Street Corn Chicken Casserole

If you love comforting casseroles and the bold, mouthwatering flavors of Mexican street corn (or elote), then this recipe is for you! Street corn chicken casserole takes the deliciousness of street corn and combines it with chicken, creamy cheese, and spices, making for a perfect dinner. It’s rich, filling, and full of flavor—everything you’d want in a hearty meal. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re into casseroles or Mexican flavors, this dish is a winner. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a get-together, or just craving something comforting, this casserole is sure to impress. And the best part? It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day!

How to Make Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 (15 oz) can of corn kernels, drained (or 2 cups of frozen corn, thawed)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Chicken:
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, you can bake or grill it, then shred it once it’s cooked.

Mix the Casserole Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), and lime juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add the Corn and Chicken:
To the mixture, add the drained corn and shredded chicken. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

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Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the chicken and corn mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so it cooks uniformly.

Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Add Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping. This will give the casserole a nice golden crust as it bakes.

Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:
Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Customization:

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for some extra spice.
• More Veggies: You can add diced red bell peppers, green chilies, or even roasted poblano peppers to enhance the flavor.
• Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.

How to Serve and Enjoy Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole

This casserole is rich, so you’ll want some lighter sides to balance it out. A fresh side salad, roasted veggies, or some Mexican rice would pair beautifully. You could also serve it with chips and salsa for a more casual vibe.

Meal Prep Friendly

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch, store it in airtight containers, and enjoy it throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and it can even be frozen for up to a month.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole hot and fresh from the oven. For extra flavor, you can top it with some fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a dollop of sour cream. It’s totally up to you!

FAQs About Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake it until it’s hot and bubbly.

What type of chicken is best to use?

Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor, but you can also use cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to shred the chicken into small pieces.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, you can use canned corn, but I recommend fresh or frozen corn for a better texture and flavor. If you do use canned corn, make sure to drain it thoroughly.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Absolutely! Once it’s cooled, you can freeze leftover casserole in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven until it’s heated through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The casserole is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re using breadcrumbs, make sure they’re gluten-free. You can also leave out the breadcrumbs if you need it to be completely gluten-free.

Conclusion

Street corn chicken casserole is the perfect dish for anyone who loves a good, hearty casserole with a twist. It brings together all the flavors of Mexican street corn with the comforting richness of a casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something delicious to enjoy at home, this dish has you covered.

It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize it to your taste by adjusting the spice level, swapping ingredients, or making it lighter. Once you try this casserole, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite recipes. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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