Name: Mexican Street Corn Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487081H27M31S
Total time: PT-487081H27M31S
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (4–6 thin breasts); 3 cups sweet corn (about 2 cans, drained); ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ½ tablespoon lime juice; 1½ teaspoons chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); ¼ cup queso fresco, crumbled; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

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Mexican Street Corn Chicken features tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy, zesty corn mixture inspired by elote. Baked to juicy perfection and finished with queso fresco and cilantro, it’s a delicious twist on classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the fresh flavors of Mexican street corn—creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy—with succulent chicken. It’s easy to prepare in one dish, making cleanup simple while delivering impressive flavor that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (4–6 thin breasts)
3 cups sweet corn (about 2 cans, drained)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
½ tablespoon lime juice
1½ teaspoons chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Toppings:
¼ cup queso fresco, crumbled
¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Directions

Mix the Corn Topping
In a large bowl, combine sweet corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
Prepare the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts flat in a casserole dish. Season evenly with salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Top and Bake
Spoon the corn mixture over each chicken breast, spreading evenly. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 40–50 minutes

Variations

Use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned; defrost and drain first
Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten it up
Sprinkle with cotija cheese if queso fresco isn’t available
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a sprinkling of fresh cilantro before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully. Adjust cooking time slightly if they’re thick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free.

Can I assemble ahead of time?

Yes—prepare and top the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

What if I don’t have queso fresco?

Cotija, feta, or finely crumbled goat cheese make excellent substitutes.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Absolutely—top chicken with corn mixture and grill over medium heat, covered, until chicken is fully cooked.

How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the corn mixture or increase cayenne pepper to taste.

What sides pair well with this?

Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad are great companions.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes—just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time as needed until the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free mayo and yogurt, and top with dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely.

Does the corn mixture make the chicken soggy?

No—the corn topping bakes into a creamy, flavorful layer while keeping the chicken moist.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Chicken delivers zesty, creamy flavors with minimal effort and maximum impact. With its deliciously seasoned corn topping and juicy chicken base, it’s a flavorful, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Enjoy a vibrant twist on traditional chicken with this irresistible meal!

Maggie