Mexican Street Corn Chicken

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner that everyone in the family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Mexican Street Corn Chicken is a dish that brings all the delightful flavors of traditional Mexican Elote right to your table. Picture tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy corn mixture that’s bursting with flavor—what’s not to love?

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also fantastic for family gatherings or meal prep, making it a go-to favorite in my home. Trust me; once you try this Mexican Street Corn Chicken, it will quickly become one of your beloved recipes too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful dinner ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making dinner a breeze!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of creamy corn and spices makes every bite delightful.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to adapt the recipe based on what you have at home or personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this scrumptious meal!

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (4-6 thin chicken breasts)

For the Creamy Corn Mixture

• 3 cups sweet corn (2 cans, drained)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tbsp lime juice
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup queso fresco (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on your taste preferences or what’s available in your fridge.

• Swap the protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, try using boneless turkey breast or even firm tofu for a plant-based option!
• Add more veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers or jalapeños with the corn for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper or some diced serrano peppers into the corn mixture.
• Change the cheese: Instead of queso fresco, crumbled feta or Monterey Jack cheese can add a different twist.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the sweet corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Mixing these ingredients together creates that creamy texture that will complement our chicken beautifully. The lime juice adds brightness while the chili powder brings warmth—such a tasty combination!

Step 2: Season and Assemble

In a casserole dish, lay out your thin chicken breasts flat. Season them with salt and garlic powder for added flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some cayenne pepper as well! Next, spread that delicious corn mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Bake It Up

Pop your casserole dish into an oven preheated at 350˚F. Bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. Cooking uncovered allows that lovely corn topping to get slightly golden while keeping everything juicy and tender.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once done baking, take your Mexican Street Corn Chicken out of the oven and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro on top. These garnishes add freshness and an extra layer of flavor that elevates this dish to another level! Serve hot and enjoy every single bite with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Mexican Street Corn Chicken

This recipe is not only delicious but also very forgiving, so let’s enhance your cooking experience with a few helpful tips!

• Use thin chicken breasts: Thin chicken breasts cook evenly and quickly, ensuring they stay juicy and absorb all the flavors of the creamy corn mixture.
• Don’t skip the marination: If you have a bit more time, marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes to an hour can deepen the flavor profile of your dish.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. Adding more heat can really kick up the authenticity of this Mexican-inspired dish!
• Add a squeeze of lime before serving: A fresh squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty finish that complements the creaminess beautifully.
• Make it a one-pan meal: Consider adding some bell peppers or zucchini around the chicken in the casserole dish. They will roast alongside the chicken, adding color and nutrition without extra cleanup!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken

Presenting your Mexican Street Corn Chicken beautifully can make all the difference at mealtime. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color that makes your dish even more appealing.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado complements the dish’s flavors perfectly while adding a rich texture.
• Extra cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top just before serving enhances both taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and spices is a classic pairing that balances out the creamy chicken.
• Black Beans: Rich in protein and fiber, seasoned black beans add depth to your meal while being incredibly easy to prepare.
• Grilled Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn grilled until slightly charred offers a delightful contrast in texture.
• Corn Tortillas: Warmed corn tortillas are perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy mixture or enjoying alongside your chicken for an authentic touch.

These serving suggestions will not only complement your Mexican Street Corn Chicken but also create an inviting dining experience for you and your loved ones! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week without the fuss of daily cooking.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chicken cool down to room temperature.
• Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Chicken with grilled chicken instead?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken can add a lovely smoky flavor to the dish. Just ensure it’s cooked through before adding the corn mixture.

How do I ensure my Mexican Street Corn Chicken stays juicy?

To keep your chicken moist, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.

What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch!

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen corn! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before mixing it into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Mexican Street Corn Chicken as much as I do! With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re prepping meals for busy weekdays or hosting friends for dinner, this dish will impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!