Name: Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487699H15M14S
Total time: PT-487699H15M14S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2–3 boneless chicken breasts; 2 cups corn; 4 oz cream cheese; 1/3 cup cotija cheese; Juice of 1 lime; 2 garlic cloves; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Fresh cilantro; 1/2 tsp onion powder

Jump to Recipe

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is like summer comfort food on autopilot. Imagine juicy, pull-apart chicken tangled in a creamy, slightly tangy sauce that’s studded with sweet corn, brightened by lime, and finished with the unmistakable zing of Cotija cheese. It’s the ultimate “dump and go” recipe you can serve up for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or impromptu taco parties—one bite, and you’ll understand why this Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is an instant favorite!

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how the ingredients for Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken are the ultimate balance of simple and essential. Each one earns its spot—whether it’s adding creaminess, brightness, or that signature street corn flavor. Here’s what you need (and why you need it).

Boneless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas, soaking up all those bold flavors. Go for thighs if you want a juicier, richer dish.
Corn (2 cups): Frozen corn keeps things easy, but canned works if that’s what’s on hand. Fresh grilled corn will dial up that street market smokiness!
Cream cheese (4 oz, cubed): Turns everything luscious and velvety—plus makes the sauce irresistible.
Cotija cheese (1/3 cup): Adds a salty, crave-worthy punch. Feta is a great backup, but nothing beats true Cotija.
Fresh lime juice (1 lime): Squeezing your own gives the brightest pop of acidity that makes all the flavors sing.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Minced garlic brings depth and a mild bite—fresh works best, but pre-minced can save you time.
Chili powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm kick and rounds out the smoky flavors—make it bolder with more or sub in chipotle or cayenne for extra heat.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp, optional): Gives that fire-roasted note found on classic street corn.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Stir in at the end if you love herbaceous brightness.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp, optional): A subtle boost of savory sweetness—think of it as umami insurance.

How to Make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Start by laying the boneless chicken breasts or thighs flat in the bottom of your slow cooker—think of it as creating a soft bed for all the flavors ahead. Next, pile on your corn, cubed cream cheese, crumbled Cotija, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chili powder right on top. It feels a little counterintuitive, but don’t stir! The cream cheese will melt into everything as it cooks, transforming your mixture into a glorious sauce by the time you’re ready to shred.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Place the lid securely on your slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4–5 hours—perfect for a hands-off day—or HIGH for 2–3 hours if you’re in a hurry. You’ll know your Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken is done once the chicken shreds easily with two forks. If it’s still a bit resistant, give it another 30 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together and your kitchen starts to smell downright irresistible!

Step 3: Shred and Stir

When your chicken is tender, grab two forks and shred it right inside the pot. Stir vigorously to combine everything—the corn, melty cheese, and creamy sauce blend into the pulled chicken, ensuring each bite has a little of everything. If you love a saucier consistency for your Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken, splash in a bit of chicken broth or milk until it’s just the way you like it.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken

Garnishes

A flurry of fresh garnishes takes this dish over the top! Sprinkle with extra Cotija for salty pops, scatter some fresh chopped cilantro for herbal coolness, and add a few squeezes of lime for extra zing. A little dusting of chili powder or smoked paprika on top is never a bad idea if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or tender brown rice that soaks up every drop of that creamy sauce. You can also pile it high on warmed tortillas, spoon it over quinoa, or tuck it into lettuce wraps for a lighter take. Black beans, charred veggies, or a crunchy slaw also make excellent partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopper, serve your Street Corn Chicken as the star of a taco bar—let everyone build their own with toppings galore. Or try spooning it over nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can even stuff it into baked sweet potatoes or use it to crown a southwestern-style salad. The possibilities are as endless as your cravings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply scoop your Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, making for fantastic meal-prep lunches and no-fuss dinners.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for a busy day? Let the mixture cool, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags (press out any extra air). It’ll keep for up to three months, ready to revive your weeknight meals or save you from takeout temptations.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in a covered dish, pausing to stir occasionally until the mixture is piping hot and creamy. On the stovetop, warm it gently over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to restore its luscious sauce. Freezer portions can be thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add an extra level of juiciness and richness to Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken. They’re less likely to dry out and deliver a bit more “oomph” in the flavor department.

What can I use if I don’t have cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is the best substitute for cotija’s crumbly, salty bite, although queso fresco can also work. You’ll lose a little of that signature authenticity, but the flavor will still shine.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken?

It’s got just a gentle warming heat from the chili powder, but you can easily dial it up! Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or swap in chipotle powder if you like your meals with more kick.

Can I make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep all your ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert (covered and chilled). In the morning, pop the insert into your slow cooker, set it, and go about your day. The flavors mingle even more as it sits.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a great choice for a crowd with dietary needs. Just double-check your brands for hidden gluten in chili powder or broth if you use them.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to get excited about Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken—the flavors are bold, the textures are dreamy, and the set-it-and-forget-it prep speaks my love language. If you haven’t tried this twist on comfort food yet, put it on your menu soon. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will totally thank you!

Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes on low, 2 hours 15 minutes on high
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken recipe that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy corn, tangy cotija cheese, and zesty lime juice. Perfect for a hassle-free meal with a street corn twist!

Instructions

Step 1: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Layer corn, cream cheese, cotija, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder on top without stirring.
Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken shreds easily. Shred chicken, stir, and add extra liquid if desired.