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Street Corn Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 100 reviews

Street Corn Chicken is a flavorful slow cooker recipe combining tender boneless chicken with sweet corn and a creamy, tangy sauce inspired by Mexican street corn. The dish features a delicious blend of cream cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices, slow-cooked until juicy and easy to shred, making it perfect for an effortless and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Thighs for richer flavor, breasts for a leaner option)
  • 2 cups Corn (fresh grilled, frozen, or canned)

For the Sauce

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (can use vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill)
  • 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (Feta works as a substitute)
  • 1 Lime (freshly squeezed juice preferred)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced, jarred can be used)
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (chipotle or cayenne can be used for more heat)
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smokiness)
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

For Garnish

  • Fresh Cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Layer the boneless chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Add corn and sauce ingredients: Evenly layer the corn, cream cheese, cotija cheese, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder on top of the chicken without stirring to keep the flavors distinct during cooking.
  3. Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is juicy and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  4. Shred the chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker pot and stir all ingredients well together to combine the flavors evenly.
  5. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, you may add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency, stirring well.
  6. Serve and garnish: Spoon the street corn chicken onto plates or into bowls, and top with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and a fresh finish.

Notes

  • You can use chicken breasts for a leaner dish or thighs for richer flavor.
  • Fresh, grilled corn adds the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn also works well.
  • Substitute feta cheese if cotija is unavailable.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or use cayenne instead.
  • The dish is perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.
  • Adding a splash of broth or milk after shredding helps create a creamier consistency if desired.