Description
Tender smoky chicken, sweet charred corn, and creamy toppings in crispy corn tortillas. A flavorful street food-inspired dish with crunchy, juicy, and velvety textures.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1” cubes
3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp masa morada (cornmeal base for street corn)
10 corn tortillas
1/4 cup mayonnaise (crema substitute)
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup chicken broth (for moisture)
Instructions
Cut chicken thighs into 1″ cubes and place in a bowl.
Mix paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper into a dry rub.
Whisk olive oil and lime juice into the spice mix to form a marinade.
Coat the chicken cubes evenly, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side.
Reduce heat to medium, cook chicken until fully done. Ladle chicken broth over it while cooking.
In a separate skillet, warm oil and sauté masa morada for 30 seconds. Add corn, onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and remaining salt.
Cook 5-7 minutes until corn is tender. Mix in butter until melted and glossy.
Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or oven. Assemble tacos with chicken, corn mixture, cotija/feta, and a drizzle of mayonnaise-lime sauce.
Notes
Masa morada can be substituted with masa harina mixed with 2 tbsp warm water.
Feta is acceptable for halal diets as it’s a hard cheese with minimal moisture.
Use a stovetop or open flame for charred corn flavor if unavailable in a skillet.
Serve with pickled jalapeños or diced tomatoes for extra tang.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Baking
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg