🌽 Street Corn Chicken Casserole 🌶️🧀: A Mexican-Inspired Comfort Dish
If you love the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote), then you’re in for a treat with this Street Corn Chicken Casserole! This dish is the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, turning all the delicious elements of street corn into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for dinner. The crispy tortilla chip topping adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, while the creamy filling keeps it comforting and rich. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Casserole:
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for ease)
1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (you can also use frozen or fresh corn)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (10 oz) can diced green chilies (or 1 fresh jalapeño, diced, for added heat)
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
For the Topping:
2 cups crushed tortilla chips (the crunchier, the better!)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
✨ Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Mexican Street Corn Vibes: This casserole takes the flavors of Mexican street corn and combines them into a cozy, one-pan meal that you can enjoy year-round.
Easy to Make: With a few pantry staples and pre-cooked chicken, this casserole is quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese creates a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the zesty corn and chicken.
Crunchy & Savory: The tortilla chip topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the ranch seasoning and chili powder elevate the flavor.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice by adding more jalapeños or chili powder, and you can even swap out the chicken for another protein like ground beef or turkey.
🔥 How to Make Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole!
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This will ensure that the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish while it bakes.
2. Make the Casserole Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
1 (15 oz) can of drained corn kernels (or fresh/frozen corn)
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 (10 oz) can of diced green chilies (or fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick)
1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth of flavor)
1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
Salt and pepper to taste
Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with all the ingredients evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the creamy chicken and corn mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the filling is level across the dish.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed tortilla chips with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole for the perfect balance of crunchy and cheesy.
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. The cheese should be melted, and the tortilla chips should have a crispy texture.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds incredible flavor to the casserole. You can also use leftover chicken or cook chicken breasts in advance for the same result.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer more heat, add extra diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top for added spice.
Corn Variations: If you have access to fresh corn, feel free to grill or roast it and cut it off the cob. This will give the casserole a slightly smoky flavor, similar to traditional street corn.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy chip topping, or microwave individual servings.
🍽️ What to Serve with Street Corn Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few side dishes to make your meal even more exciting:
Mexican Rice: A fluffy, flavorful side of Mexican rice is a great complement to the casserole. Its mild flavor will balance out the creamy, zesty casserole.
Guacamole and Chips: The creamy, cool guacamole pairs wonderfully with the spiciness of the casserole. Serve it with extra tortilla chips for dipping!
Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with avocado, tomatoes, and lime dressing can add a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob will add a smoky element that complements the flavors of the casserole.
Sour Cream & Salsa: For extra creaminess and a burst of freshness, serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite salsa.
🎉 Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Bold & Flavorful: This casserole brings together the best of Mexican street corn flavors with a creamy, cheesy base and crunchy topping, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Comforting & Filling: It’s hearty enough to fill you up but still light and fresh with the corn and chicken.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a crowd, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
Versatile: You can easily modify this recipe by adding extra veggies, swapping the chicken for beef or turkey, or using a different cheese for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a flavor-packed dish that brings together the rich, creamy goodness of Mexican street corn with the heartiness of chicken and a satisfying, crunchy topping. It’s the perfect dish for those craving comfort food with a twist, and it’s bound to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and bold, irresistible flavors, you’ll want to make this casserole over and over again.
So, grab your chicken, corn, and chips, and let’s get baking! 🌽🌶️🧀