After cooking the chicken, I let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. This is a crucial step—letting the chicken rest helps keep it juicy! While the chicken is resting, I toss the corn into the same skillet for a few minutes, allowing it to get a slight char and adding a lovely smokiness to the dish. Trust me; the smell will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!
Now it’s time for the sauce! I mix the mayonnaise with lime juice in a bowl (just a simple squeeze of fresh lime juice does wonders). This creamy sauce will tie everything together and give your tacos that special street corn flavor. For an extra touch, I like folding in some of the crumbled cotija cheese directly into the sauce.
To assemble the tacos, I warm up the corn tortillas in the skillet for just a minute. Then comes the fun part: layering the charred corn, seasoned chicken, and drizzle of the creamy sauce right on top. I like to finish with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Enjoying these tacos is truly a joyful experience!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways: using fresh corn, frozen corn, and canned corn. I found that fresh corn brings the best flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, frozen corn works quite well. Just remember to sauté it to achieve that nice char.
Also, don’t skip the resting time for your chicken! I’ve made the mistake of cutting into it right away, and the juices just run out, leading to dry meat. A little patience here goes a long way.
Finally, if you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding some diced jalapeños to your charred corn. It adds a fantastic kick that balances the creamy sauce beautifully!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made is not seasoning the chicken enough. It’s easy to think that the toppings will provide enough flavor, but properly seasoning your chicken is crucial for a well-balanced taco. Always remember to adjust your salt and spice levels according to your taste preferences! (See the next page below to continue…)