Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish packed with vibrant flavors. Combining tender chicken with the classic flavors of street corn, it’s an easy meal perfect for busy days or casual dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs for richer flavor, breasts for leaner option)
• 2 cups corn (fresh grilled, frozen, or canned)
• 4 oz cream cheese (vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill can be used)
• 1/3 cup cotija cheese (feta works as a substitute)
• 1 lime (juice freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced, jarred can be used)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (chipotle or cayenne can be used for more heat)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Layer the boneless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Add the corn, cream cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder on top of the chicken without stirring.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is juicy and shreds easily.
4. Step 4: Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks, then stir everything together to combine.
5. Step 5: If the mixture feels too thick, adjust the consistency with a bit of broth or milk.
6. Step 6: Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use boneless thighs if you prefer more moist, flavorful chicken.
• Swap cotija with feta or Parmesan if cotija is unavailable.
• Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for an even creamier sauce.
• Serve over rice, tortillas, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly and is a convenient option when fresh corn isn’t available. Just add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing.

Is it necessary to shred the chicken in the slow cooker?

Shredding the chicken in the slow cooker helps mix the flavors and creates a creamy texture, but you can shred it on a cutting board if you prefer before stirring it back in.

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken with the vibrant flavors of street corn. This easy slow cooker recipe layers juicy chicken breasts or thighs with corn and a rich sauce made from cream cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers bold, smoky, and tangy flavors in every bite.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes on LOW; 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes on HIGH
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (thighs for richer flavor, breasts for leaner option)
• 2 cups Corn (fresh grilled, frozen, or canned)

For the Sauce

• 4 oz Cream Cheese (can use vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill)
• 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (feta works as a substitute)
• 1 Lime (juice freshly squeezed preferred)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced, jarred can be used)
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (chipotle or cayenne can be used for more heat)
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smokiness)
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder

For Garnish

• Fresh Cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Layer Ingredients: Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly layer the corn on top of the chicken, followed by dollops of cream cheese, cotija cheese, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder without stirring.
2. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Cook until the chicken is juicy and shreds easily with a fork, ensuring it absorbs all the creamy and smoky flavors.
3. Shred and Mix: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir all the ingredients together to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy street corn sauce. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of broth or milk if desired.
4. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy street corn chicken topped with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh flavor boost. Enjoy as a main dish or with your favorite side.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish; chicken breasts offer a leaner alternative.
• Fresh grilled corn enhances the smoky street corn flavor, but frozen or canned corn works well too for convenience.
• Vegan cream cheese alternatives can substitute traditional cream cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Adjust the spice level by changing the chili powder type or amount.
• If the mixture is too thick after shredding, add a little chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness, or add a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese for more cheesiness.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, street corn chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy slow cooker meals, shredded chicken, Mexican-inspired chicken, comfort food