Easy Street Corn Chicken Casserole


Introduction

Easy Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked dish inspired by the bold, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn (elote). This family-friendly recipe combines tender shredded chicken, fire-roasted corn, cream cheese, and spices into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s quick to make and sure to become a crowd favorite!


Origin

The dish is a fusion of two comforting food staples: Mexican street corn (a popular street food in Mexico featuring grilled corn topped with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder) and classic American chicken casserole. This hybrid recipe blends the smokiness and zest of elote with the hearty comfort of a baked casserole, making it both familiar and exciting.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2–3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)

1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted corn, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained

1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

1/4 cup diced red onion or green onions

1 diced jalapeño (for heat)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (for a heartier casserole)

Crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo/sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add shredded chicken, fire-roasted corn, drained tomatoes, shredded cheese, cotija, and cilantro. Stir until well combined.
  4. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and/or cotija on top. Add crushed tortilla chips if using.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder before serving.

Tips for Success

Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and extra flavor.

Let cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing.

If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well before adding.

For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.

Double the recipe and freeze half for a make-ahead meal.


Recommendations

Serve with:

Warm tortillas or tortilla chips

A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette

Mexican rice or black beans

For a low-carb version, skip the tortilla chips and rice.

Make it a dip! Skip baking and serve warm with chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.


Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Estimated for 6 servings):

Calories: ~380 kcal

Protein: 27g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fat: 25g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 540mg

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.)


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