Mexican Street Corn Chicken Recipe – Full of Flavor & Perfect for Dinner!

Mexican Street Corn Chicken Recipe (Elote Chicken)

If you’ve ever strolled through the lively streets of Mexico, you know that street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. One of the biggest stars of the scene? Elote, or Mexican street corn! Now, imagine combining the smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors of elote with juicy, tender chicken. Sounds amazing, right? This Mexican Street Corn Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for anyone who loves bold, vibrant flavors. Get ready to delight your taste buds!

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Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chicken

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mexican Street Corn Topping:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Garnishes (optional but highly recommended):

• Extra crumbled cotija cheese
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat but keep the chicken in the skillet.

Step 2: Make the Mexican Street Corn Topping

• If using fresh corn, cook the kernels in a separate skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are slightly charred. For frozen or canned corn, pat dry and toast lightly for added flavor.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Stir well until creamy and evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

• Spoon the Mexican Street Corn mixture evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
• Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle extra cotija cheese on top for that irresistible finishing touch.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Results

• Tenderize Your Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: The searing step locks in flavor and creates a delicious golden crust that sets the foundation for the dish.
• Char That Corn: To mimic the smoky flavor of authentic elote, take the time to char your corn kernels. This adds depth and authenticity to the dish.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro for the best flavor payoff.

Read More: Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil Recipe – Quick & Flavorful

Fun Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to customize your Mexican Street Corn Chicken:

• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the corn topping or increase the cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Switch the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a unique twist.
• Go Low-Carb: Skip the mayo and sour cream, and replace them with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version.
• Try Different Cheeses: While cotija is the classic option, queso fresco or even shredded Monterey Jack can work in a pinch.

What to Serve With Mexican Street Corn Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with so many side options! Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A simple side dish that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the chicken.
• Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add a satisfying earthy touch.
• Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A crunchy and refreshing side to balance the creaminess of the dish.
• Avocado Salad: A light and fresh salad with avocados, tomatoes, and a lime dressing is always a hit.

Bring the Flavors of Mexico to Your Table

Mexican Street Corn Chicken is the ultimate fusion of smoky, tangy, and creamy goodness. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s the kind of dish that gets everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why not give this vibrant, mouthwatering dish a try tonight? Snap a pic of your creations and tag us on pinterest—we’d love to see how your Elote Chicken turns out!

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