Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a medium bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Add the chicken strips, coating them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Street Corn Topping

• If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain it.
• Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and add the corn. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred.
• Transfer to a bowl and mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Lime Ranch

• In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, diced jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cilantro.
• Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Chicken

• In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion powder.
• In another bowl, whisk together 1 egg and ¼ cup buttermilk.
• Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture (this double breading creates extra crunch).
• Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Warm each tortilla for 20-30 seconds per side, until soft and slightly toasted.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

• Spread a thin layer of jalapeño lime ranch on each tortilla.
• Add a few pieces of crispy fried chicken.
• Spoon on street corn topping.
• Sprinkle with shredded lettuce or cabbage, extra cotija cheese, and sliced jalapeños (if using).
• Drizzle with more jalapeño lime ranch and serve with lime wedges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Enjoy your tacos fresh while they’re hot and crispy!