Contents

Easy Mexican Street Corn Chicken: A Zesty & Creamy Dinner Recipe

4.45 from 9 votes

Street Corn Chicken

By:
Julia Pacheco

This Street Corn Chicken is an incredible fusion of flavors, bringing the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn (elote) to a hearty chicken dish. Each bite offers a burst of cheesy, zesty, and subtly spicy goodness, making it a true fiesta on a plate! It’s a deliciously creamy, tangy, and savory meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet packed with complex flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to become a family favorite, delivering comfort and excitement in equal measure.

Prep:
10 minutes

Cook:
45 minutes

Total:
55 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Save Recipe
Saved Recipe

Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food with this incredible Street Corn Chicken recipe. Inspired by the popular “elote,” this dish transforms classic grilled corn into a creamy, tangy topping for tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that brings a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes right to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight solution or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers a satisfying experience with minimal effort.

The beauty of this Street Corn Chicken lies in its simplicity and the depth of its flavor profile. We’ll start with perfectly seasoned chicken, then smother it in a rich mixture of sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, a hint of chili powder, and a bright squeeze of lime juice. Baked to perfection, the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Get ready to elevate your chicken game and add a touch of Mexican flair to your culinary repertoire!

Ingredients

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable dish. For this Street Corn Chicken, we focus on vibrant, flavorful components that come together harmoniously. When choosing your chicken, opt for boneless, skinless breasts that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preferred spice level, or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!

▢ 2 15 oz cans sweet corn
▢ ¼ cup mayo
▢ ¼ cup sour cream
▢ 1 tsp chili powder
▢ 2 Tbs lime juice
▢ 3 chicken breasts , or 1. ½ pounds (boneless, skinless)
▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
▢ Dash of salt and pepper
▢ Optional: Queso fresco or cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, extra lime wedges for serving.

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Elote Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy sour cream. Add the aromatic chili powder and fresh lime juice. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and the mixture is smooth and evenly coated. This creamy, zesty mixture is the heart of your Street Corn Chicken.
Season the Chicken: Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well) to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared dish. Season both sides of the chicken generously with garlic powder, a good dash of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Assemble and Bake: Evenly pour the prepared elote mixture from Step 1 over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Spread it out so that each piece of chicken is nicely covered. This ensures that every bite will be infused with the rich, creamy corn flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The corn topping should be bubbly and slightly golden. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. This Street Corn Chicken pairs wonderfully over fluffy white rice. For an authentic touch, garnish with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños for a kick, or extra lime wedges for added brightness. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

To ensure your Street Corn Chicken is always a hit, consider these tips and variations:

Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can butterfly them or gently pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This will help them cook more evenly and quickly, preventing dry spots.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce it to ½ tsp. For more heat, add an extra ½ tsp, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the corn mixture.
Charred Corn Flavor: For an authentic “street corn” experience, consider charring your corn before mixing. You can do this by draining the canned corn well and then sautéing it in a hot skillet with a little oil until some kernels are lightly browned. This adds a fantastic smoky depth.
Fresh Corn Option: If fresh corn is in season, feel free to use 2-3 cups of fresh corn kernels (from about 3-4 ears of corn) instead of canned. Cook it lightly before adding to the mixture.
Cheese Choices: While queso fresco or cotija cheese are traditional for Mexican street corn, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy dimension.
Make-Ahead & Storage: You can prepare the corn mixture up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond white rice, this dish is fantastic served with warm tortillas for tacos, in a lettuce wrap for a lighter meal, or as a topping for a loaded baked potato. It also makes a great protein for a vibrant salad bowl with black beans and avocado.
Grilling Option: If you prefer grilled chicken, you can grill the seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through, then top with the prepared elote mixture and briefly broil until bubbly and slightly golden. This adds a wonderful smoky char.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! We love hearing your feedback and seeing your culinary creations.