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Close-up of juicy cooked chicken breast chunks thickly smothered in a creamy white sauce mixed with charred golden sweet corn kernels.
FL Recipes

Street Corn Chicken Casserole

This easy Street Corn Chicken Casserole features juicy cooked chicken breast chunks and charred sweet corn smothered in a bubbling, creamy white sauce. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese, red chili powder, and fresh cilantro for authentic elote flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
Calories: 415

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 3 cups sweet corn kernels fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 1 tsp red chili powder or Tajin
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for searing the chicken and charring the sweet corn.
  • 1 Rustic Ceramic Baking Dish A 9x9-inch or oval dish works best for achieving caramelized edges.

Method
 

Prep and Sear
  1. Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear for 3-4 minutes undisturbed to form a crust, then toss and cook for another 3 minutes until fully cooked and juicy. Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sweet corn kernels in an even layer. Let cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to blister, then toss and cook for 2 more minutes until beautifully charred and golden. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until completely smooth. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until you have a thick, creamy white sauce.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fold the cooked chicken breast chunks and charred sweet corn into the creamy white sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a rustic ceramic baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is ready when the sauce is aggressively bubbling and the edges are slightly browned and caramelized. Let rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
  6. Generously sprinkle the top layer with crumbled white cotija cheese. Finish with a vibrant dusting of red chili powder and freshly chopped green cilantro leaves right before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcalProtein: 31gFat: 26gFiber: 2g

Notes

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid a lumpy sauce.
If using frozen corn, thaw and pat it completely dry to ensure it chars properly in the skillet.
Do not freeze this casserole, as the mayonnaise and sour cream base will separate when thawed.
Keyword chicken bake,Elote Casserole,Street Corn Chicken Casserole

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