, swap jalapeno for harissa paste, and use feta cheese instead of cashew sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Southwest Chicken Tacos: Add smoked paprika to the chicken marinade, use chipotle peppers in the sauce, incorporate black beans into the corn salsa, and garnish with pepper jack cheese for a robust southwestern flavor profile.
• Tropical Coconut Chicken Tacos: Infuse the marinade with coconut milk, replace lime with orange juice in the sauce, add mango to the corn salsa, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a sweet and tangy tropical experience.
• Vegetarian Cauliflower Tacos: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, maintain the same spice blend, use the cashew sauce as a creamy base, and add grilled zucchini to the corn salsa for a hearty plant-based alternative.

Corn Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired corn chicken tacos bring zesty flavors to your dinner table. Crispy corn tortillas cradle seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and creamy sauce, creating a quick and delicious meal perfect for spice lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Spices for Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Freshly ground black pepper

Corn and Toppings:

• 2 ears of corn, washed
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salsa Components:

• 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

Jalapeno Lime Cashew Sauce:

• 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

Serving:

• 8 soft corn tortillas
• Extra thinly sl

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Instructions

1. Craft the zesty cashew sauce by soaking raw cashews in warm water for 2 hours or quickly boiling them for 30 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
2. Blend softened cashews with fresh water, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, onion powder, and black pepper until silky smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency and set aside.
3. Massage chicken thighs with olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Allow flavors to meld for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
4. Prepare corn by rubbing with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Fire up the grill to 400°F and cook corn and chicken simultaneously. Rotate corn until charred and caramelized, approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Grill chicken thighs 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest meat under foil, then slice into bite-sized morsels.
7. Transform grilled corn into vibrant salsa by combining kernels with diced avocado, jalapeno slivers, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
8. Lightly char tortillas on grill or open flame for enhanced flavor.
9. Assemble tacos by spreading cashew sauce, layering chopped chicken, topping with corn salsa, and garnishing with extra jalapenos and cilantro.
10. Finish with an additional drizzle of creamy cashew sauce before serving.

Notes

• Cashew Sauce Prep Hack: Boiling cashews cuts soaking time from 2 hours to just 30 minutes, perfect for quick meal preparation.
• Chicken Marination Magic: Longer marinating time (up to 24 hours) intensifies flavor depths, transforming ordinary chicken into a taste sensation.
• Grilling Pro Tip: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat every single time.
• Corn Charring Technique: Rotating corn during grilling creates beautiful caramelized marks and enhances natural sweetness and smoky flavor profile.
• Salsa Freshness Factor: Allowing grilled corn to cool slightly before cutting prevents burning fingers and maintains optimal texture for the salsa.
• Tortilla Transformation: Charring tortillas adds a delightful smoky dimension, elevating the entire taco experience with minimal extra effort.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg