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

Scale

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