Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos during a family gathering where everyone contributed their favorite dish. The combination of cheesy goodness with the crunch of corn was an instant hit! After experimenting with different ingredients and spices, I've perfected this recipe to share with you. It's a go-to dish for summer barbecues and weekday dinners alike."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in creating authentic Mexican dishes. He has trained in various culinary schools and specializes in lunch recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. His passion for cooking shines through in every recipe he creates.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it combines the rich flavors of chicken and cheese with the sweetness of corn. The blend of spices adds depth, making these tacos more than just a simple meal. Using fresh ingredients elevates the taste and ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite. It's a recipe that everyone will love, from kids to adults.

The technique of warming the tortillas just right ensures they stay pliable and enhance the overall eating experience. By cooking the chicken with vegetables, the flavors meld together beautifully. This results in a rich filling that perfectly complements the fresh toppings, creating a well-balanced dish.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken. Additionally, be sure to warm your tortillas just before assembling the tacos to prevent them from cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

You can easily substitute chicken with shredded beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Each of these options will provide a different flavor while still working well with the remaining ingredients in the recipe.

The tacos are done when the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, and the cheese has melted. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Yes, the chicken filling can be frozen in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it before serving. However, it is best to assemble the tacos fresh after reheating.

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with guacamole and salsa for dipping, which adds extra flavor and texture.

Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the filling and tortillas separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the texture.

You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The tortillas can be warmed right before serving to keep them fresh.

To reheat, place the filled tacos in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the skillet method will keep them crispier.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the filling is too dry, it may not be moist enough due to cooking too long or using lean chicken.

Solution: To remedy this, add a little chicken broth or sour cream to the mixture while reheating to add moisture back into the filling.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes, the tacos may turn out soggy instead of crispy.

Solution: Ensure to use enough oil when cooking and also try baking the assembled tacos for a few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the chicken is overcooked, it can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, monitor the temperature closely and remove the chicken from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the taco is undercooked, it can be unsafe to eat.

Recovery: If you suspect undercooking, simply place the tacos back in the skillet and cook them for a few minutes longer, ensuring the center reaches the proper temperature.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the outside of the tacos is burnt, they can have an unpleasant taste.

Prevention: To prevent this, use medium heat when cooking and keep an eye on the tacos to flip them at the right moment.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the tacos are too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, serving with a dollop of sour cream can help tone down the saltiness.

Bland: To fix bland tacos, increase the spices or add a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos

The key ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos include tender chicken, sweet corn, and plenty of cheese that makes these tacos irresistible. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions add crunch and flavor, while spices elevate the overall taste. Using high-quality ingredients will ensure your tacos are delicious and satisfying.

It's important to select fresh corn, whether it’s off the cob or frozen, as it adds sweetness to the dish. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor, and ensure your chicken is fresh for the best texture. These choices make a significant difference in the final outcome of the recipe.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work perfectly as well. Always ensure your chicken is fresh and properly thawed if previously frozen for optimal taste.
  • Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is ideal for this dish, but frozen corn also works well. Make sure to thaw frozen corn before using to prevent excess moisture that can make the tacos soggy.
  • Cheese: Using a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese can enhance the flavor and creaminess. Grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Cooking process for Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cooking Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos is a straightforward process. Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly, then add in your vegetables and spices. The key is to cook everything evenly to have a well-blended flavor in the filling. Preparing your toppings while the filling cooks will help save time.

For perfect results, warm your tortillas carefully and assemble them right before serving. This keeps the tortillas pliable and ensures that they don’t crack when folded. Enjoying them fresh off the stove will provide the best texture and flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos

The most important technique in this recipe is ensuring the chicken is cooked just right. Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness and keeping an eye on the cooking process. Additionally, warming the tortillas properly prevents them from breaking, allowing for a delightful taco experience.

Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
    For serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
    Chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lime
    Cut into wedges, for serving
  • 1 avocado
    Sliced, for serving

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels
    Fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    For topping
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
    Fresh
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
    Fresh
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
    Ground
  • 1 tsp paprika
    Ground
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To taste
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
    To taste
  • 12 small corn tortillas
    For holding the filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all ingredients and chop the chicken, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.

  2. Cook Chicken

    In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned.

  3. Add Vegetables

    Stir in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  4. Add Corn and Spices

    Add corn, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

  5. Warm Tortillas

    In another skillet, warm the tortillas one at a time until pliable.

  6. Assemble Tacos

    Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

  7. Melt Cheese

    Fold the tacos and return them to the skillet to slightly melt the cheese.

  8. Serve

    Serve tacos with sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's best to keep the filling and tortillas separate to maintain the texture. Reheat the filling gently and assemble fresh tacos just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Chicken Corn Tacos with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Fresh guacamole and salsa are also great additions to enhance the flavors.

Recipe Variations

For a twist, try adding different vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the filling. You can also use different types of cheese or add jalapeños for a spicy kick. This recipe is versatile and allows for many variations based on your preferences.