Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Imagine all the incredible flavors of your favorite Mexican street corn (aka Elote) mixed with tender, juicy chicken, topped with gooey cheese, and baked into a casserole. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not a dream—it’s Street Corn Chicken Casserole, and it’s here to take your taste buds on a flavorful ride.

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a bit of a twist—creamy, cheesy, and packed with the smoky, tangy goodness of street corn, plus the protein-packed punch of chicken. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even serving at a casual get-together. And the best part? It’s all baked in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze.

Trust me, you’re going to love every bite of this cheesy, flavorful, comfort food creation.

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Chicken Casserole

This casserole isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s an instant favorite:

Flavor Explosion: It’s packed with bold flavors—think smoky, sweet, creamy, and tangy all in one bite.

Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Just the kind of dish you want after a long day.

One-Dish Wonder: You don’t need a million pans—everything comes together in one casserole dish for easy prep and even easier cleanup.

Kid-Friendly: The whole family will love it, even the picky eaters. The flavors are bold, but the dish is still approachable for all ages.

Great for Meal Prep: This casserole keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and enjoy leftovers for days.

Ingredients in Street Corn Chicken Casserole

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Chicken

Cooked, shredded chicken is the heart of this casserole. It’s juicy, tender, and the perfect partner for all those creamy, flavorful ingredients.

Street Corn (Corn, Mayo, Lime, Cotija)

This is what gives the casserole its street corn vibe. You’ll need fresh or frozen corn, plus mayo, lime juice, and crumbled Cotija cheese to recreate that classic elote flavor.

Cream Cheese

This makes the casserole wonderfully creamy and adds a nice richness that binds all the ingredients together.

Sour Cream

Sour cream brings a tangy balance to the richness of the cream cheese and mayo.

Cheddar Cheese

Melted cheddar brings the gooey, cheesy goodness that makes casseroles irresistible.

Green Chiles

These add just the right amount of heat and a little extra flavor without being overpowering.

Taco Seasoning

A flavorful taco seasoning blend to kick the dish up a notch and tie all the flavors together.

Fresh Cilantro (Optional)

For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets perfectly golden and bubbly.

Prepare the Corn Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, Cotija cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until well-combined.

Combine Chicken and Cheese

In the same bowl, add the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix it all together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy, flavorful mixture.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken and corn mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for that fresh pop of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 32g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Street Corn Chicken Casserole

With Rice: Serve this casserole over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a complete meal.
Tortilla Chips: Break out some tortilla chips for dipping. You can’t go wrong with that crispy crunch!
Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
Tacos: For a taco-inspired twist, serve it inside soft tortillas for a fun, handheld version.
Salsa and Guac: Add some fresh salsa and creamy guacamole on the side for that extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture if you like a little extra heat.
Add Veggies: Want to sneak in more veggies? Try adding some diced bell peppers or spinach to the casserole before baking.
Meal Prep: This casserole keeps great in the fridge for 3–4 days, so feel free to make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is perfect, you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds even more flavor.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: Can I substitute the Cotija cheese?
A3: If you can’t find Cotija, crumbled feta or Parmesan works as a great substitute.

Q4: Is this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any taco seasoning if you’re concerned.

Q5: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A5: Add chopped jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mixture for more heat.

Q6: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A6: Yes, frozen corn works perfectly here! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well.

Q7: Can I make this without sour cream?
A7: You can substitute with Greek yogurt or omit it altogether, but it may be a bit less tangy.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A8: Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese for a fun twist.

Q9: Is this casserole good for meal prep?
A9: Yes! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and can easily be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Q10: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A10: Yes! Simply swap the chicken for black beans or another plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Street Corn Chicken Casserole is everything you love about street corn, but in casserole form—and with the added bonus of juicy chicken and melty cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it up at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

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