Sizzling Mexican Street Corn Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Sizzling Mexican street corn chicken that captures the vibrant essence of authentic street food flavors.

Summer gatherings crave bold, zesty dishes that spark conversation and excitement.

Kernels of sweet corn and tender chicken dance together in this mouthwatering creation.

Spices weave magic through each succulent bite, promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Creamy, tangy elements blend seamlessly with smoky undertones that transport you straight to bustling market streets.

Chefs and home cooks alike will fall in love with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress everyone around the table with these irresistible flavors that sing of culinary passion.

How To Store Mexican Street Corn Chicken Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, preserving moisture and flavor.
• Microwave Option: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Sauce Tip: Keep corn sauce separate from chicken when storing. Add fresh sauce before serving to maintain its vibrant texture and prevent sogginess.

Pairing Choices For Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to complement the spicy, charred flavors of the chicken and corn sauce.
• Serve Tangy Margarita Splash: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave nectar to enhance the citrusy and spicy notes of the dish.
• Create Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice: Prepare a side of fluffy white rice infused with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to balance the rich, creamy corn sauce.
• Add Crisp Cucumber Salad: Whip up a quick salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the spicy, warm chicken.

Fun Ways To Update Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Spicy Corn Salsa Chicken: Replace regular corn with roasted poblano peppers and add diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick of heat. Incorporate black beans and fresh corn kernels for more texture and flavor.
• Grilled Mexican Street Corn Chicken: Cook chicken on an outdoor grill instead of using a skillet. Brush with a smoky chipotle marinade and grill until perfectly charred. Top with grilled corn sauce and fresh herbs.
• Creamy Avocado Mexican Chicken: Blend ripe avocados into the corn sauce for added creaminess. Sprinkle with toasted pepitas and green onions. Serve with a zesty lime crema on the side for extra richness.
• Quick Skillet Fiesta Chicken: Prepare the entire dish in one skillet for faster cleanup. Use pre-roasted corn kernels to reduce cooking time. Finish with a sprinkle of queso fresco and chopped fresh cilantro for authentic Mexican flavors.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Questions Answered

• What makes this Mexican Street Corn Chicken special?

This recipe combines the classic flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) with juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, creating a delicious fusion dish that brings together bold, zesty flavors and creamy, tangy sauce.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili powder and spices. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

While fresh corn is ideal for the best flavor and charred texture, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before charring in the skillet to achieve a similar roasted flavor.

• What can I do if I don't have cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with feta cheese or queso fresco. These cheeses will provide a similar salty and crumbly texture to the original recipe.

Why People Love Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Savor Bold Mexican-Inspired Flavors: This chicken recipe bursts with vibrant spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, delivering an authentic street corn taste that transports your taste buds to a Mexican street food experience.
• Enjoy Effortless Gourmet Cooking: The one-skillet method makes this dish surprisingly simple, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills and clean-up time.
• Celebrate Texture-Rich Deliciousness: Charred corn kernels mixed with creamy cotija sauce provide an incredible contrast between crispy, juicy chicken and smooth, tangy corn topping, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience.
• Create a Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you want a quick yet impressive meal that appeals to both adults and kids who enjoy exciting, zesty food.

Everything Needed For Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden-brown crust and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A perfect blend of spices that adds depth and authentic Mexican-style seasoning to the chicken.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that gives the sauce its rich texture.
• Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds tangy, salty flavor.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal notes to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Corn Kernels: Provides sweetness and charred flavor to the sauce.

Easy Prep Steps For Mexican Street Corn Chicken

Step 1: Spice and Sear the Chicken

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage the spice mixture into every nook and cranny. Fire up a large oven-safe skillet and get it sizzling hot. Sear the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Slide the skillet into a preheated oven and let it bake until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 2: Create Magical Corn Sauce

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Crumbly cotija cheese
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Zesty lime juice
• Additional chili powder
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Fold in those charred corn kernels for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Masterpiece

Pull the chicken from the oven and let the corn sauce cascade over each piece. Watch as the flavors marry and create pure culinary magic.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle extra cotija cheese like edible confetti. Scatter fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Squeeze a bright burst of lime juice over the top. Serve alongside fluffy rice, a crisp salad, or crunchy tortilla chips.

Pro Tip: This dish brings the vibrant street food experience right to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Tips To Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken Better

• Char Corn for Maximum Flavor: Lightly toast corn kernels in a skillet to develop a smoky, caramelized taste that adds depth to the sauce.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe cooking.
• Spice Blend Customization: Adjust spice mixture to suit your heat preference by increasing or decreasing chili powder and pepper quantities.
• Cheese Swap Options: Replace cotija with feta or queso fresco for different flavor profiles if traditional cheese isn't available.
• Make-Ahead Sauce Tip: Prepare corn sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavor melding and save preparation time.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Mexican street corn chicken brings zesty street flavors straight to your dinner table. Creamy, tangy, and packed with bold southwestern charm, this dish delivers a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon additional chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Toppings and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra cotija cheese (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken seasoning by blending chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a fragrant spice mix.
2. Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, then thoroughly massage the spice blend across all surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high temperature and sear chicken pieces for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
4. Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 375F (190C) oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C).
5. While chicken roasts, create a vibrant corn sauce by lightly charring corn kernels in a separate skillet, developing a smoky flavor profile.
6. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and additional seasoning in a mixing bowl.
7. Fold the charred corn kernels into the creamy sauce, creating a rich and textured Mexican-inspired topping.
8. Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from oven and generously ladle the corn sauce over each piece.
9. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling extra cotija cheese, scattering fresh cilantro leaves, and adding a final citrusy squeeze of lime juice.
10. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like fluffy rice, crisp salad, or crunchy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder for those who prefer milder or bolder flavors.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary flexibility and varied textures.
• Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg