This Mexican Street Corn Casserole with Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed dish inspired by the classic street food known as elote. Sweet corn, tender chicken, creamy yogurt and mayonnaise, and crumbly cheese come together to create a hearty baked casserole bursting with tangy lime, warm spices, and fresh cilantro. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings when you want something satisfying and full of vibrant flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights
• Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite
• A hearty main dish thanks to protein-rich chicken
• Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find
• Great for meal prep and reheats well
• Inspired by classic Mexican street corn flavors
• Works with fresh or frozen corn
• Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or family dinners
• Naturally filling and comforting
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or spices

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup whole Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
8 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled and divided
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon chili powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the corn kernels, diced or shredded cooked chicken, and about 2/3 cup of the crumbled cotija cheese to the bowl.
4. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese over the top along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and lightly browned on top.
9. Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes.
10. Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkling with chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version
Add 1 finely diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

Extra Cheesy
Mix in an additional 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.

Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and add black beans or extra corn for a delicious vegetarian casserole.

Roasted Corn Flavor
Roast the corn in the oven or sauté it briefly in a skillet before mixing it into the casserole to enhance its sweetness.

Herb Twist
Add chopped green onions or fresh parsley along with the cilantro for more fresh flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
For larger portions, warm the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes.

Baking From Frozen
If frozen before baking, bake covered at 375°F and add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes. Frozen corn works very well. Just make sure it is fully thawed and drained so excess moisture does not affect the casserole.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked shredded or diced chicken works great. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.

Can I substitute the cotija cheese?

Yes. If cotija cheese is unavailable, crumbled feta cheese or ricotta salata can be used as substitutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this dish very spicy?

No. The chili powder adds mild warmth rather than strong heat. You can increase the spice if desired.

What should I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with simple salads, rice, tortillas, or grilled vegetables.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

You can try reducing the mayonnaise slightly or using part yogurt and part sour cream, though full-fat versions give the best texture.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when it is bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly browned.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, green onions, or diced tomatoes can add extra flavor and color.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes. Simply prepare two baking dishes if you need to feed a larger crowd.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Casserole with Chicken transforms the beloved flavors of classic street corn into a warm, comforting baked meal. With sweet corn, tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tangy cheese, every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this casserole is a delicious way to bring bold, festive flavors to your dinner table.

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