Street Corn Chicken Casserole
This Street Corn Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a blend of cheeses inspired by vibrant street corn flavors. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a mild spicy kick and customizable options to suit any taste.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped green chilies or jalapeños
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Fresh lime wedges (for squeezing)
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard casserole dish to prevent sticking and ease clean-up.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, and chopped green chilies. Stir until smooth and well blended, creating a luscious sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Corn: Add the shredded cooked chicken and corn kernels to the creamy mixture. Gently fold to evenly coat the chicken and corn without mashing the kernels.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, reserving some cheese for the topping. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Shred chicken finely for better flavor distribution and tender bites.
- Use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses for balanced, deeper flavor.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the casserole moist; watch for bubbly edges as a doneness indicator.
- Allow the casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving to help it set and slice neatly.
- Add fresh toppings like cilantro and cotija just before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: street corn, chicken casserole, creamy casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, Mexican-inspired, gluten free