Description
Street Corn Chicken is a creamy and flavorful slow cooker recipe combining tender chicken with the smoky, spicy flavors of street-style corn. With cream cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a blend of spices, this dish delivers comfort in every bite, perfect for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (thighs for richer flavor, breasts for leaner option)
- 2 cups Corn (fresh grilled, frozen, or canned)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (can use vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill)
- 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (feta cheese works as substitute)
- 1 lime, juiced (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (jarred can be used)
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (chipotle or cayenne can be used for more heat)
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smokiness)
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by preparing all your ingredients including mincing the garlic, juicing the lime, and measuring out the spices and cheeses.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, layer the corn evenly on top of the chicken. Then add the cream cheese, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, minced garlic, and sprinkle chili powder evenly over the mixture. Do not stir.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it is juicy and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred and Mix: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the cheeses, spices, and chicken with the corn. If the mixture feels too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little broth or milk.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy street corn chicken onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner dish.
- Using fresh grilled corn adds authentic smoky flavor, but frozen or canned corn will work well too.
- If vegan or dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and cotija alternatives.
- Adjust chili powder according to heat preference; chipotle adds smoky heat while cayenne is hotter.
- Shredding chicken directly in the slow cooker minimizes cleanup.
- Adding a splash of broth or milk at the end helps if the dish is too thick or dry.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
