Scrumptious Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Street Corn Chicken Casserole has quickly become my absolute favorite weeknight meal. It’s this incredible blend of creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully flavorful, all inspired by the vibrant tastes of Mexican street corn. I love how it uses tender shredded chicken and sweet corn, all topped with a satisfyingly crunchy tortilla chip layer. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and honestly, this Mexican street corn chicken bake is so easy to whip up. Get ready to fall in love with this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Casserole

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to add it to your regular rotation!

• It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• You’ll be amazed by how packed with flavor it is, from the spices to the lime.
• This is a true crowd-pleaser; everyone from kids to adults devours it.
• It’s wonderfully versatile – serve it as a main or even an appetizer.
• You likely already have most of the common ingredients in your pantry.
• As a cheesy chicken corn casserole, it’s pure comfort food bliss.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food chicken corn casserole when you need something hearty.
• The combination of creamy filling and crunchy topping is simply irresistible.

Ingredients for Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Gathering the right street corn chicken casserole ingredients is the first step to this delicious dish. You’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie preferred) – for ultimate convenience and flavor
• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – the sweet star of this corn and chicken casserole with lime
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – creates that signature creamy base
• 1 cup sour cream – adds tang and richness
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – contributes to the creamy texture
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – for melty goodness
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese – this salty, crumbly cheese is key for authentic street corn flavor
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – adds a burst of freshness
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Juice of 1 lime – brightens all the flavors
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips – essential for that crunchy topping
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for topping)
• Extra chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Hot sauce, for garnish

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Making this delicious dish is surprisingly simple, proving it’s a truly quick street corn chicken bake. You’ll have a fantastic one-pan street corn chicken casserole ready in no time!

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Step 2: Grab a large bowl. Add your 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 4 cups corn kernels, the 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, half of the 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and all those wonderful spices: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Don’t forget the juice of 1 lime, plus a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s wonderfully smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour that creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure it reaches all the corners.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This adds another layer of salty goodness.
5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, combine the 1 cup crushed tortilla chips with the additional 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the entire casserole.
6. Step 6: Now, pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be hot, bubbly around the edges, and for that tortilla chip topping to turn a beautiful golden brown.
7. Step 7: Once it’s out of the oven, let this amazing street corn chicken casserole rest for just a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up perfectly.
8. Step 8: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Street Corn Chicken Casserole

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and these little secrets always help me achieve the best results for my street corn chicken bake.

• Using rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this street corn chicken casserole recipe; it saves so much time and adds great flavor.
• If you can’t find cotija cheese, don’t worry! Feta cheese is a fantastic and readily available substitute that offers a similar salty, crumbly texture.
• Want to amp up the heat? Add a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less spice) right into the filling mixture.
• Leftovers of this Mexican street corn chicken casserole reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

What’s the secret to perfect Street Corn Chicken Casserole?

The real magic in this cheesy chicken corn casserole lies in the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors. The salty cotija cheese and bright lime juice are key, playing off the rich filling and the essential crunchy tortilla topping.

Can I make Street Corn Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally assemble this entire street corn chicken casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Street Corn Chicken Casserole?

The biggest pitfall is over-baking, which can dry out your creamy corn and chicken casserole. Always ensure your cream cheese is softened for a smooth, lump-free mixture. And please, don’t skip that tortilla chip topping – it’s crucial for that signature crunch!

Best Ways to Serve Street Corn Chicken Casserole

This flavorful casserole is fantastic served hot as a satisfying main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad to balance the richness, or some hearty black beans for an even more complete meal. For an extra burst of freshness and a little kick, don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

You can also easily serve smaller portions of this dish, making it a perfect street corn chicken casserole appetizer for gatherings or parties. It’s versatile enough for any occasion! Learn more about our cooking philosophy.

Nutrition Facts for Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious street corn chicken casserole recipe:

• Calories: 480
• Fat: [Placeholder]
• Saturated Fat: [Placeholder]
• Protein: [Placeholder]
• Carbohydrates: [Placeholder]
• Sugar: [Placeholder]
• Sodium: [Placeholder]
• Fiber: [Placeholder]
• Cholesterol: [Placeholder]

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more details on healthy eating, check out EatRight.org.

How to Store and Reheat Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Leftovers of this fantastic street corn chicken casserole are a treat! Once it’s cooled down, transfer any remaining portion into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’ve got a lot of this deliciousness left, it also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Making this street corn chicken casserole recipe again is always an option, but having leftovers is just as good! You can find more tips from our expert author.

When you’re ready to enjoy your chilled or frozen casserole, reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, you can quickly warm it up in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. Alternatively, pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and hot. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first, then follow the oven method for best results. For more information on food safety, consult the FDA FoodSafety.gov website.

Street Corn Chicken Casserole Variations You Can Try

While this Street Corn Chicken Casserole is amazing as is, I love experimenting with it! It’s so adaptable, which is one of the things I adore about it. Here are a few ideas if you want to switch things up or cater to different tastes.

• Add Black Beans: For extra protein and a heartier dish, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans along with the corn. It’s a simple way to make this Mexican street corn chicken bake even more substantial.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider making a spicy version. Add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed if you prefer less spice) to the filling mixture, or stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce.
• Cheese Swap: While the Monterey Jack and cotija combo is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sharp cheddar or a pepper jack could add a different flavor profile to your cheesy chicken corn casserole.
• Deconstructed Delight: For a fun presentation, try a deconstructed street corn chicken casserole. Serve the creamy chicken and corn mixture in bowls, with toppings like crushed tortilla chips, cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for everyone to build their own.

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