Street Corn Chicken Casserole: Easy, Delicious in 30 Mins

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: The Ultimate Street Corn Chicken Casserole
• 2. Why This Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
• 3. The Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
• 4. How to Make Street Corn Chicken Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
  • 4.2. Step 2: Assembling the Casserole
  • 4.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection
• 5. Pro Tips & Variations for Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole
• 6. Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole Meal
• 7. FAQs: Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole Questions Answered

1. Introduction: The Ultimate Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food! This Street Corn Chicken Casserole combines all the zesty, creamy, and cheesy flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) with tender chicken in one incredibly easy-to-make dish. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something spectacular without spending hours in the kitchen.

Inspired by the vibrant flavors found on the streets of Mexico, this casserole recipe delivers a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. We’re talking juicy shredded chicken, sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked under a blanket of bubbly, golden-brown cheese. It’s a true one-pan wonder!

2. Why This Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

In the world of weeknight dinner recipes, this one is a true champion. It’s designed for real life—when you’re short on time but refuse to compromise on flavor. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout!

Using simple, accessible ingredients like rotisserie chicken and canned or frozen corn cuts down prep time significantly. Plus, everything gets mixed together in one bowl and baked in one dish, which means minimal cleanup. It’s a delicious, low-effort meal that tastes like you worked on it all day.

3. The Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Street Corn Chicken Casserole

The magic of this casserole recipe is in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Chicken: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (a store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect for this!).
• Corn: 2 (15-ounce) cans of sweet corn, drained, or 3 cups of frozen corn, thawed.
• Creamy Base: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
• Cheese: 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend, plus more for topping. We also use 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese for that authentic street corn flavor. If you’re curious about cotija, Serious Eats has a great guide.
• Flavor Boosters: 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 cloves garlic, minced, and the juice of 1 lime.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.

4. How to Make Street Corn Chicken Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to see how easy this is? Follow these three simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, delicious casserole on the table in no time.

4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure your chicken is shredded, your corn is drained, and all your veggies are chopped. Having everything ready to go makes the assembly process a breeze!

4.2. Step 2: Assembling the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
2. Add the shredded chicken, corn, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, cotija cheese, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
3. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. This mixture is the heart of your Street Corn Chicken Casserole!
4. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

4.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the top of the casserole with an extra handful of Monterey Jack cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. For a crispier top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch it carefully!

5. Pro Tips & Variations for Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Want to customize your casserole? Here are a few ideas to make this dish your own:

• Spice It Up: If you love heat, leave some seeds in your jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
• Add a Crunch: For some extra texture, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips or fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Smoky Flavor: Using fire-roasted corn instead of regular sweet corn can add a wonderful, smoky depth to the dish. You can also add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra vegetables! Finely chopped red bell pepper or a can of drained black beans would be delicious additions.

6. Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole Meal

This casserole recipe is fantastic all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal. Serve it warm with a simple green salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

It’s also delicious served over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or scooped up with warm flour tortillas or sturdy tortilla chips. A dollop of extra sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few avocado slices on top are always a good idea! See others recipes here

7. FAQs: Your Street Corn Chicken Casserole Questions Answered

Can I make this Street Corn Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats and add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions for a minute or two, or place the entire dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Covering it with foil while reheating in the oven will prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. For best results, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Note that the creamy base may have a slightly different texture after freezing, but it will still be delicious!