Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I wandered through a vibrant farmers’ market recently, the sweet aroma of fresh corn and spices transported me straight to the streets of Mexico. That sensory experience inspired my latest culinary adventure: Street Corn Chicken Casserole. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace of tender shredded chicken, sun-kissed corn, and creamy cheeses, topped with a satisfying crunch of tortilla chips. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories over a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare. I can’t wait for you to try it—what will you top yours with: a squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, or a spicy kick? Why is this casserole a must-try? Creamy Comfort: This Street Corn Chicken Casserole melds rich, cheesy flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can get dinner on the table in under an hour, perfect for those hectic evenings. Crowd-Pleasing: Its delightful combination of shredded chicken and sweet corn makes it a favorite for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Pair it with a refreshing Hawaiian Chicken Salad for an unforgettable meal! Versatile Base: Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings; jalapeños or fresh tomatoes offer an exciting twist. Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat—saving you precious time! Street Corn Chicken Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole • Shredded Cooked Chicken – Main protein source; consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience. • Corn Kernels – Adds sweetness and texture; frozen corn works well when thawed. • Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess to the casserole; soften it to aid in mixing. • Sour Cream – Enhances the dish with tang and moisture. • Mayonnaise – Adds extra creaminess; opt for full-fat for the best flavor. • Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts beautifully, adding a creamy, cheesy taste; can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper bite. • Cotija Cheese – Imparts a salty, crumbly texture; feta can be a good substitute. • Fresh Cilantro – Brightens the dish with herbal freshness; ideal for garnishing. • Chili Powder – Introduces warmth and spice; adjust to suit your heat preference. • Garlic Powder – Deepens flavor; perfect for a flavor boost. • Ground Cumin – Adds earthy notes that enhance the overall taste. • Lime Juice – Brightens the dish with acidity; essential for that zesty finish. • Salt & Black Pepper – Used for seasoning; taste and adjust as needed. For the Topping • Crushed Tortilla Chips – Gives a crunchy topping; add just before baking for optimal texture. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Street Corn Chicken Casserole Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. This will ensure that your Street Corn Chicken Casserole comes out perfectly without any fuss when it’s time to serve. Step 2: Mix the Casserole Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, drained corn, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1½ cups of Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cotija cheese. Add the fresh cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well blended and creamy, creating a delicious filling for your casserole. Step 3: Transfer the Mixture to the Baking Dish Carefully transfer the chicken and corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom with a spatula. Ensure that it is evenly distributed so every bite of the Street Corn Chicken Casserole is packed with flavor. Smooth the top to prepare for the next layer. Step 4: Combine the Topping Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tortilla chips with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Toss them gently to combine the chips and cheese evenly, allowing the cheesy goodness to coat the crispy chips, which will create a delightful crunch on top of your casserole. Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping Sprinkle the tortilla chip and cheese mixture evenly over the creamy chicken and corn layer in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the filling completely with the topping, as this will bake to a crispy, golden finish, adding texture and savoriness to your Street Corn Chicken Casserole. Step 6: Bake the Casserole Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; you want the casserole to be bubbling and the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown color. This will create an irresistible contrast of creamy filling and crunchy topping. Step 7: Cool and Garnish Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or your favorite hot sauce to add an extra burst of flavor to your Street Corn Chicken Casserole before serving. What to Serve with Street Corn Chicken Casserole The creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish deserves delightful companions to round out your meal. Crisp Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole. Tomato Avocado Salsa: Bright, fresh flavors from ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado drizzled with lime juice add an irresistible layer of taste. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans deliver a hearty and nutritious side, enhancing the Mexican-inspired theme of the casserole. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Serve this sweet treat for a summery, BBQ vibe that complements the street corn flavor in your delicious casserole. Margaritas: A refreshing lime margarita adds a festive touch while cutting through the richness of the creamy dish. Churros with Chocolate Sauce: To satisfy your sweet tooth, these crispy, sugary delights provide the perfect contrast to the savory casserole. Cilantro-Lime Rice: Fluffy rice with a hint of lime and fresh cilantro adds a delightful touch, soaking up all the flavors beautifully. Spicy Pickled Vegetables: A tangy bite from quick-pickled jalapeños or carrots brings an exciting kick to the meal, making each bite pop! Make Ahead Options These Street Corn Chicken Casserole preparations are perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the chicken and corn filling (without the tortilla chip topping), then covering and refrigerating it. Additionally, this dish will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days if you prefer to prep it even earlier. To maintain quality, keep the crushed tortilla chips separate until you’re ready to bake; simply scatter them on top before placing it in the oven. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, pop it in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes for delicious results without the stress! Street Corn Chicken Casserole Variations Feel free to give your Street Corn Chicken Casserole a personal touch with these delightful twists! Spicy Kick: Stir in diced fresh jalapeños or canned green chiles for a zesty bite. The heat will elevate the dish and please spice lovers! Poblano Swap: Replace corn with charred poblano peppers during the colder months for a smoky flavor. It’s a beautiful way to keep things cozy! Fresh Tomatoes: Add a vibrant layer of diced fresh tomatoes just before serving. This will give a burst of freshness that complements the casserole perfectly. Cheddar Variation: Substitute Monterey Jack with sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor. It will create an indulgent, cheesy layer that everyone will enjoy! Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a dairy-free option. This adds a unique creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Greek Twist: Swap out cotija cheese for crumbled feta. It brings a salty tang and pairs beautifully with the other layers. Crunchy Toppings: Try using crushed tortilla flour chips or even crushed nacho chips for a fun twist on texture. They’ll add different flavor notes, making each bite exciting! Herbed Variants: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley or green onions for a different herbaceous note. It’s a wonderful way to switch up the flavor profile and keeps it fresh! If you’re in the mood for some heartwarming comfort, why not pair the casserole with a refreshing Chicken Bacon Ranch salad or a side of Grilled Buffalo Chicken for some extra flair at your dinner table? Enjoy creating your perfect version! How to Store and Freeze Street Corn Chicken Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain a crispy topping. Freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture. Reheating: For reheating, opt for the oven or toaster oven to keep the crunchy topping intact. Microwave reheating can lead to a soggier texture. Preparation Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, adding the tortilla chips only when you’re ready to bake. Expert Tips for Street Corn Chicken Casserole Prep Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and add the tortilla topping just before baking for optimal freshness and crunch. Cheese Choices: Experiment with various cheeses! Try mixing in gouda or pepper jack to give the Street Corn Chicken Casserole a unique twist. Freezing Instructions: If freezing, omit the toppings until just before baking. This will help maintain the ideal texture once reheated. Taste Test: Always taste and adjust seasonings! You may prefer a bit more lime juice or chili powder for a personalized kick in your casserole. Avoid Sogginess: Ensure the corn is well-drained to prevent excess moisture; this keeps the casserole from becoming soggy during baking. Perfect Serving: Let the casserole rest briefly after baking to help it set. This simple step makes serving easier and keeps those layers intact! Street Corn Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of corn is best for this casserole? Absolutely! Fresh corn off the cob offers the sweetest flavor, but frozen corn works exceptionally well, providing great texture. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the mixture. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and reheat in the oven for the best texture—350°F (175°C) works perfectly to revive that delicious crunch on top. Can I freeze the casserole? Yes, you can absolutely freeze the Street Corn Chicken Casserole! Assemble it without the topping, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding the topping for the last 20 minutes of baking to keep it nice and crispy. What should I do if my casserole is too dry? If you find your casserole is a bit dry after baking, this can sometimes happen if it’s overcooked. I recommend serving it with a drizzle of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. If you’re concerned while baking, carefully check the casserole about 5 minutes before the recommended baking time. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! If you have dietary concerns, you can use low-fat dairy options for a healthier twist or substitute gluten-free tortilla chips if you’re gluten-sensitive. If you’re cooking for pets, it’s best to avoid sharing; ingredients like onions or excessive dairy may not be suitable for them. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it in advance by assembling the entire dish, covering it, and refrigerating it overnight. Just remember to add the crushed tortilla chips right before you bake it to ensure they stay crispy. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal fuss when you’re ready to eat! Deliciously Creamy Street Corn Chicken Casserole You’ll Love A comforting embrace of tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and creamy cheeses in a Street Corn Chicken Casserole, perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 540 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole3 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken Consider using rotisserie chicken for convenience.2 cups Corn Kernels Frozen corn works well when thawed.8 oz Cream Cheese Soften to aid in mixing.1 cup Sour Cream1/2 cup Mayonnaise Opt for full-fat for the best flavor.1.5 cups Monterey Jack Cheese Can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack.1/2 cup Cotija Cheese Feta can be a good substitute.1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Ideal for garnishing.1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust to suit your heat preference.1 tsp Garlic Powder Perfect for a flavor boost.1 tsp Ground Cumin2 tbsp Lime Juice Essential for that zesty finish.to taste Salt & Black Pepper Taste and adjust as needed.For the Topping1 cup Crushed Tortilla Chips Add just before baking for optimal texture. Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishmixing bowlspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Street Corn Chicken CasserolePreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the cotija cheese. Add cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.Transfer the chicken and corn mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.Mix crushed tortilla chips with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese until evenly combined.Sprinkle the tortilla chip and cheese mixture evenly over the casserole filling.Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.Let the casserole cool for about 5 to 10 minutes, then garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, or hot sauce before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 34gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 830mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 8mg NotesPrepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and add the topping just before baking for optimal freshness and crunch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
