If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further! This slow cooker street corn chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It mixes tender chicken with sweet corn and creamy cheese for a comforting, satisfying meal everyone will love. You can serve it on its own, with rice, or in tacos. This recipe combines the taste of street corn with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire.

Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make slow cooker street corn chicken. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. You can toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This means you can spend your time doing things you enjoy while the dish cooks safely and slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Another reason to try this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Want a little more heat? Add extra chili powder. Want to make it healthier? Switch to chicken breasts. Plus, this dish is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, which makes it appealing to both kids and adults. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that can easily feed a family or a group of friends.

Lastly, slow cooker street corn chicken is great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekends and enjoy it for the entire week. This will save you time and energy during busy weekdays while ensuring you have a nutritious meal ready to go.

How to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Creating this delightful dish is super easy. You will need to follow a few simple steps to bring it all together. Here, we’ll guide you through the process.

Ingredients

To make slow cooker street corn chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts/Thighs: Use thighs for a richer flavor or breasts for a leaner option. Both will work fine.
2 cups Corn: You can use fresh grilled corn, or frozen corn, or canned corn according to what you have on hand.
4 oz Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you prefer a vegan option, use alternatives like Tofutti or Kite Hill.
1/3 cup Cotija Cheese: For that authentic flavor, but if you can’t find Cotija, crumbled feta works as a great substitute.
2 tablespoons Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a delicious zing.
2 cloves Garlic: Minced garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic is a quick fix.
1/2 tsp Chili Powder: If you want a little extra heat, you might use chipotle or cayenne chili powder.
1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a nice smokiness that takes the dish up a notch.
1/2 tsp Onion Powder: This gives an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh Cilantro (Optional): For garnish, if you like the taste of cilantro.

Directions

Prep Your Chicken: Start by placing your boneless chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. If you’re using thighs, you’ll have a richer and juicier flavor, while breasts will cook quicker and be leaner.
Add Corn: Next, add the corn on top of the chicken. It can be fresh, frozen, or canned – as long as it’s corn, you’re good to go!
Creamy Ingredients: Cut your cream cheese into chunks and add it to the slow cooker. Follow this with the Cotija cheese, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Mix it All Together: Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the creamy mixture.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked thoroughly and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is over, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir everything together until mixed evenly.
Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, if using, for color and added flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

The beauty of slow cooker street corn chicken is its versatility! You can serve it in various ways:

Tacos: Serve it in soft or hard taco shells. Top with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Bowls: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Add avocado and extra lime for freshness.
Salads: Use it as a hearty topping for salads. Add some greens, cherry tomatoes, and extra corn for a balanced meal.
With Tortillas: Use warm tortillas to scoop up the creamy chicken mixture. It makes for a great communal dish!

How to Store Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store slow cooker street corn chicken easily. Transfer the chicken to an airtight container once it has cooled. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next few days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

For Extra Flavor: Consider adding some chopped onions or bell peppers while it cooks.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you have a sensitive palate, you might want to reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Preparing in Advance: You can prep the ingredients the night before. Just place everything in the slow cooker and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you can just place it in the slow cooker and turn it on.
Thicker Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water during the last hour of cooking.

Variation

Feel free to mix things up! Here are a few variations you might try:

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shredded pork or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Throw in diced bell peppers, black beans, or even jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just know it might take a little longer to cook through. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with beans or tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also increase the amount of corn and spices for added flavor.

How do I reheat the leftovers?

You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove. If on the stove, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to keep it moist while warming.

Can I add other spices or flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices you love or have on hand. Cumin, oregano, or even taco seasoning can also work great in this dish.

With these easy steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a slow cooker street corn chicken that your family will enjoy. It’s comforting, creamy, and totally scrumptious. Happy cooking!