After a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where my Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken comes to the rescue! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for impressing family or friends without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of Mexican street food right to your dinner table. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for busy nights!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
This Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a game-changer for anyone juggling a busy schedule. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of your time. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish. Plus, the creamy texture and zesty flavors will have your taste buds dancing. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and tenderness.
Corn: Canned corn adds sweetness and texture, but fresh or frozen corn works too!
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: These bring a zesty kick and a pop of color to the dish.
Cream cheese: This creamy ingredient binds everything together, creating a luscious sauce.
Chili powder: A must for that warm, spicy flavor that elevates the dish.
Cumin: Adds an earthy depth, reminiscent of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Garlic powder: For a hint of savory goodness without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.
Smoked paprika: This gives a smoky undertone, making the dish even more irresistible.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully on top, adding richness and flavor.
Fresh cilantro: A bright garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing over the top, adding a zesty finish.
For those who like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Creating this Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out evenly. This helps them cook thoroughly and absorb all those amazing flavors.
Step 2: Add Corn and Tomatoes
Next, open that can of corn and drain it well. Sprinkle the corn over the chicken. Then, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies on top. The tomatoes not only add flavor but also a beautiful color to your dish.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is the secret to that rich, comforting sauce!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken and corn in the slow cooker. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; it will all come together beautifully as it cooks.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded when it’s done. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to mix the flavors. It’s like a party in there!
Step 7: Add Cheese and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken!
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the cream cheese; it’s key for that creamy texture!
For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
Adjust the spices to your taste; add more chili powder for heat!
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor melding.
Serve with warm tortillas for a fun, interactive meal!
Equipment Needed
Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 6-quart model works great.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the cream cheese mixture; any bowl will do.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
Two Forks: Perfect for shredding the chicken effortlessly.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or black beans for a hearty, meatless meal.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique flavor twist.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheese varieties, like pepper jack or queso fresco, for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken over fluffy rice or in warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.
Pair it with a fresh side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Enjoy with a cold beer or a zesty margarita to complement the flavors.
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so. The slow cooker will work its magic, ensuring the chicken is tender and flavorful.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or even a fresh salad. You can also serve it as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls for a fun twist!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker for an extra kick. Adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Final Thoughts
Cooking should be a joyful experience, and my Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken embodies that spirit. It’s not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about the memories created around the dinner table. The ease of preparation allows you to focus on what truly matters—sharing good food and laughter with loved ones. Each bite is a reminder of the comfort that home-cooked meals bring. So, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Dive in and enjoy the magic of slow cooking!
A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring chicken, corn, and a creamy sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add the drained corn and diced tomatoes with green chilies on top of the chicken.
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and corn in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir everything together in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top, cover, and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
Serve the chicken over rice or in tortillas for a delicious burrito bowl or taco night.
