If you’re looking for a bold, flavor-loaded recipe that screams summer, Street Corn Chicken Tacos are your answer. These tacos combine the zesty warmth of grilled chicken thighs seasoned with a homemade sazon spice mix, the sweetness of charred corn, the creaminess of cashew lime sauce, and a punchy jalapeño-laced salsa. Whether you’re firing up the grill for Taco Tuesday or hosting a backyard fiesta, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Street Corn Chicken Tacos aren’t just another taco—they’re a celebration of smoky, spicy, and savory Mexican flavors brought together in every bite. In this post, we’ll break down each component—from ingredients to grilling tips—so you can recreate this irresistible meal step-by-step at home. Don’t miss our detailed nutritional info, serving suggestions, and clever variations, either.
Looking for inspiration? Try this Smash Burger Taco Homemade Recipe for another creative taco twist.

Street Corn Chicken Tacos

What Makes Street Corn Chicken Tacos a Summer Favorite?

There’s something about juicy chicken, charred corn, and bright flavors that just work when the sun’s out and the grill’s hot. Street Corn Chicken Tacos are built for warm weather, especially with their fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and that mouthwatering blend of sweet, spicy, creamy, and smoky.

Unlike heavy stews or baked casseroles, tacos keep it light while delivering huge flavor. The grilled corn adds a slightly sweet crunch, the avocado gives a buttery mouthfeel, and the jalapeño lime sauce ties it all together with a little heat. This is what summer tastes like.

And here’s the kicker—they’re actually good for you. Each serving of two tacos packs in over 30 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, with just 512 calories. That means you can enjoy bold flavor without blowing your diet.

The Mexican Street Food Influence on Modern Taco Recipes

Street Corn Chicken Tacos are a modern spin on traditional Mexican street food, especially elotes—grilled corn slathered with mayo, cheese, lime, and spices. Combine that with the universal appeal of tacos, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that balances authentic roots with creative flair.

What makes them special is the use of real, whole ingredients like fresh corn, homemade seasoning, and creamy sauces made without dairy. It’s a blend of rustic street-style flavor and wellness-focused updates.

Mexican street food has always been about bold flavors on a budget—and these tacos stay true to that vibe. They’re simple to prep, quick to grill, and endlessly customizable.
Don’t miss our Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe if you’re building out a full cookout menu.

Ingredients Deep Dive for Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Sazon Chicken Seasoning Breakdown

At the heart of these tacos is flavor-packed sazon chicken. Instead of relying on store-bought taco seasoning, this recipe calls for a homemade blend that’s bolder and more vibrant. Here’s what makes it unforgettable:

• Cumin and coriander bring deep, earthy flavor.
• Turmeric adds warmth and that golden color.
• Garlic powder and oregano balance out the spice with aromatics.
• Cayenne (optional) introduces a mild kick for heat-lovers.
• A splash of olive oil helps the seasoning stick while also promoting a great grill sear.

Marinate for at least 30 minutes—or even better, overnight—for tender, flavorful chicken every time.

Don’t miss our One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Chickpeas if you’re into bold spices and easy prep.

Grilled Corn Prep and Flavor Enhancers

Grilled corn isn’t just a topping—it’s the flavor bomb that gives these tacos their signature street food vibe. Brushed with olive oil and dusted with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, each ear of corn is grilled until slightly charred. That caramelization unlocks a sweet and smoky taste that elevates everything it touches.

Once grilled, the kernels are shaved off the cob and tossed into a vibrant salsa that captures the essence of Mexican elote.

Pair this with the smoky flavor in our Best Homemade Chili Recipe for a knockout meal prep combo.

The Role of Fresh Salsa & Creamy Jalapeno Lime Cashew Sauce

Now let’s talk taco magic—the toppings.

Corn Avocado Salsa

This refreshing mix combines:

• Sweet grilled corn
• Creamy diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Red onion
• A squeeze of lime
• Sliced jalapeños for that raw crunch and heat

It’s chunky, colorful, and balances all the savory flavors with acidity and freshness. You should gie it a try with Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Jalapeno Lime Cashew Sauce

This sauce is dairy-free but irresistibly creamy. Made with soaked cashews, lime juice, jalapeños, garlic, and a touch of onion powder, it blends into a drizzle-worthy, velvety topping that cools and contrasts the grilled ingredients.

Pro tip: Make extra—you’ll want to pour it over everything from salad bowls to roasted veggies.

Discover great ideas like this Tofu Stir Fry with Cashew Sauce if you love plant-based flavor profiles.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepping the Cashew Sauce: Soak, Blend, Serve

The creamy jalapeño lime cashew sauce is the crown jewel of these tacos—and it’s deceptively easy to make. Here’s how:

1. Soak the Cashews:
   You’ve got two options—either soak them in warm water for 2+ hours or do the quick method:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil, add raw cashews, remove from heat, and let them sit for 30 minutes.
   • Drain well.
2. Blend Until Creamy:
   Combine the soaked cashews with:
   • ⅓ cup fresh water
   • 1 seeded jalapeño
   • 1 clove garlic
   • 2 tbsp lime juice
   • ¾ tsp salt
   • ¼ tsp onion powder
   • Black pepper to taste
   Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time to thin.
3. Set Aside or Chill:
   The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Bonus: It thickens into a dip!

Learn more about dairy-free sauce ideas in our Creamy Mushroom Spinach Orzo post.

Marinating and Grilling Chicken Thighs Like a Pro

Flavorful chicken begins in the marinade:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, toss 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with:
   • 1 tbsp olive oil
   • 1 tsp cumin
   • 1 tsp coriander
   • 1 tsp turmeric
   • ½ tsp garlic powder
   • ½ tsp oregano
   • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
   • ½ tsp salt
   • Freshly ground black pepper
   Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Grill to Perfection:
   • Preheat your grill to 400°F.
   • Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temp hits 165°F.
   • Rest for 5 minutes under foil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Grilling Corn and Building the Street Corn Salsa

1. Season the Corn:
   Rub 2 ears of corn with 2 tsp olive oil, and sprinkle with:
   • ½ tsp cumin
   • ½ tsp chili powder
   • Salt and pepper
2. Grill Until Charred:
   Place on the grill alongside the chicken. Rotate occasionally for 15–20 minutes, until nicely charred.
3. Make the Salsa:
   Once cool, cut the kernels off the cob and mix with:
   • 1 diced avocado
   • 1 thinly sliced jalapeño
   • ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro
   • ¼ cup diced red onion
   • Juice of 1 lime
   • Salt & pepper to taste

This fresh, tangy salsa perfectly balances the rich, seasoned chicken and the creamy cashew sauce.

Assembling the Perfect Street Corn Chicken Tacos

Tortilla Tips: How to Warm, Char, and Choose Right

Tortillas may seem like a small detail, but they can make or break your taco experience. Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Choose Corn Tortillas
   Street tacos are traditionally served on soft corn tortillas, which provide a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the grilled chicken and charred corn.
2. Warm or Char for Texture
   • To warm: Wrap tortillas in foil and place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
   • To char: Use a gas burner or skillet—place tortillas directly on the flame (or dry pan) for 15–30 seconds per side until slightly blackened and flexible.
3. Double Up if Needed
   Corn tortillas are delicate. Doubling up ensures they hold all the fillings without tearing.

Don’t miss our Gluten-Free Chicken Tacos if you’re looking for more allergy-friendly tortilla options.

Layering Technique: Sauce, Chicken, Salsa, Garnishes

To make sure every bite of your Street Corn Chicken Tacos is packed with balanced flavor, follow this layering formula:

1. Start with a Sauce Base
   Spread a spoonful of the jalapeño lime cashew sauce on each warm tortilla. This prevents sogginess and delivers creamy goodness in every bite.
2. Add the Grilled Chicken
   Place chopped, marinated grilled chicken on top of the sauce. Use about 2–3 ounces per taco.
3. Top with Corn Salsa
   Add a generous spoonful of your fresh grilled corn and avocado salsa. Let it spill over the edges—that’s where the magic is.
4. Drizzle Extra Sauce
   A final zigzag of cashew lime sauce adds extra creaminess and aesthetic flair.
5. Finish with Garnishes
   • Extra sliced jalapeños (for heat)
   • Chopped cilantro (for color and freshness)
   • A squeeze of lime for brightness

And that’s it. You’ve built a taco with perfectly layered textures—creamy, juicy, crunchy, and spicy.

Check out Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas for another build-your-own meal idea that plays well with similar flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Chicken Tacos

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