This Mexican Street Corn Chicken Casserole transforms a favorite street food into a comforting meal perfect for any night. You will love how easy it is to assemble this delicious casserole dinner recipe, bringing vibrant flavors to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn works well. If using canned, drain thoroughly.
- Mayonnaise/Sour Cream: You can use light versions or a blend of both. Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative for tang and creaminess.
- Cheese: Cotija cheese is traditional, but shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend are good substitutes.
- Chili Powder/Smoked Paprika: Adjust to your spice preference. Ancho chili powder adds a mild, smoky depth.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (for extra heat)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prepares your casserole for a perfect bake.
2. Combine Casserole Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, red onion, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it is well combined and evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the chicken and corn mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This creates the base for your delicious casserole dinner recipe.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and lightly golden on top. If you want, sprinkle a bit more Cotija cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy your warm, flavorful casserole dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for more heat.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
- Bell Peppers: Add diced red or green bell peppers for extra vegetable goodness and color.
- Black Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and fiber, making this an even heartier casserole dinner recipe.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Mexican Street Corn Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warm, or cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
What can you serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs well with a simple green salad, rice, or warm tortillas.
Is Cotija cheese necessary?
Cotija cheese provides a unique salty and crumbly texture. If you can’t find it, a Mexican cheese blend or even crumbled feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
How do you prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure your chicken is not overcooked initially, and don’t bake the casserole for too long. The creamy sauce helps keep it moist.
Can you use fresh corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! If using fresh corn, simply cut the kernels off the cob. You can quickly sauté them for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture for extra flavor.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the mayonnaise and sour cream might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.