CRAZY GOOD STREET CORN CHICKEN

I can almost smell the smoky char of a grill, feel the warm summer air, and hear the laughter of friends and family gathered for a backyard barbecue whenever I think of street corn. It’s a flavor that instantly transports me back to carefree days and delicious food. Now, imagine capturing all that magic in a comforting, easy-to-make dish! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken you’ll ever make, and I promise, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Okay, friends, let’s get real. We all crave those meals that are both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make. This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken ticks all the boxes. Forget slaving over a hot stove – with just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready and waiting for you at the end of the day.

But the real magic lies in the flavor. We’re talking juicy, tender chicken infused with the sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy goodness of Mexican street corn (elote). Think creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive. Are you drooling yet? I know I am!

Here are just a few reasons why this recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple:

• Effortless: Seriously, it’s a dump-and-go recipe. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
• Flavor Bomb: That sweet corn, smoky chili powder, and tangy lime create an unforgettable taste sensation.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, in tacos, on salads, or even on its own! The possibilities are endless.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. Prepare for requests for seconds (and thirds!).
• Makes Great Leftovers: If you even *have* leftovers, they’re fantastic for lunch the next day.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. I usually use about 2-3 large ones.
• Frozen Corn: This is the “street corn” element! Frozen corn works perfectly and is super convenient.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: These add a little bit of heat and acidity. You can use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
• Mayonnaise: Don’t skip this! It’s essential for that creamy, authentic street corn flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This adds tang and richness.
• Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese is a must-have for true street corn flavor. If you can’t find it, queso fresco is a good substitute.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best!
• Chili Powder: For that smoky, slightly spicy kick.
• Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
• Cumin: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, more Cotija cheese, a drizzle of hot sauce, or lime wedges.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are in a single layer.
2. Add the Corn and Tomatoes: Pour the frozen corn and canned diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken. The tomatoes should nestle around the chicken breasts.
3. Season it Up: Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. This is where the flavor magic begins!
4. Cook it Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly.
6. The Creamy Dream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and half of the Cotija cheese. This is the creamy, cheesy sauce that brings it all together!
7. Combine and Conquer: Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and corn. Stir well to combine everything. The sauce should coat the chicken evenly.
8. Melt the Cheese: Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. The mixture will be bubbly and irresistible!
9. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro, the remaining Cotija cheese, a drizzle of hot sauce (if desired), and lime wedges. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Success Tips: Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Street Corn Chicken

Want to guarantee a home run every time? Here are my top tips for achieving slow cooker street corn chicken perfection:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork. Check it periodically towards the end of the cooking time.
• Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is a key ingredient in the creamy sauce, so use a brand that you enjoy the taste of. I prefer a full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
• Fresh Lime Juice is Key: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t compare to the bright, tangy flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice. It makes a huge difference!
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more chili powder for extra heat, or more lime juice for extra tang.
• Garnish Generously: The garnishes are what take this dish from good to amazing! Don’t be shy with the cilantro, Cotija cheese, and lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions: Endless Possibilities

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is its versatility. There are so many ways to enjoy it! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Tacos: Load up warm tortillas with the chicken mixture, and top with your favorite taco toppings, like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and salsa.
• Rice Bowls: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, and add black beans, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal. You can create a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl!
• Salads: Top a bed of mixed greens with the chicken mixture, and add corn chips, black beans, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing for a delicious and healthy salad.
• Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the chicken mixture and shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with the chicken mixture and shredded cheese, and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• On Its Own: Sometimes, I just eat it straight out of the slow cooker with a spoon! It’s that good.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Black Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Add Bell Peppers: Dice a bell pepper (any color) and add it to the slow cooker along with the corn and tomatoes.
• Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

If you love the ease and convenience of slow cooker cooking, be sure to check out some of my other favorite slow cooker recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A hearty and comforting classic that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An incredibly flavorful and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, savory, and incredibly delicious, this chicken is perfect served over rice or noodles.
• Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken: Bursting with fresh flavors, this chicken is perfect for tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
• TASTY TEX MEX ZUCCHINI CHICKEN: A great way to use up that summer zucchini!

Detailed Recipe: Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Here’s the full recipe, all in one place, for easy printing and saving!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10-12 ounce) bag frozen corn
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, extra Cotija cheese, hot sauce, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour the frozen corn and canned diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and half of the Cotija cheese.
7. Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and corn. Stir well to combine.
8. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro, the remaining Cotija cheese, a drizzle of hot sauce (if desired), and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat.

You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner Awaits!

So there you have it! My recipe for the most incredible Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken. I know you’re going to love it. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear about your success. Happy cooking, friends!

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to a comforting and easy-to-make dish. Tender chicken is infused with the sweetness of corn, the tang of lime, and a touch of spice, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Two forks
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup Cotija cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro
• Optional garnishes: extra Cotija cheese
• Optional garnishes: hot sauce
• Optional garnishes: lime wedges

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are in a single layer.
• Pour the frozen corn and canned diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken. The tomatoes should nestle around the chicken breasts.
• Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. This is where the flavor magic begins!
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and half of the Cotija cheese.
• Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and corn. Stir well to combine everything. The sauce should coat the chicken evenly.
• Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. The mixture will be bubbly and irresistible!
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, the remaining Cotija cheese, a drizzle of hot sauce (if desired), and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving, adding more chili powder for extra heat or lime juice for more tang. To prevent the chicken from drying out, check it periodically towards the end of the cooking time and shred it as soon as it’s easily shredded with a fork. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.