Description
Mexican street corn chicken combines classic elote flavors with tender grilled protein for a memorable meal. Zesty spices, creamy cotija cheese, and smoky chili powder elevate this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), crumbled
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp additional chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra cotija cheese (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Spice Preparation: Craft a robust spice blend by thoroughly mixing chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious seasoning.
- Chicken Coating: Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage with the prepared spice mixture.
- Searing Process: Activate an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, creating a caramelized golden-brown exterior by searing chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven Roasting: Transition the skillet directly into a preheated 375F (190C) oven, roasting until chicken reaches a precise internal temperature of 165F (74C), approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Corn Sauce Creation: Simultaneously develop a vibrant topping by charring corn kernels in a separate skillet, intensifying their natural smoky essence while blending mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice into a creamy, textured sauce.
- Final Assembly: Once chicken is perfectly cooked, lavishly drape the corn sauce over each piece, garnishing with additional cotija cheese, scattered fresh cilantro leaves, and a zesty lime juice finale.
- Serving Suggestion: Present immediately with complementary accompaniments such as fluffy rice, crisp salad, or crunchy tortilla chips to complete the Mexican-inspired culinary experience.
Notes
- Spice Blend Intensity: Adjust chili powder quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring balanced flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
- Chicken Moisture Trick: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Cheese Temperature Tip: Allow cotija cheese to reach room temperature for smoother blending and more even distribution in the corn sauce.
- Charring Corn Technique: Use cast-iron skillet or high-heat grill pan for maximum smoky flavor when preparing corn kernels, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg