Description
If you love the smoky, tangy, and creamy goodness of Mexican street corn (elote) and the heartiness of a warm chicken casserole, then this Street Corn Chicken Casserole is about to become your new favorite meal. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved dishes: the zesty flavors of street corn combined with tender, juicy chicken in a creamy, cheesy casserole form.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or entertaining guests, this dish checks all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Let’s break down everything you need to bring this dish to life, step by delicious step!
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
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2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned—drained if using canned)
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1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 medium red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
For the Topping:
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1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional but adds a great crunch)
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1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
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Extra cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend until smooth and well mixed.
To the creamy mixture, fold in the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and both shredded cheeses. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture looks creamy and colorful.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing it slightly to compact the casserole without squashing it.
Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top for added crunch. Then, scatter the crumbled cotija cheese on top of the chips.
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the top is lightly golden.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with extra cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casseroles, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion (approx. 1/8 of dish)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg