Name: Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492247H40M22S
Total time: PT-492247H40M22S
Cuisine: Mexican
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 (or vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill); 1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (feta as 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; 1/2 tsp Onion Powder; Fresh Cilantro

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Introduction

This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a flavorful, easy meal perfect for busy days. Combining juicy chicken with the tangy, creamy flavors of street corn, it’s a delightful twist on classic comfort food that requires minimal effort.

A white plate holds a piece of cooked chicken breast as the base layer, topped with a creamy corn mixture with visible yellow corn kernels and small bits of white cheese scattered on top, garnished with finely chopped green herbs. Two lime wedges with bright green skin rest on the side of the chicken. A gold fork and knife with white handles lay diagonally on the upper side of the plate. The background shows another similar white plate with the same dish slightly blurred on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (Can use vegan alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill)
1/3 cup Cotija Cheese (Feta works as a substitute)
1 lime, 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
Fresh Cilantro (Optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
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.
Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is juicy and easily shreds.
Step 4: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir all the ingredients together to combine. If the mixture is too thick, adjust the consistency with a little broth or milk.
Step 5: Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro if desired, for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, swap chili powder with chipotle or cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
Use chicken thighs for a richer, more tender dish or breasts for a leaner option.
Try adding a bit of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
If you don’t have cotija, feta cheese is a great substitute and adds a similar salty tang.
Serve over rice, in tortillas, or alongside a fresh 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 keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

A cooked chicken breast layer is lifted by a wooden spoon above a white marbled surface, topped with a creamy mix of yellow corn kernels, white crumbled cheese, and small green chopped herbs, with a green lime wedge placed on top. The chicken's texture is slightly browned and seasoned, and the creamy corn mixture covers the chicken thickly, spilling over the sides. The background shows more of the creamy corn mix in a clear glass dish with scattered green herb leaves, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn directly in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use frozen corn without thawing. Just add it directly to the slow cooker as the recipe states.

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

Shredding the chicken in the slow cooker helps the flavors blend well and makes the dish easier to serve, but you can also serve the chicken whole if you prefer.