Street Corn Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that blends the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with tender shredded chicken. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups corn (frozen, canned, or roasted; drained if canned)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well blended. This will form the creamy, rich base of your casserole.
- Step 3: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and corn into the creamy mixture to evenly distribute the main ingredients.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, crumbled cotija cheese, diced green chiles, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice to the mixture. If using, fold in the chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup to ½½ cups shredded cheese over the top to create a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Step 7: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the casserole to set for easier portioning.
Tips & Variations
- For added smoky flavor, try roasting the corn before adding it to the casserole.
- Swap cotija cheese with feta if cotija is unavailable; it offers a similar crumbly texture and tang.
- Add a diced jalapeño for extra heat if you like spicy dishes.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving for a bright finish.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. For best texture, avoid reheating multiple times.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen or canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn cut off the cob works wonderfully and adds sweetness and texture. Simply cook the corn briefly or roast it before mixing to enhance the flavor.
Print
Street Corn Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-dish meal combining shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a blend of cheeses with a hint of smoky spices and fresh lime. Easy to prepare and baked to bubbly golden perfection, it’s perfect for a satisfying main course any day of the week.
Ingredients
Cheese and Dairy Mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups corn (frozen, canned, or roasted; drained if canned)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly and achieves a golden crust.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the base of the casserole.
- Add Chicken and Corn: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and corn, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute these core ingredients within the creamy base.
- Incorporate Seasonings and Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese along with the crumbled cotija cheese, diced green chiles, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro if using, combining everything well for balanced flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even cooking.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ to ½½ cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top to form a cheesy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This resting period helps it set for easier portioning and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste by modifying chili powder and smoked paprika amounts.
- The cotija cheese can be substituted with feta if unavailable, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.
- Feel free to roast fresh corn for extra smoky sweetness instead of using frozen or canned.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cheeses and creams with suitable alternatives, though texture and taste will differ.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Street Corn, Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Chicken, Mexican Inspired, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
