Description: This Street Corn Chicken Casserole brings the vibrant, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn (“elote”) into a comforting and easy-to-make casserole. Combining tender shredded chicken with sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a crunchy tortilla chip topping, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1/2 cup frozen fire-roasted corn (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s crucial to ensure your oven is properly preheated to guarantee even cooking and optimal melting of the cheese. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the bottom and makes serving much easier. A non-stick cooking spray works wonderfully, or you can use a bit of butter or oil.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the core components of the casserole. Start with 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut, providing both convenience and great flavor. Ensure the chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
Next, add one 15-oz can of drained corn kernels. Draining is important to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. For an extra layer of smoky flavor, incorporate ½ cup of frozen fire-roasted corn. This ingredient is optional but highly recommended for enhancing the street corn profile.
Now, introduce the creamy elements: ½ cup of sour cream and ¼ cup of mayonnaise. These provide richness and bind the ingredients together. The sour cream contributes a tangy note, while the mayonnaise adds moisture and a subtle sweetness.
Sprinkle in your spices: ½ teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. These spices form the foundation of the Mexican-inspired flavor. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred level of heat.
Squeeze in the juice of one lime. The lime juice adds a crucial bright, acidic element that balances the richness of the other ingredients and provides that quintessential “street corn” tang.
Add ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the other flavors beautifully. Reserve some extra cilantro for garnish later.
Finally, incorporate ½ cup of crumbled cotija cheese. Cotija cheese is a firm, salty Mexican cheese that adds a delicious savory element. If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese makes a good substitute.
Season the entire mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cotija cheese is already quite salty, so start with a smaller amount of salt and adjust as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the thoroughly mixed ingredients into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish to ensure consistent cooking throughout.
Step 4: Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. A generous layer of cheese is essential for that gooey, melty topping that everyone loves. The choice between Monterey Jack and cheddar depends on your preference – Monterey Jack offers a milder, creamier melt, while cheddar provides a sharper, more robust flavor.
Step 5: Bake:
Bake the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Step 6: Add Crunch:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top. The tortilla chips add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to toast the chips slightly. Watch carefully to prevent them from burning.
Step 7: Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and more crumbled cotija cheese for added freshness and flavor. Lime wedges can also be served on the side for those who like an extra burst of citrus. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Why you will love this recipe:
This Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a winner for so many reasons. It captures the essence of Mexican street corn in a convenient, family-friendly format. The combination of sweet corn, savory chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy tortilla chips creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to make, utilizing readily available ingredients, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. It’s also a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a budget-friendly option. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or black beans and rice.
- Pair with a dollop of guacamole or sour cream for added richness.
- Offer hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who like extra heat.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and casual weeknight dinners.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta or queso fresco can be used as substitutes.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheese.
- If you want to make it ahead, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the tortilla chips just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy.
- For a creamier casserole, add a block of softened cream cheese to the base mixture.
- Try using different types of cheeses, such as pepper jack for extra spice or a Mexican cheese blend for a variety of flavors.
- Add diced red bell pepper or jalapeños for additional texture and flavor.
- Use corn tortillas instead of tortilla chips for a more authentic flavor. Cut the tortillas into strips and bake them until crispy before adding them to the casserole.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
The Street Corn Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings the vibrant flavors of a summer street fair right to your dinner table. The blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures is simply irresistible. It’s an easy-to-customize dish that can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings. This recipe is destined to become a family favorite, offering a comforting and flavorful alternative to traditional casseroles. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta in every bite!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Tofu or a vegetarian meat substitute can also be used.
Q2: How can I adjust the spice level of this casserole?
A: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. If you like it mild, reduce or eliminate the chili powder and make sure your hot sauce (if using) is mild. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack or cheddar. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for a more intense heat.
Q3: Can I freeze this casserole for later?
A: Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble the casserole but do not add the tortilla chips. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding the tortilla chips during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Q4: What can I do if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
A: If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use two smaller baking dishes instead. Divide the ingredients evenly between the two dishes and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can use a slightly smaller dish (like an 8×12 inch) but the casserole will be a bit thicker and may require a slightly longer baking time.
Q5: Is there a gluten-free alternative to the tortilla chip topping?
A: Yes! There are several gluten-free alternatives for the topping. You can use gluten-free tortilla chips or crush gluten-free corn flakes for a similar crunchy texture. Another option is to use crushed gluten-free crackers or even a mix of toasted nuts and seeds for a healthy and flavorful topping.
