Irresistible Smoky Mexican Street Corn Chicken Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors when you add smoky Mexican street corn chicken to your dinner lineup.

Corn kernels bursting with zesty seasoning dance alongside tender, juicy chicken in this mouthwatering recipe.

Street corn’s bold spices create a delightful symphony of taste that transports every bite to the bustling markets of Mexico.

Charred corn and perfectly seasoned chicken combine in a simple yet irresistible dish that brings excitement to your plate.

Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese elevate this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp, smoky, and packed with authentic Mexican flavors, this recipe promises to become a new favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients You Need For Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that absorbs the vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere and creates a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Authentic Mexican spice blend that delivers warm, smoky depth.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic complexity without overwhelming other seasonings.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste profile.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Luxurious base creates rich, tangy sauce with incredible texture.
• Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican cheese brings salty, crumbly authenticity.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb adds bright, zesty punch to the creamy mixture.
• Lime Juice: Adds vibrant acidity that cuts through richness.

• Corn Kernels: Sweet, charred kernels provide smoky sweetness and textural contrast.
• Additional Cotija Cheese: Crumbly topping for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal note.
• Lime Wedges: Final squeeze brings zesty freshness to complete the dish.

Tools That Help With Mexican Street Corn Chicken Prep

• Large oven-safe skillet: Essential for searing and baking chicken perfectly.
• Small skillet: Perfect for charring corn kernels with even heat.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing spices and blending sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping cilantro and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing corn sauce.

How To Cook Mexican Street Corn Chicken Step By Step

• Fire Up the Flavor Fusion

Crank your oven to a sizzling 375F. Whip together a zesty spice blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Chicken Champion Prep

Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with your spice explosion. Sear those beauties in a scorching skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and gorgeous.

• Corn Carnival Magic

Slide your skillet into the oven and roast chicken for 15-20 minutes until it hits 165F. Meanwhile, dance those corn kernels around a hot pan, charring them to smoky perfection.

• Creamy Dream Sauce Creation

Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder. Fold in those charred corn kernels for an epic flavor party.

• Plate and Celebrate

Pull chicken from the oven and lavish each piece with your dreamy corn sauce. Sprinkle extra cotija, shower with fresh cilantro, and squeeze lime juice for a final flavor punch. Serve alongside rice or crispy tortilla chips and get ready for a taste bud celebration!

Seasoning Tips For Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Corn-tastic Chicken Hacks: Elevate Your Meal
• Chicken Perfection Trick: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness, preventing dry meat.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder quantity to manage heat intensity – less for mild lovers, more for spice enthusiasts who crave a flavor punch.
• Diet-Friendly Transformations: Swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, use gluten-free seasonings for celiac-friendly preparation, or replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare spice mixture and marinade chicken overnight to intensify flavors and streamline weeknight cooking, saving precious time without compromising taste quality.
• Grill Master Option: For smoky flavor lovers, replace oven-baking with outdoor grilling, which adds delightful char and creates a more rustic Mexican street food experience.

Best Ways To Serve Mexican Street Corn Chicken

• Street Corn Fiesta Plate: Arrange chicken on a vibrant platter surrounded by colorful Mexican-style rice and sprinkled with extra cotija cheese for a festive presentation.
• Taco Night Twist: Slice chicken and serve inside warm corn tortillas, topping with the creamy street corn sauce and fresh cilantro for a handheld delicious meal.
• Fresh Side Companions: Pair the chicken with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or grilled zucchini to balance the rich, creamy corn sauce and add refreshing elements to the plate.
• Protein Power Bowl: Create a hearty bowl with quinoa or brown rice as a base, top with sliced chicken, drizzle generously with street corn sauce, and add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Storage Guide For Mexican Street Corn Chicken Leftovers

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare multiple chicken breasts at once and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals throughout the week. Separate the chicken and sauce to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken and corn sauce separately in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce in a glass jar with a tight lid to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm chicken in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Add fresh corn sauce just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and creamy consistency.

Smoky Mexican Street Corn Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling mexican street corn chicken blends zesty Mexican street flavors with juicy grilled poultry. Charred corn, tangy cotija cheese, and spicy seasonings create a mouthwatering dish that celebrates bold culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta, as a substitute), crumbled
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Blend chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create an aromatic seasoning mix.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, then thoroughly rub with the prepared spice blend, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Searing and Roasting: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side), then transfer to a preheated 375F (190C) oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
4. Corn Preparation: In a separate skillet over medium heat, char corn kernels, stirring occasionally to develop a smoky flavor and slight caramelization.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of chili powder to craft a creamy, tangy sauce.
6. Final Assembly: Integrate charred corn into the prepared sauce, then generously top the roasted chicken with the corn mixture. Garnish with additional cotija cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, and a lime juice drizzle.
7. Serving: Present immediately with complementary sides like rice, salad, or tortilla chips for a complete and vibrant Mexican-inspired meal.

Notes

• Optimize Spice Blend: Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to intensify flavors and release deeper aromatic compounds.
• Perfect Chicken Searing: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior without steaming.
• Manage Corn Charring: Use cast-iron skillet for more even caramelization and prevent burning by stirring kernels consistently.
• Sauce Temperature Control: Allow sauce ingredients to reach room temperature for smoother blending and more balanced flavor distribution.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg