Imagine biting into a juicy piece of chicken that bursts with the vibrant flavors of zesty lime, smoky chili, and sweet corn. This Mexican Street Corn Chicken is like a fiesta on your plate, dancing with bold spices and tantalizing aromas that will make your taste buds salsa! It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable occasion, perfect for gatherings or cozy family nights. explore chicken curry flavors.
Now, picture this: you’re at a bustling food market in Mexico, surrounded by the enticing scent of grilled corn and spices wafting through the air. One bite of that street corn, dripping with creamy goodness and sprinkled with cheese, inspired me to create this mouthwatering chicken recipe. grilled chicken alternatives Trust me; you’ll want to whip this up during your next barbecue or taco night!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Street Corn Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Visually stunning with its colorful toppings, it stands out on any dinner table.
- Versatile enough to serve on its own or as part of a taco bar!
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Chicken
For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Corn: Choose sweet corn for grilling or sautéing; it adds that fresh burst of flavor.
- Mayonnaise: A key ingredient for creaminess; it helps create that classic street corn flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds heat and depth; feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the dish and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
For the Toppings:
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This salty cheese gives a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the corn.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness; if you're not a fan, feel free to leave it out.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Spray your baking dish or grill grates with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder on both sides. You want those flavors to penetrate beautifully!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, and extra chili powder. Mix until smooth. This sauce is going to take your chicken from bland to grand!
Step 4: Grill or Bake
Place the seasoned chicken on your grill or in the baking dish. If grilling, cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If baking, pop it in for about 25-30 minutes.
Step 5: Add Corn
During the last few minutes of cooking, toss some fresh corn on the grill or stovetop pan until slightly charred (around 3-4 minutes). You want it tender yet crisp!
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once everything is cooked perfectly, drizzle your creamy sauce over the chicken and then top it off with charred corn. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro before serving. Transfer to plates and drizzle with more sauce for that perfect finishing touch!
And there you have it! Your taste buds are going to thank you as they embark on this flavorful journey inspired by Mexican street food right from your kitchen. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This amazing Mexican Street Corn Chicken brings the vibrant flavors of street food right to your kitchen.
- It's as easy to make as it is to customize, making it perfect for any meal.
- The delightful aroma and colorful presentation will wow your family and friends!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in a zesty mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. While it marinates, prepare your corn and chop the cilantro. Grill the chicken first, then toss the corn on a hot skillet while the chicken cooks for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to personalize your Mexican Street Corn Chicken! Swap out cotija for feta or use grilled veggies instead of corn. great vegetable side option Add jalapeños for heat or fresh avocado for creaminess—the possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, preserving all those delicious flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; this helps to infuse flavor throughout.
- Use fresh corn if possible; it adds sweetness and crunch.
- Don't skip grilling—those charred bits elevate the dish’s taste significantly!
Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends come over, and their reactions are priceless! They always ask for seconds and end up fighting over leftovers—it's a crowd-pleaser every time!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Mexican Street Corn Chicken?
To make the delicious Mexican Street Corn Chicken, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, corn (fresh or frozen), mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are great for garnishing. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful dish that captures the essence of street food in Mexico.
How long does it take to prepare Mexican Street Corn Chicken?
Preparing Mexican Street Corn Chicken takes about 30 minutes. Cooking the chicken typically requires around 20 minutes on the grill or stovetop. While the chicken cooks, you can quickly mix the corn topping with mayonnaise, spices, and cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings when you're short on time but still want something delicious.
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare elements of Mexican Street Corn Chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The corn topping can also be mixed ahead of time and kept chilled. When it's time to serve, just reheat the chicken and add the fresh toppings for a quick meal.
What can I serve with Mexican Street Corn Chicken?
Mexican Street Corn Chicken pairs wonderfully with side dishes such as Spanish rice, black beans, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it alongside tortillas for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider adding chips and guacamole or pico de gallo to your spread. This versatile dish complements various sides beautifully.
Conclusion for Mexican Street Corn Chicken:
In conclusion, Mexican Street Corn Chicken is a vibrant dish that combines juicy chicken with zesty street corn flavors. By using simple ingredients like corn, spices, and Cotija cheese, you can create a delightful meal that brings joy to any table. Whether you prepare it for family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe promises to impress everyone with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy every bite!
Mexican Street Corn Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mexican Street Corn Chicken is a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of authentic street food. Juicy grilled or baked chicken breasts are topped with charred corn, a creamy lime sauce, and crumbled Cotija cheese, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Juice of 2 limes
- ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (400°F).
- Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and extra chili powder until smooth.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh corn to the grill or stovetop pan until charred (3-4 minutes).
- Drizzle the creamy sauce over the cooked chicken; top with charred corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Marinate the chicken in lime juice and chili powder for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Customize by substituting Cotija with feta cheese or adding jalapeños for extra heat.
