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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken seasoning by blending chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a fragrant spice mix.
- Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, then thoroughly massage the spice blend across all surfaces, ensuring even coverage.
- 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.
- Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 375F (190C) oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C).
- While chicken roasts, create a vibrant corn sauce by lightly charring corn kernels in a separate skillet, developing a smoky flavor profile.
- Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and additional seasoning in a mixing bowl.
- Fold the charred corn kernels into the creamy sauce, creating a rich and textured Mexican-inspired topping.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from oven and generously ladle the corn sauce over each piece.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling extra cotija cheese, scattering fresh cilantro leaves, and adding a final citrusy squeeze of lime juice.
- 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