There’s something irresistible about the bold flavors of Mexican street corn paired with the heartiness of chicken and the comfort of a bubbling casserole. Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole combines all three into one dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled in a bed of sweet corn, coated in a tangy, cheesy sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
What I love most about this Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole is its balance. The sweetness of corn, the smokiness of spices like chili powder or paprika, and the creaminess of sour cream or mayonnaise work together beautifully. Add a generous layer of melted cheese, and you’ve got a dish that pleases everyone at the table.
I first made this casserole after craving the flavor of elote, classic Mexican street corn, but wanting a one-pan dinner that included protein. The result was a family favorite, hearty enough to serve on its own yet versatile enough to pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest.
- Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Ingredients for Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Is It Okay to Put Raw Chicken in a Casserole?
- Pro Tips for Success
- Flavor Variations of Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- FAQs About Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Conclusion-Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
There’s something magical about the combination of corn and cheese — creamy, sweet, and savory all at once. When you add chicken and a few zesty spices, you get a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s impossible to resist.
Here’s why home cooks everywhere are obsessed with this Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole dish:
- Quick and simple: Everything comes together in one bowl before baking.
- Family-approved: Mild spice with room to adjust for every palate.
- Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples and leftover chicken.
- Meal-prep hero: Easy to freeze and reheat for busy nights.
- Bursting with flavor: Lime, chili, and cheese make every bite exciting.
This Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole takes less than 15 minutes to assemble and bakes to golden perfection in half an hour. That’s a weeknight win!
Ingredients for Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftovers work well)
- 3 cups of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 block of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise (optional, for a smoky flavor like street corn)
- 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup of cotija cheese, crumbled (or use feta or parmesan instead)
- ¼ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps
Chicken: Any cooked chicken will do—rotisserie, grilled, or poached.
You can also use turkey or black beans if you’re making it vegetarian.
Corn: Grilled or roasted corn adds a nice smoky flavor.
Canned corn is a quick option.
Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and vegan cheese for a non-dairy version.
Cheese swap: Cotija gives a nice salty taste; feta or parmesan can be used instead.
Spice level: Add chopped jalapeños or smoked paprika for extra heat.
Skip these if you’re serving kids.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter. Ifyou’re using frozen corn, let it thaw and drain
any extra liquid first.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, corn, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chili powder,
cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly
mixed and smooth.
Pro tip: To get the smoothest texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Add 1½ cups of the shredded cheese to the chicken mixture.
Keep the remaining ½ cup aside for topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Put the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Then, sprinkle cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the top. Squeeze fresh lime juice overthe dish before
serving.
Is It Okay to Put Raw Chicken in a Casserole?
Cooking considerations
Many people wonder whether it’s safe to put raw chicken directly into a casserole. While technically possible, it isn’t recommended for dishes like Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole. Raw chicken takes longer to cook through than vegetables or starches, and it may release juices that can make the dish watery. More importantly, uneven cooking poses a food safety risk if the chicken doesn’t reach 165°F internally.
For best results, it’s always safer to use pre-cooked chicken—whether shredded rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or leftover grilled chicken.
Benefits of cooked chicken
Using cooked chicken ensures the casserole bakes evenly and maintains the right texture. It also speeds up prep time, since you don’t need to worry about undercooking. Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, while baked or poached chicken can be seasoned to your liking. Once combined with sour cream, cheese, corn, and spices, the cooked chicken blends seamlessly into the casserole, absorbing flavor as it bakes.
This method gives you a dish that’s safe, hearty, and flavorful without unnecessary risk. While raw chicken can work in some layered casseroles, the creamy, cheesy texture of a street corn casserole benefits most from cooked chicken.
That way, you get tender bites of protein that complement the rich base rather than compete with it. Looking for another hearty protein dish? Try our Cottage Cheese Protein Power Bowl.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add rich flavor.
- Roast your corn for a deeper, smoky elote flavor.
- Don’t overbake—you want it bubbly and creamy, not dry.
- Add toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Turn it into tacos: Spoon leftovers into tortillas for a fun second meal.
- Balance flavor with lime: A final squeeze of lime wakes up the richness.
Flavor Variations of Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers.
- BBQ Twist: Mix in 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and top with crispy onions.
- Tex-Mex Style: Layer tortilla chips or crushed Doritos on top before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with black beans or roasted mushrooms.
- Southwest Style: Add black beans, diced red peppers, and green onions for color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
- Serve with warm tortillas or Mexican rice for a full meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for contrast.
- Try it alongside guacamole or salsa verde for a fresh kick.
- For game day, serve it as a dip with tortilla chips—it’s always a hit.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheat: Microwave single portions or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a large casserole dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine whole corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy mix until smooth.
- Stir in shredded chicken, shredded cheese, jalapeño, and spices until evenly mixed.
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set in the center.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese for garnish.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs About Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
What are the five ingredients in corn casserole?
The five staples are whole corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy cornbread mix. Together, they create a creamy, tender base that’s easy, versatile, and loved at holidays.
How to make Paula Deen’s corn casserole?
Mix whole corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy mix. Bake at 350°F until golden and set. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
Is it okay to put raw chicken in a casserole?
It’s safer to use cooked chicken. Raw chicken can release liquid, undercook, or create food safety risks. Pre-cooked chicken ensures tender, flavorful bites and even baking.
What ingredients are in corn casserole?
Most versions use corn, creamed corn, sour cream, butter, and cornbread mix. Variations add eggs, cheese, jalapeños, or herbs, making it customizable and adaptable for any taste.
Conclusion-Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole
The Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole takes everything people love about classic corn casserole and elevates it with bold, Mexican-inspired flair. Creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky flavor, it’s a dish that works as a hearty main course while still delivering the comforting feel of a traditional side. Whether you keep it mild or load it with spice, this Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole offers flexibility and crowd-pleasing appeal.
For even more inspiration, explore Food Network’s Paula Deen Corn Casserole Recipe, a classic version that started it all.
Cheesy Street Corn Chicken Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With everyday ingredients and a little creativity, you can bring the flavors of street corn and chicken together in one bubbling, irresistible dish.
