Description
This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs with a creamy, flavorful corn mixture inspired by classic Mexican street corn. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is enhanced with tangy lime, smoky paprika, and a blend of cheeses for a rich yet vibrant meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2–3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (choose thighs for extra flavor and moisture)
For the Corn Mixture
- 2 cups corn (frozen, canned, or fresh grilled corn)
- 4 oz cream cheese (Neufchâtel for a lighter option; Greek yogurt can substitute)
- ⅓ cup cotija cheese (feta cheese as a great alternative)
For the Flavor
- Juice of 1 lime (preferably fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic preferred)
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to suit heat preference)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds subtle smokiness)
- ½ tsp onion powder (can be replaced with fresh onions if desired)
For the Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert to prevent sticking and place the chicken pieces at the bottom.
- Mix Corn and Flavor Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the corn, cream cheese, cotija cheese, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful corn mixture.
- Add Corn Mixture on Top: Spread the prepared corn mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the chicken completely.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the street corn chicken hot alongside your favorite sides like rice or tortillas.
Notes
- For extra flavor and moisture, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Feel free to substitute cotija cheese with feta cheese if unavailable.
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative to cream cheese, and Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute.
- Fresh lime juice imparts the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, street corn chicken, Mexican chicken recipe, creamy corn chicken, easy slow cooker meals