Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Grilled Chicken Tacos

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken tacos topped with a tangy, creamy street corn sauce and fresh cilantro, delivering bold Mexican flavors in every bite. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small finely diced jalapeño if using, until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp of the creamy sauce on each tortilla, topping with sliced grilled chicken, a sprinkle of 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Grilled Chicken Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Grilled Chicken Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Grilled Chicken Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Grilled Chicken Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mexican Street Corn-Inspired Grilled Chicken Tacos?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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