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Quick weeknight

Crispy Chicken Tacos with Charred Corn and Lime Crema

Golden pan-fried chicken tumbled with smoky charred corn, tucked into warm tortillas and finished with a bright, tangy lime crema.

27 min4 servingsEasyQuick weeknight

Ingredients

  • 1,5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 0,5 cup sour cream
  • 1 piece lime
  • 0,25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 12 piece small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 0,5 cup pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high until it shimmers without smoking.

  3. 3

    Add the chicken in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 4 minutes, until deeply golden; flip and cook 3 more minutes until crisp and cooked through.

  4. 4

    Transfer chicken to a plate, then add the corn kernels to the hot pan and char for 3-4 minutes without stirring, until blackened spots appear.

  5. 5

    Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then return the chicken to the pan and squeeze half a lime over top.

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, whisk 1/2 cup sour cream with the zest and juice of the remaining lime half, a pinch of salt, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.

  7. 7

    Warm the tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet until pliable and lightly blistered.

  8. 8

    Fill each tortilla with chicken and corn, drizzle with lime crema, top with diced avocado, pickled red onion, and a shower of fresh cilantro.

Chef's tip

Don't stir the corn once it hits the pan — that motionless minute is what builds those deep, smoky char marks that carry the whole taco.

Suggested pairing

Pair with an ice-cold Mexican lager, a lime wedge on the rim, and a side of black beans.

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