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Mexican Street Corn Chicken

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Enjoy a vibrant meal that pairs smoky, perfectly seasoned chicken with a rich, tangy street corn topping. Cumin, paprika, and chili powder give the chicken warmth and depth, while the corn mixture blends creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, and cotija cheese for luscious texture. Fresh lime juice and cilantro add bursts of brightness, making every bite irresistible. Serve with rice, tortillas, or grilled vegetables for a satisfying dinner inspired by classic Elote flavors. This easy dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:37:02 GMT
A plate of food with rice, chicken, corn, and avocado. Pin
A plate of food with rice, chicken, corn, and avocado. | mellierecipes.com

This Mexican Street Corn Chicken recipe brings together juicy grilled chicken and all the creamy tangy flavors of classic Elote for a fun twist on dinnertime. You get a beautifully spiced chicken breast layered with a rich street corn sauce for a dish that feels festive but is weekday friendly and incredibly satisfying.

My family loves anything street corn inspired and this dish is our summer dinner hit. The first time I made it for a backyard grill night everyone scraped their plates clean and asked for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: they cook quickly and stay moist when grilled look for plump pink pieces without bruising
  • Olive oil: helps the seasonings stick and enhances grilling
  • Cumin and paprika: classic earthy Mexican flavors that create a good base
  • Chili powder: for gentle heat and signature color choose a fresh potent powder for best taste
  • Garlic powder: adds depth and aromatic notes
  • Salt and pepper: enhance all the other flavors
  • Lime juice: gives a punch of acidity and brightness
  • Corn kernels: use fresh in season when you can or quality frozen or even canned for convenience
  • Mayonnaise: total creamy base opt for one with real eggs for good texture
  • Sour cream: more richness and tang so use full fat if possible
  • Cotija cheese or Parmesan: for savory saltiness buy pre crumbled or crumble fresh for better melt
  • Chili powder: ties the street corn topping to the chicken’s seasoning
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped at the end adds an herby pop wash well and pat dry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil then season both sides thoroughly with cumin paprika chili powder garlic powder salt and pepper. Massage the spices in so they really stick. Set aside as your grill or skillet heats up over medium
Grill the Chicken:
Place chicken on the grill or skillet and let the first side cook undisturbed for about seven minutes. This helps develop good color. Flip gently and cook another six to seven minutes until the chicken reads one hundred sixty five degrees inside
Add Lime Juice:
Once the chicken is cooked move it off the heat Immediately squeeze lime juice over each breast so it soaks in while hot boosting flavor and tenderizing
Make the Street Corn Sauce:
In a medium bowl mix corn kernels mayonnaise sour cream cotija cheese lime juice chili powder and garlic powder. If you have fresh corn lightly sauté it in a pan to caramelize and bring out sweetness before mixing. Stir until creamy and fully combined
Assemble and Garnish:
Place chicken breasts on a platter and spoon the street corn sauce over the top. Finish with chopped cilantro and an extra lime wedge for squeezing
A plate of food with rice, corn, and chicken. Pin
A plate of food with rice, corn, and chicken. | mellierecipes.com

Corn is hands down my favorite ingredient in this dish. When I use fresh summer corn and char it in a cast iron pan the sweet smoky notes really pop. A couple of years ago my cousin helped me shuck corn for a crowd and we still laugh about the corn silk everywhere.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken stays fresh for up to three days and the corn sauce holds well for the same amount of time. Reheat the chicken gently and spoon the sauce on just before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cotija cheese Parmesan or feta will work for a similar salty kick. No sour cream on hand Greek yogurt makes a good swap. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts just increase cooking time slightly.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this dish with Mexican rice sautéed peppers or warm tortillas. A crisp green salad offsets the rich sauce nicely. For a colorful meal add slices of fresh avocado and a sprinkle of extra cilantro.

A plate of food with chicken, rice, corn, and avocado. Pin
A plate of food with chicken, rice, corn, and avocado. | mellierecipes.com

Cultural Context

Inspired by classic Mexican street food known as Elote this recipe transforms a beloved street snack into a hearty dinner. Elote is loved for its mix of sweet corn creamy tangy sauce and bold spices and this chicken recipe brings those vibrant flavors to your dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of corn works best?

Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well. For extra flavor, lightly char fresh kernels before mixing.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, bone-in, skin-on thighs add juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild to moderate. Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

→ How can I make this dish ahead?

The corn sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.

→ What are good side dishes?

Serve with Mexican rice, tortillas, grilled vegetables, or a simple fresh salad for a complete meal.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken

Grilled chicken with tangy, creamy corn sauce and fresh lime for a burst of Mexican flavor.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
30 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Mexican

Result Amount: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 15 ml olive oil
03 5 ml ground cumin
04 5 ml paprika
05 5 ml chili powder
06 2.5 ml garlic powder
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste
09 15 ml fresh lime juice

→ Street Corn Sauce

10 330 g corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
11 60 ml mayonnaise
12 60 ml sour cream
13 40 g cotija cheese, crumbled (or Parmesan as substitute)
14 15 ml fresh lime juice
15 2.5 ml chili powder
16 1.25 ml garlic powder
17 15 ml fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil, then season both sides evenly with cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 02

Grill or cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until an internal temperature of 74°C is achieved. Remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lime juice while hot.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, combine corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until uniform. Optional: If using fresh corn, briefly sauté in a hot pan to enhance flavor and add slight char.

Step 04

Arrange cooked chicken on serving plates. Spoon the creamy street corn sauce generously over each breast. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Step 05

Serve immediately with your choice of accompaniments such as Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or warm tortillas.

Extra Tips

  1. For additional juiciness and deeper flavor, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts—adjust cooking time accordingly.
  2. Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder or omitting hot sauce if a milder profile is preferred.
  3. Street corn sauce may be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, helping expedite assembly on busy days.

Tools Required

  • Grill or large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Chef’s knife

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese), eggs (mayonnaise), and possible gluten (cross-contamination in sauces).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 380
  • Fat Content: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 18 grams
  • Protein Content: 36 grams