Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken brings the best of both worlds: rich, creamy chicken infused with the bold, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn, all without the hassle of grilling or babysitting your stove. You only need 10 minutes of prep time, and the crockpot does the rest. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, offering countless ways to serve it—from tacos to rice bowls to nachos.

Perfect for tacos, over rice, or just scooped up with tortilla chips, this dish is flavorful, easy to make, and packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients. Plus, the leftovers are just as amazing, making it an ideal meal prep option.

Ingredients

• 2–3 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer, juicier option)

• 2 cups corn (frozen, canned, or fresh grilled)

• 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)

• 1/3 cup cotija cheese (or feta as an alternative)

• Juice of 1 lime (freshly squeezed)

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

• 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the corn, cream cheese, cotija, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder on top of the chicken.

2. Resist the urge to stir! Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 4-5 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours). The chicken is done when it easily shreds with two forks.

3. Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the corn, cheese, and sauce coat the chicken evenly.

4. For a creamier texture, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the sauce to your liking.

5. Serve and enjoy in tacos, over rice, or however you prefer!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW, or 2-3 hours on HIGH

• Total Time: 4-5 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)

Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Street Corn: Swap the chili powder for hot sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a wing-inspired twist.

• Vegan Fiesta: Use jackfruit instead of chicken, and substitute vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor.

• Tex-Mex Casserole: Stir in cooked pasta or rice at the end, top with shredded cheddar, and broil for a crispy casserole.

• Soup-er Star: Add 2 cups of chicken broth and a can of black beans to create a creamy street corn chicken soup.

• Breakfast Hash: Spoon leftovers over roasted sweet potatoes or hash browns and top with a fried egg for a hearty brunch dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can! No need to thaw the chicken. Just add an extra hour of cook time to ensure it’s fully cooked and shreddable.

2. What should I do if my sauce is too thin?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the sauce and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken it up.

3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before storing, and reheat with a little extra chicken broth to restore the creaminess.

4. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to heat things up to your liking.

5. Can I substitute the cotija cheese with something else?

Yes, if you can’t find cotija, feta is a good substitute. It has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor.

6. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and swap the cotija for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Consider adding bell peppers, onions, or even spinach to make the dish even heartier and more nutritious.

8. Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a quick release, and the results will be just as delicious.

9. How can I make this dish even creamier?

For a creamier texture, try adding a bit of heavy cream or extra cream cheese. A splash of chicken broth will also help smooth out the sauce.

10. What should I serve with this dish?

You can serve it in tacos, over cilantro-lime rice, on a salad, or even as nachos. It’s incredibly versatile!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and can be served in a variety of ways, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends for game day, this dish will always steal the spotlight. So, grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and let the magic happen!