Ah, Mexican Street Corn Chicken! Just saying the name makes my taste buds tingle with excitement! This dish has become a fan favorite in my household. It combines that classic, vibrant flavor of elote, or Mexican street corn, with succulent chicken, and honestly, what could be better? The first time I whipped this up was during a casual get-together with friends, and it was a hit so big that I felt like a culinary rockstar! Everyone raved about it, and I was left wondering if I should take a bow or just dive into the delicious leftovers.
What I just love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You know those days when you want to impress without all the hard work? This is your go-to! Plus, it’s perfect for a crowd or just a cozy dinner at home. I could almost hear the mariachi music playing in the background as I served it that first time! And my friends’ reaction? Priceless. Enough reminiscing; let’s get cooking!
What’s in Mexican Street Corn Chicken?
Let’s break down those delightful ingredients that make this dish so special!
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I always opt for organic chicken whenever I can, and they soak up all the flavors wonderfully.
Corn Kernels: You can absolutely use fresh corn if you’re feeling ambitious, but I usually go for canned corn for convenience. It brings that sweet crunch we all love without the fuss.
Mayonnaise: This creamy goodness ties everything together and keeps the chicken moist. I use regular mayo because it gives the best texture, but feel free to go for a light alternative if you wish.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a bit of tanginess that perfectly balances the flavors. It’s also key for that creamy consistency.
Chili Powder: A sprinkle of this adds just the right amount of warmth. I love using a smoked variety for an added depth of flavor.
Garlic Powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It enriches the flavor profile and rounds out this dish beautifully.
Cumin: This spice brings in an earthy, warm note that ties everything together, transporting you straight to the streets of Mexico.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but necessary seasonings to bring out all the other flavors.
Cotija Cheese: This wonderfully crumbly cheese is akin to feta and adds a salty, creamy touch that’s just magical. I always keep extra on hand for topping!
Cilantro: A fresh pop of color and flavor. I can’t resist a good sprinkle—plus, it’s great for garnishing!
Jalapeños: For those who love a kick, these spicy green gems are optional but worth considering!
Lime Juice: A splash of citrus juice brightens up the dish and finishes it off perfectly.
Is Mexican Street Corn Chicken Good for You?
You might be wondering if this indulgent dish fits into your health goals. Let’s take a little peek at the health benefits.
Chicken: Lean protein sure knows how to build up those muscles. Plus, it’s low in fat, making this dish a healthier option compared to fried alternatives.
Corn: Outside of being a sweet treat, corn is full of fiber and vitamins, making it beneficial for your digestion and overall health.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: While these do add calories, they also contribute to good fats which can keep you satiated. Just keep an eye on the portions!
Cotija Cheese: It’s a tasty source of calcium! However, it can be high in sodium, so it’s wise to sprinkle sparingly, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
Overall, this dish strikes a great balance—it’s comforting and flavorful, while still offering some health benefits!
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnishing)
– 1-2 jalapeños, diced (optional for heat)
– Juice of 1 lime
Serves: 4
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken?
With all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious dish:
1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure it’s nice and toasty for the chicken!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine your corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños (if using), and the juice of that zesty lime. Mix everything well until you’ve got a glorious, creamy corn mixture.
3. Next, place your chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Give them a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides, which is like a little loving hug for your chicken!
4. Pour that divine corn mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure they’re well-coated, like a big, cozy blanket!
5. Now, pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to check that the chicken is cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
6. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This is crucial for juicy chicken! Before you serve, give it a little extra sprinkle of cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top to make it look lovely.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the taste of Mexico with lime wedges on the side if you’re feeling extra zesty!
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Experience!
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve this delicious chicken on a bed of cilantro-lime rice or with a side of spicy black beans. A fresh avocado salad works wonders too! And for the grand finale, how about some homemade tortilla chips for that ultimate street-food vibe? Your friends and family will be coming back for seconds, just you wait!
I hope you give this Mexican Street Corn Chicken a try; it’s a dish that not only pleases the palate but also makes for fantastic memories around the dinner table. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! Happy cooking!
