
Introduction to Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken
As a mom on the run, I totally get it feeds a daunting task to make dinner for everyone with those crazy schedules that everyone seems to have. So, without further ado, I present to you my Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken! More than a dish, it’s an explosion of flavors that brightens up the dinner table with seasoned grilled chicken and juicy corn with a zesty salsa- the end-all to those busy evenings. And this includes the pickiest of eaters in your family wherein they cannot even turn their nose up at it. Seriously, you will wonder how you ever lived without this after your first taste.
Why You’ll Love This Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken
This Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken is a game changer for busy moms and professionals alike! It brings together quick prep time and an explosion of flavors that feels like a fiesta on a plate. You can have this delicious meal ready in about an hour. Plus, it’s packed with fresh ingredients that leave you and your family satisfied. Who knew feeding your loved ones could be this fun and easy?
Ingredients for Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients for this Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender when grilled, making them perfect for this dish.
- Olive oil: A must for marinating and grilling. It adds flavor and moisture.
- Ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric: These spices create a warm and aromatic profile that’s utterly captivating.
- Garlic powder and dried oregano: Classic seasonings that elevate the chicken’s flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, but if you like a kick, sprinkle a bit in! It adds excitement without overwhelming.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that help bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh corn: Grilling fresh corn enhances its sweetness and gives that coveted char taste.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salsa and richness to the entire dish.
- Jalapeno pepper: Great for bringing some heat; add more or less based on your spice tolerance.
- Fresh cilantro and red onion: They are essential for making the corn salsa vibrant and delightful.
- Lime: A squeeze of lime juice brings everything to life with its refreshing acidity.
- Raw cashews: Blending them makes a creamy, dreamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Soft corn tortillas: They serve as the lovely vehicle for all those delicious fillings.
- Extra jalapenos and cilantro: Feel free to garnish as you wish for an extra flavor boost!
For those looking to switch things up, consider grilled veggies or tofu as a filling option. You can find all the ingredients with exact measurements at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken
Creating this Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken is a delightful culinary adventure! Follow these simple steps for a meal your family will rave about.
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Sauce
Start by soaking the raw cashews in warm water. Give them at least 2 hours to relax; if you’re in a pinch, boiling them for 30 minutes works too. Once softened, drain the cashews and toss them into a blender. Add jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy; this sauce is the heart of your dish, enhancing each bite with its zesty goodness!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine your chicken thighs with olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices in well; this step is crucial for flavor development. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, going for an hour will make it even tastier!
Step 3: Prepare the Corn
Next, grab your ears of corn and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle on some cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This little seasoning ritual does wonders for enhancing the corn’s natural sweetness. You want that perfect balance of smoky and sweet when you grill it!
Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Corn
Preheat your grill to a hot 400°F. Lay the marinated chicken on the grill, cooking for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. While the chicken grills, toss the corn on as well. Grill the corn for about 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally, until it gets perfectly charred and tender.
Step 5: Assemble the Ingredients
Once everything is cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Use a knife to slice down the corn kernels, letting them tumble into a bowl. In another bowl, combine those kernels with diced avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Your corn salsa is ready! Now, gently warm up your tortillas on the grill or in a skillet. This will make them supple and ready to hold all that deliciousness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
It’s time to plate this masterpiece! Spread a generous layer of your creamy jalapeno lime cashew sauce on each tortilla. Next, pile on the chopped chicken, top it with your vibrant street corn salsa, and add slices of extra jalapenos and cilantro for garnish. Serve immediately, and watch as everyone dives into this feast! Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken; it’s essential for deeper flavors.
- Soaking the cashews is crucial for that creamy sauce—plan ahead!
- Grilling the corn until slightly charred enhances its natural sweetness.
- Feel free to customize the salsa to suit your family’s preferences.
- Serve immediately for the best taste; tacos are always better fresh!
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan: If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works wonders.
- Blender: Essential for making that creamy cashew sauce; a food processor can work too.
- Cutting board and knife: Helpful for chopping chicken and veggies.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken and corn without fuss.
- Bowl: For marinating chicken and mixing salsa ingredients.
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms for a satisfying meal that packs in veggies.
- Spice it up: Try adding a chipotle pepper or some smoked paprika to the cashew sauce for an extra smoky kick.
- DIY tortillas: Make your own tortillas from scratch for an authentic touch; it’s easier than you might think!
- Balance it out: Serving the tacos at a salad bar style allows everyone to customize their toppings, making it suitable for all tastes.
- Dairy option: If you love cheese, add crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top of the salsa for creaminess and tang.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these tacos with a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Enjoy with a cold glass of limeade or a light beer to complement the spices.
- For presentation, arrange the tacos on a colorful platter for visual delight.
FAQs about Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken
Got questions about this Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken? You’re not alone! Here are a few common inquiries I often hear:
Can I make the cashew sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cashew sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh its creamy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Rewarm the chicken and corn before assembling your tacos again!
Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes! If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, use a grill pan on your stovetop. It gives you those lovely grill marks and keeps the flavor intact.
What if I don’t have cashews?
No worries! You can swap them for sunflower seeds or even silken tofu for a different twist on your creamy sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The *Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken* is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your tortillas are labeled as gluten-free if needed!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken is truly a joyful experience that brings loved ones together around the dinner table. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters, making it a family favorite in no time. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can enjoy a homemade meal without feeling overwhelmed. As the laughter and chatter flow, you’ll know you made the right choice. Trust me, every bite will remind you why cooking can be so fulfilling and delicious. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crazy Good Street Corn Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish featuring seasoned grilled chicken, grilled corn, and a zesty corn salsa, all served in soft corn tortillas with a creamy jalapeno lime cashew sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ears corn, husked and washed
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup finely diced fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/3 cup water, plus more if needed for thinning
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 soft corn tortillas
- Extra thinly sliced jalapenos
- Extra fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Soak cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours, or boil for 30 minutes.
- Drain cashews and blend with 1/3 cup water, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, salt, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine chicken thighs with olive oil, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Brush corn with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat grill to 400°F and grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through. Grill corn for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Let chicken rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Remove corn kernels.
- Mix corn kernels with avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Char tortillas on flame or skillet, then spread jalapeno lime cashew sauce on each.
- Top tortillas with chicken, street corn salsa, jalapenos, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan option, replace chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno in the sauce based on heat preference.
- The marinated chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Add cheese or other toppings as desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tortilla with filling
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg