Introduction
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Do you crave something with a little kick, a little sweetness, and a whole lot of flavor? What if I told you that you could achieve all of that with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker? Many believe that slow cooker recipes are bland and uninspired, but I’m here to challenge that notion. Get ready to discover the delicious and easy Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken, a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This recipe takes the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn and combines them with tender, juicy chicken, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of sweet corn, spicy chili powder, and perfectly cooked chicken. This isn’t just another easy, creamy crockpot chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
The best part? This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is incredibly simple to make. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, ideal for busy families who want a delicious and healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It transforms the humble chicken breast into a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Even better, it’s a fantastic way to meal prep. You can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and have dinner ready when you get home.
What sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of ingredients that creates a truly unforgettable taste. The sweetness of the corn balances the heat of the chili powder, while the creamy sauce adds richness and depth. This dish is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it over rice, quinoa, pasta, or even in tacos!
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly family-friendly. The flavors are enjoyable for both kids and adults, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. It’s also a healthier alternative to takeout, letting you control the ingredients and portion sizes to suit your dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work! No babysitting required.
- Explosive Flavor: This recipe perfectly captures the vibrant and delicious flavors of Mexican street corn.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the sweet and savory taste combination.
- Meal Prep Superstar: Prepare this dish on the weekend for easy and delicious lunches throughout the week, similar to other affordable crockpot recipes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, quinoa, pasta, in tacos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes,just like crockpot hamburger potato casserole
- Healthy & Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Make it spicier, milder, or add more vegetables.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained, or about two cups of frozen corn, thawed
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 4 oz can of diced green chiles, drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Spice Blend:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crumbled cotija cheese or finely shredded cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Corn: Fresh corn kernels can be used instead of canned or frozen corn. Cut the kernels off the cob and use approximately 2 cups.
- Cream Cheese: Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used to cut down on calories.
- Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt makes a great healthy substitute.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicier flavor, or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish. Additionally you can look at other recipes for inspiration like Coconut Lime Chicken
- Rotel: If you prefer less heat then swap it with some canned tomatoes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the Corn and Rotel: Pour the drained corn and undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken. Then also add in your drained green chiles.
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and corn mixture.
Add Cream Cheese: Distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly over the top.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
Stir in Sour Cream: Add the sour cream to the slow cooker and stir until well combined. Ensure the sour cream is fully incorporated for a creamy texture.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce, if desired. Enjoy over rice, quinoa, pasta, or in tacos!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken in the slow cooker can result in dry, rubbery meat. Check the chicken after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove a cup of the liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it with a tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the mixture back to the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Spice It Up: For a spicier dish, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker.
- Vegan Variation: Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based version. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and omit the sour cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your spices and canned goods to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Remember to explore healthy and easy crockpot chicken dinners for delicious and simple alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice or quinoa soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Tacos: Use the chicken as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Pasta: Toss the chicken with cooked pasta for a creamy and flavorful pasta dish. Consider using rotini or penne pasta to capture more of the sauce.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken for a hearty and delicious meal. Add some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- Salads: Serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad. Add some black beans, corn, and a lime vinaigrette for a complete meal, much like quick and easy creamy crockpot dump chicken recipes..
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the chicken is frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it may require a longer cooking time. Add an additional 2-3 hours to the cooking time when using frozen chicken. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I make this spicier?
- Absolutely. Add more cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker for a spicier dish. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to adjust the heat to your liking. Recipes like this flavorful crockpot butter chicken recipe, can give you inspiration for spice additions.
Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker. Diced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or black beans would all be great additions. Add the vegetables at the same time as the corn and Rotel.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the slow cooker in the base and cook as directed.
Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to flavorful, effortless cooking. It is easy to make this dish and offers an amazing flavor. The vibrant mix of flavors makes the recipe extremely versatile and offers a wide range of serving options.
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for easy access later! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps me create better recipes for you. And if you loved this recipe, subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious and easy meal ideas delivered straight to your inbox! This recipe will surely become one of your favorite creamy, easy crockpot chicken recipes!.
Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Forks
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 15 ounce can corn drained, or about two cups of frozen corn, thawed
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained
- 4 oz can diced green chiles drained
- 4 oz cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Spice Blend
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- to taste salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- chopped cilantro
- lime wedges
- crumbled cotija cheese or finely shredded cheddar cheese
- hot sauce
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the drained corn and undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies over the chicken. Add the drained green chiles as well.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and corn mixture.
- Distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add the sour cream and stir until well combined for a creamy texture.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar cheese, and hot sauce if desired. Enjoy over rice, quinoa, pasta, or in tacos!
