Savory Street Corn Chicken Dish

This Street Corn Chicken Casserole transforms the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn into a hearty, comforting meal that brings the whole family to the table. The combination of sweet corn, tender chicken, and creamy cheese blend creates a dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters while delivering that distinctive elote flavor in every bite.

I first made this casserole when looking for creative ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken. What started as a kitchen experiment quickly became my most requested dish for potlucks and family gatherings. The way the lime and cilantro brighten up the rich, cheesy base reminds me of summer street fairs no matter the season.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken provides the protein foundation and helps make this a complete meal
• Corn kernels deliver sweet pops of flavor and authentic Mexican street corn vibes
• Cream cheese creates the luxuriously smooth texture that holds everything together
• Sour cream adds tanginess to balance the richness
• Mayonnaise brings that authentic elote creaminess that makes the dish special
• Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully for that irresistible cheese pull
• Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth and savory complexity
• Chili powder gives authentic Mexican flavor and gentle heat
• Paprika contributes a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color
• Garlic powder infuses the dish with aromatic flavor without the work of fresh garlic
• Fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish with herbaceous notes
• Lime juice cuts through the richness with essential acidity
• Optional jalapeños and hot sauce let each person customize their heat level

How To Make Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Start by preheating your oven to 190°C. Take a 23 x 33 cm baking dish and lightly grease it to ensure nothing sticks. This step is crucial for easy serving and cleanup later. I recommend using butter or cooking spray for the best results.

Create The Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Use a sturdy spatula to mix until completely smooth and uniform. This creamy foundation is what gives the casserole its irresistible texture.

Add Flavor Components:

To your creamy base, add the shredded chicken, corn kernels, both cheeses, and all seasonings including chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice at this stage to distribute the citrus flavor throughout. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

Assemble And Top:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, using your spatula to spread it into an even layer. Make sure to get into the corners and create a level surface. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese generously over the top to create that beautiful golden crust everyone fights over.

Bake To Perfection:

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the edges to be bubbling and the top to turn a beautiful golden color. The center should be hot throughout but still creamy. If needed, you can broil for the final minute to get extra color on top.

Finish With Fresh Elements:

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro while still hot. This allows the herb's oils to release their aroma. If desired, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to set up slightly.

The secret to making this casserole truly special is using a mix of fresh and frozen corn when possible. The texture contrast between the two creates more interesting bites. My grandmother taught me this trick years ago, and I still remember how proud she was when I first made this dish for a family reunion where it disappeared within minutes.

Storage And Reheating

This casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making it an excellent make ahead option. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. If using a microwave, add a tablespoon of water on top to keep it from drying out and heat on medium power in 1 minute increments.

Easy Substitutions

The beauty of this casserole lies in its flexibility. No chicken on hand? Substitute ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Dairy sensitive guests can enjoy this with dairy free cream cheese and a good vegan cheese substitute. Red pepper flakes can replace jalapeños for heat, and if cilantro tastes like soap to you (it happens to many), fresh parsley makes a wonderful alternative that still provides that fresh, green finish.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole stands beautifully on its own, I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lime juice to counter the richness. For a festive meal, pair with black beans, warm tortillas, and fresh guacamole to create a Mexican inspired feast. For a fun presentation, set out bowls of extra toppings like diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, pickled red onions, and additional lime wedges so everyone can customize their portion.

Mexican Street Food Origins

This casserole draws inspiration from elote, the beloved Mexican street corn traditionally served on the cob and slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime. By transforming these classic flavors into a hearty casserole, we bring the vibrant street food experience to the family dinner table. The dish honors the perfect balance of sweet corn, tangy lime, creamy richness, and gentle heat that makes street corn so addictive while adding protein to create a complete meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves preparation time. Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken to yield the 2 cups needed for the casserole.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase heat, add extra jalapeños (either fresh or pickled), incorporate diced green chilies, double the chili powder, or add cayenne pepper to taste. A generous drizzle of hot sauce before serving also works well.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator while preheating the oven, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, use light cream cheese and reduced-fat mayonnaise, and decrease the amount of shredded cheese. You can also increase the proportion of chicken to corn for more protein.

→ What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas. For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve with black beans, Spanish rice, or a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.