Easy Street Corn Chicken Smash Burger Tacos Recipe

These street corn smash burger tacos are everything you want for taco night: crispy tortillas, juicy seasoned chicken, and a creamy Mexican street corn slaw piled high on top.  The combination of crispy-edged chicken smashed directly onto tortillas and tangy street corn salad creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor. If you love street corn, taco night, and easy weeknight dinners, these street corn smash tacos need to be on your menu ASAP!

Easy Street Corn Chicken Smashburger Tacos Recipe

This easy meal has me coming back to it over and over again!

While classic smash burger tacos are made with ground beef, this lighter version uses seasoned ground chicken for a high-protein meal that the whole family loves. The flavor combo is perfection, and dinner comes together in under 20 minutes!

The street corn slaw can be prepped ahead of time, making this one extra great for busy days.

Once the slaw is ready to go, press the chicken onto tortillas (no burger press needed here!), cook them up, and dinner is served!

Why you’ll love these street corn smash burger tacos

High in Protein – Each taco is loaded with seasoned ground chicken, making this an easy way to add more protein to your dinner.

Easy Weeknight Dinner – Using a hot skillet and simple ingredients keeps this recipe quick enough for busy weeknights.

Family Friendly – Everyone can customize their tacos with extra cilantro, queso fresco, hot sauce, or more/less slaw.

Crispy and Flavorful – Cooking the tortillas directly with the chicken creates crispy edges and a delicious texture similar to classic smash burgers.

Simple ingredients you’ll need

Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.

• Ground chicken – Lean ground chicken keeps these tacos juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein. Ground turkey works well too!
• Granulated garlic – Adds savory garlic flavor throughout the chicken without needing fresh garlic. Garlic powder can be swapped.
• Sea salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken and seasons every bite.
• Black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances the seasoning.
• Small tortillas – Flour tortillas or corn tortillas crisp up beautifully in the skillet and give these tacos an authentic street taco flavor.
• Frozen corn – Toasting the corn brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a lightly charred, grilled flavor. Fresh grilled corn is a delicious substitute.
• Coleslaw mix – A quick shortcut that adds fresh crunch without any chopping.
• Green onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of freshness.
• Queso fresco – A creamy, salty cheese that pairs perfectly with the street corn flavors. Cotija or feta cheese also work well.
• Fresh cilantro – Brightens the slaw and adds classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Avocado oil mayonnaise – Creates a rich, creamy dressing made with heart-healthy avocado oil.
• Plain kefir – Adds tanginess while lightening up the dressing. Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted.
• Lime – Fresh lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the dressing.
• Hot sauce (optional) – Perfect for anyone who enjoys a little extra heat.

How to make this street corn smash burger tacos recipe

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined. Divide the chicken mixture into 8 equal portions.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook until lightly toasted and golden in spots. Transfer the corn kernels to a large bowl. Add the coleslaw mix, green onions, queso fresco, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado mayo, kefir, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the corn mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Place a portion of chicken onto each tortilla and spread it into a thin, even layer covering the surface.

Step 4: Heat a large cast iron skillet, hot skillet, or hot griddle over medium-high heat. Place the taco meat side down in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken develops a golden crust and is nearly cooked through. Flip and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tortilla is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked. Repeat with the remaining tacos.

Step 5: Top each taco with a generous scoop of the street corn slaw. Finish with additional queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!

Note: If cooking in batches, place cooked smash tacos on a baking sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve with corn slaw.

Watch me make this easy dinner

The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!

How to store leftovers

The street corn slaw can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Store leftover chicken smash tacos separately from the slaw for the best texture. Reheat the tacos in a hot skillet for a few minutes before serving.

Pro tips

• Use a hot skillet or cast iron skillet for the best crust. If making a big batch at once, a griddle is perfect!
• Spread the chicken in a thin layer for even cooking.
• Toast the corn until golden for maximum flavor.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest tortillas.

Substitutions, optional variations & dietary adjustments

Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this street corn smash burger taco recipe. 

If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!

Ground chicken – Ground turkey is the closest substitute and works exactly the same. Ground beef can also be used for a more traditional smash taco.

Granulated garlic – Swap with 2-3 cloves of freshly minced garlic or use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.

Frozen corn – Fresh grilled corn cut from the cob is delicious during the summer. Canned corn, drained well, also works in a pinch.

Coleslaw mix – Shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, or a combination of cabbage and carrots can replace a bagged slaw mix.

Green onions – Thinly sliced red onion or finely diced sweet onion can be substituted.

Queso fresco – Cotija cheese is the most traditional swap. Feta cheese also offers a similar salty, crumbly texture.

Fresh cilantro – If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley makes a good substitute, though the flavor will be different.

Avocado oil mayonnaise – Regular mayonnaise or olive oil mayonnaise works just as well.

Plain kefir – Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be substituted for a similarly creamy dressing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these with ground turkey?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works nearly identically to ground chicken and is a great substitute.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes. The slaw can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

More viral recipes you’ll love

• Chicken Caesar smash burger tacos
• High protein pepperoni pizza tortilla wrap
• Chicken crust Caesar pizza

Save this smash taco recipe to Pinterest and make it later!

If you try this easy dinner recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

Heather