Introduction
Mexican Street Corn Chicken takes the vibrant flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) and marries them with tender, seasoned chicken for a crave-worthy, one-pan dish. Featuring creamy, cheesy, smoky-sweet corn layered over grilled or pan-seared chicken, this meal captures the spirit of street food with the comfort of home cooking. It’s bold, flavorful, and ready to impress.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
The inspiration for this dish comes from elote, a beloved Mexican street snack traditionally made with grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, chili, lime, cheese, and cilantro. Elote is a symbol of Mexican culinary ingenuity—turning a simple ingredient like corn into something memorable and rich with flavor and cultural pride. This dish adapts those flavors, pairing them with seasoned chicken, making it a heartier entrée while staying true to the essence of antojitos (Mexican street snacks).
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Ingredients Quantity
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4–6 thin pieces or halved if thick)
3 cups sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or 2 cans drained)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta or queso fresco)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
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Optional Additions
Add heat: Include jalapeños or a dash of cayenne
Use grilled corn: For extra charred flavor and authenticity
Top with avocado slices: Adds creaminess and richness
Add black beans: For a heartier meal and extra fiber
Serve over rice, quinoa, or in tortillas for a complete meal
Top with hot sauce or Tajín for a tangy kick
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Tips for Success
Thin out thick chicken breasts: For faster, even cooking
Use a cast-iron skillet or grill: To get a nice sear and char
Drain canned corn well: Or roast fresh/frozen corn in a dry skillet for a toasted taste
Mix corn topping separately: And apply after the chicken is cooked to avoid sogginess
Taste and adjust lime/salt: Depending on your ingredients, you may want more acidity or seasoning
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Instructions
1. Season and cook the chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Set aside and keep warm.
2. Make the corn topping
In a large bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Stir in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
3. Assemble
Spoon the creamy corn mixture generously over the cooked chicken.
4. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with additional cotija, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve hot.
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Description
This dish is a vibrant explosion of textures and flavors: juicy seared chicken topped with creamy, tangy, spicy-sweet corn, flecked with cotija and fresh herbs. It brings comfort and celebration together in every bite—hearty, indulgent, and irresistibly zesty.
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Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 36g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 12% DV
Note: Values vary depending on corn type, cheese, and added toppings.
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Conclusion and Recommendation
Mexican Street Corn Chicken is a must-try for anyone craving big flavor with simple prep. It’s the kind of dish that’s as good on a weeknight as it is at a backyard BBQ. Serve it alongside rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal—and don’t forget an extra squeeze of lime.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish shows how indulgent flavors can still fit within a nourishing lifestyle. With lean protein from the chicken, fiber from corn, and healthy fats from mayonnaise and cheese, it satisfies while keeping things real. To make it even lighter, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and go for low-fat cheese. It’s the perfect example of how food can be both celebratory and health-conscious.