Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this amazing dish I’ve been whipping up lately: Mexican Street Corn Chicken! Inspired by the vibrant flavors of elote, this dish is like a fiesta in a bowl. I remember the first time I had Mexican street corn at a food truck festival—sweet corn slathered in creamy goodness, topped with tangy lime and crumbled cheese. It was love at first bite! So, I thought, why not bring that joy home and add some shredded chicken for a hearty meal?
This recipe is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s super easy to make! Seriously, you can have it on the table in about 15 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it. The combination of tender chicken, fresh corn, creamy dressing, and that hit of zesty lime is simply irresistible! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I love using rotisserie chicken for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen (Sweet corn is the star here, trust me!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (This adds that creamy goodness we crave)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (For a tangy twist that brightens everything up)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (This cheese is a game changer—so rich and salty!)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (Fresh is best for that zesty kick!)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (For a hint of warmth and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Adjust according to your preference)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish (A sprinkle adds freshness and color!)
How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn Chicken
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful dish! You’re going to love how simple and quick it is to throw together. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl. Toss in your shredded chicken and corn kernels. If you’re using frozen corn, no worries—just let it thaw a bit first. The goal is to get everything nice and mixed!
- In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing is where all the magic happens, so give it a good stir until it’s smooth and well combined.
- Now, pour that luscious dressing over your chicken and corn mixture. Make sure to coat everything evenly—this is what makes it super flavorful!
- Next, add in the crumbled cotija cheese. It adds such a wonderful salty punch that complements the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
- Finally, gently mix everything together until well combined. You want it to be evenly distributed without mashing up the ingredients. And don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning if needed!
- Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for that beautiful pop of color and freshness. Voilà! It’s ready to enjoy warm or cold!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to make—ready in just 15 minutes!
- The flavors are a delightful fusion of creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy, just like the classic Mexican street corn.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Gluten-free, so everyone can dig in without worry.
- Versatile—enjoy it on its own, in tacos, or as a topping on salads.
- Using rotisserie chicken makes it even more flavorful and saves time!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This is an estimate, but each serving of Mexican Street Corn Chicken packs about 350 calories, with 25g of fat, 20g of protein, and 10g of carbs. Plus, it has 2g of sugar and 1g of fiber. A deliciously satisfying meal without the guilt!
Tips for Success
To really make your Mexican Street Corn Chicken shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the cotija cheese; its salty richness is what elevates this dish. If you can, use fresh corn for that sweet crunch, but frozen works just fine too—just make sure it’s thawed. When mixing your dressing, taste as you go; adjust the lime juice and chili powder to suit your flavor preference. Oh, and if you want a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper! Finally, let it chill for a bit before serving for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Mexican Street Corn Chicken! For a smoky twist, try adding some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can also toss in some diced bell peppers or red onion for extra crunch and color. Want a fresh herb boost? Swap the cilantro for fresh parsley or even some green onions! If you’re a spice lover, sprinkle in some cayenne or even taco seasoning to amp up the flavor. And don’t forget, you can easily make it a salad by serving it over a bed of greens!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house, but hey, it happens!), you can store your Mexican Street Corn Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you have a couple of options. For a quick reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer it warm, you can also reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat too!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cotija is traditional, feel free to experiment with feta or even queso fresco for a different twist. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Mexican Street Corn Chicken can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and let the flavors blend overnight for an even tastier dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s fantastic for meal prep—just portion it out into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I serve it with?
This dish is super versatile! Try it in tacos, as a salad topping, or even on its own with some tortilla chips for scooping.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
For sure! Diced bell peppers, red onions, or even black beans work great and add extra nutrition and flavor.
For more information on the health benefits of corn, check out this Healthline article.
For a delicious twist on traditional Mexican flavors, consider trying Mexican Street Tacos!
And if you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to pair with your meal, check out this Quick Chicken Stir Fry recipe!
Print
Mexican Street Corn Chicken: 5-Minute Fiesta Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring chicken with flavors inspired by Mexican street corn.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and corn.
- In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and corn mixture.
- Add cotija cheese and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mexican street corn chicken
