Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos with Chicken: A Flavorful Fusion

When it comes to unforgettable food experiences, some of the most beloved dishes are born from a fusion of classics. The Smash Burger Taco is a prime example—uniting the crispy, juicy goodness of a smash burger with the warm, toasted tortilla comfort of a taco. Originally made with beef and bacon, this version replaces both with ground chicken to make it lighter and pork-free without losing its bold flavor. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just looking to impress guests with something out of the ordinary, this recipe delivers high-impact flavor using easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward techniques. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this taco’s rich textures, spicy street corn topping, and creamy jalapeño ranch sauce make it approachable and rewarding. You don’t need restaurant skills—just a skillet and a hunger for bold flavors.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all the ingredients and prep accordingly. This makes the whole process smoother, especially for beginners.

For the Chicken Smash Taco Patties:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken (preferably with a little fat for moisture)
• 6 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or non-stick spray for cooking

For the Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Sauce:

• ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves (stems removed)
• ½ cup pickled jalapeños
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup buttermilk (optional, for thinning)

For the Street Corn Topping:

• 5–6 ears of corn (or 4 cups frozen corn, thawed and dried)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• ⅓ cup chopped scallions
• ⅓ cup grated cotija cheese (or parmesan as a substitute)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• ½–1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½–1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning (or paprika and lime zest)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing

Preparation Steps Before Cooking:

• Chop all herbs and vegetables (cilantro, scallions, jalapeños).
• Remove corn from cobs if using fresh.
• Set out all sauces and seasonings within easy reach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order for the best results. You can make the sauce and corn mixture in advance to save time.

1. Make the Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

1. Add cilantro, jalapeños, jalapeño juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, lime juice, and buttermilk (if using) to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more buttermilk or water if needed.
3. Transfer to a container and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the dish.

2. Prepare the Street Corn Topping

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add corn kernels and cook for 5–7 minutes until they’re slightly charred and golden.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice and zest, chili powder, Tajín, and salt.
4. Stir in the cooked corn, scallions, cotija cheese, cilantro, and diced jalapeño.
5. Mix until well coated and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken Smash Patties

1. Divide the ground chicken into 6 equal portions.
2. Heat a flat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or spray to prevent sticking.
3. Place one portion of chicken on the skillet, then immediately press a tortilla on top, flattening the chicken into a thin layer that sticks to the tortilla.
4. Press down with a spatula or burger press to ensure the chicken adheres evenly.
5. Season the exposed chicken with salt and pepper.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges are golden and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Carefully flip the tortilla so the chicken side is facing up, and cook for another 1–2 minutes to crisp the bottom of the tortilla.
8. Repeat with remaining portions.

4. Assemble the Tacos

1. Place the cooked tortillas, chicken side up, on a large plate or tray.
2. Spread a generous amount of jalapeño ranch sauce over each.
3. Top with a spoonful of the street corn mixture.
4. Optional: Add extra cotija, a squeeze of lime, or fresh cilantro as garnish.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If you’re newer to cooking or want to avoid common mistakes, these tips will help:

1. Don’t overwork the chicken. Gently shape it into loose balls or patties so it stays tender when smashed.
2. Preheat the skillet well. A hot surface helps form a crispy layer quickly without drying the meat.
3. Use a burger press or heavy spatula. Firm, even pressure is key for a good smash.
4. Make components ahead. Both the jalapeño ranch and street corn toppings can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
5. Keep tortillas warm. Use a tortilla warmer or wrap them in foil and place in a low oven if you’re making large batches.
6. Skip the buttermilk in the sauce if you prefer a thicker spreadable consistency for layering.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are extremely adaptable and work in a variety of mealtime situations. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

1. Casual Dinner: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or black bean salad.
2. Game Night or Parties: Slice tacos into halves or quarters and serve as appetizers or finger food.
3. Family Meal: Offer a build-your-own taco night with bowls of extra toppings like avocado, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or spicy salsa.
4. Lunch Prep: Store leftover tacos in meal prep containers with a side of corn salad and extra sauce.
5. Light Meal: Serve with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a lighter option.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Sliced avocado
• Pickled red onions
• Hot sauce or sriracha
• Fresh lime wedges

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Engagement Features

Tried this recipe? We’d love to know how it went. Share your version with family and friends or tell us how you adapted it. Did you go heavier on the spice? Swap chicken for turkey? Post your creations online and tag the source of the original recipe for more inspiration. Cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to make it your own and come back to this base whenever you need a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed taco dish.

You can also ask questions about technique, substitutions, or how to make it spicier or milder—we’re happy to help. Your feedback is valuable and could help other home cooks succeed with their meals.