Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by classic Mexican street corn. It combines tender chicken with juicy corn, tangy lime, and smoky spices, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (thighs for richer flavor, breasts for a 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, juiced (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (jarred can be used)
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (chipotle or cayenne for more heat)
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smokiness)
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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 tender and shreds easily.
4. Step 4: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir everything together to combine.
5. Step 5: If desired, adjust the consistency by stirring in a bit of broth or milk to loosen the mixture.
6. Step 6: Serve topped with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish, or breasts for a lighter version.
• Swap cotija cheese for feta if cotija is unavailable—it will provide a similar tangy richness.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a spicier kick.
• For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives and omit the cotija cheese.

Storage

Store leftover slow cooker street corn chicken 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 great year-round option. There’s no need to thaw it before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, then cook the next day. Just bring to room temperature before starting the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 415 reviews

This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a flavorful, creamy dish combining juicy chicken breasts or thighs with sweet corn, tangy cotija cheese, and a kick of chili powder. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, it offers a rich, satisfying meal inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Victoria
• 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 (LOW) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins

• 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Thighs for richer flavor, breasts for a leaner option)

Vegetables & Dairy

• 2 cups Corn (Fresh grilled, frozen, or canned corn)
• 4 oz Cream Cheese (Can use vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill)
• 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (Feta works as a substitute)

Seasonings & Flavorings

• 1 lime, juiced (Freshly squeezed preferred)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Jarred minced garlic can be used)
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (Can substitute chipotle or cayenne for more heat)
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika (Adds smokiness)
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• Fresh Cilantro, for garnish (Optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather all the ingredients and prep the lime by juicing it. Mince the garlic cloves and measure out all spices and cheeses.
2. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the corn evenly on top, followed by dollops of cream cheese, sprinkle the cotija cheese, then add the freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder without stirring to keep layers intact.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, juicy, and shreds easily.
4. Shred and Mix: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker pot. Stir all ingredients together to combine flavors and achieve creamy consistency. Optionally, adjust the consistency by adding a bit of chicken broth or milk if the mixture is too thick.
5. Garnish and Serve: Serve the shredded chicken mixture topped with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Enjoy warm as a complete meal or as a filling for tacos and wraps.

Notes

• Using thighs yields a richer flavor, while breasts provide a leaner dish.
• Fresh, grilled corn adds the best smoky flavor, but frozen or canned corn are convenient alternatives.
• For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives and use plant-based chicken substitutes.
• Adjust chili powder amount to control spice level.
• For a thinner consistency, stir in some chicken broth or milk after shredding the chicken.
• This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or over a salad for a lighter option.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, street corn chicken, Mexican slow cooker recipe, creamy chicken recipe, easy slow cooker meals