Street Corn Chicken Casserole

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Perfect for: Family dinners, meal prep, potlucks

🧾 Ingredients

Chicken Layer

• 2½–3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Street Corn Mixture

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp cumin

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt to taste

Cheesy Casserole Layer

• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican-blend cheese

• ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Toppings (Optional but Recommended)

• Extra shredded cheese

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Sliced green onions

• Crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Season the chicken:
   In a bowl, mix cooked chicken with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

3. Prepare street corn mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine corn, red onion, jalapeño, sour cream, mayonnaise, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and salt. Mix until creamy and well combined.

4. Assemble casserole:
   Spoon the street corn mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Spread gently to cover.

5. Add cheese:
   Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack evenly over the top, followed by crumbled cotija or feta.

6. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

7. Optional topping step:
   Add crushed tortilla chips or extra cheese during the last 5 minutes for a crispy topping.

8. Rest & garnish:
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.

🌟 Tips for Best Results

• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.

• Char the corn (in a skillet or grill) for authentic street corn flavor.

• Greek yogurt swap reduces calories without losing creaminess.

• Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper or extra jalapeño.

• Creamier casserole: Add ¼ cup cream cheese to the corn mixture.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze Street Corn Chicken Casserole?
A: Yes. Freeze unbaked or baked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Q3: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: Mexican rice, cilantro-lime quinoa, tortilla chips, or a fresh avocado salad.

Q4: How do I make it low-carb?
A: Use less corn, add cauliflower rice, and skip tortilla chip topping.

Q5: Can I make it Weight Watchers friendly?
A: Yes—use fat-free Greek yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, and light mayo to lower points.

🌮 Flavor Variations

• Tex-Mex: Add black beans and diced tomatoes.

• Smoky BBQ: Mix in smoked paprika and grilled corn.

• Extra cheesy: Add a layer of cream cheese between chicken and corn.